Page 27 of Believe In Us

Chloe

Stubble

When I woke the next morning, early, because that was just me, I was confused for a moment. I’d slept so deeply, which was rare. Memory rushed in—the feel of Lincoln’s mouth on mine, his fingers teasing me, the feel of him filling me.

“Oh, my God,” I said aloud.

I lay there, startlingly awake, noticing the soreness between my thighs, because it had been more than a minute since that happened. “Oh, my God,” I repeated. I got hot all over just thinking about it.

“Well, you’re going to have to deal with this,” I said to myself as I kicked the covers off and swung my legs out of bed. I raced into the shower, and a short while later, after I toweled off, I studied myself in the mirror. There was a subtle red spot on my skin just below my collarbone. I knew it was from his stubble, because Lincoln was almost permanently shadowed with a little scruff, and it was so fucking sexy.

A blush rose from my toes all the way up my body, blazing into my cheeks. I let out a quick, sharp sigh, shook my head, and raced to get dressed.

I usually wore fleece leggings because they were warm, paired with a long tank top shirt. I aimed for comfort. I could easily stuff my feet into boots with leggings without worrying about them bunching around my calves. But now I was suddenly wondering if I looked ridiculous dressing like that. I didn’t even like thinking about my appearance. After everything that had gone down, my self-esteem had taken such a body blow that I mostly tried to just ignore it and get on with things. And now, here I was, studying myself in the mirror once I was dressed, wondering if Lincoln would think I was cute. I had to remind myself not to do that.

“Don’t think about Lincoln,” I said. “Who cares if he thinks you’re cute?” I tried to convince myself. “Obviously there was some attraction, right? He could not have faked last night.”

I gave my head a sharp shake, made my bed, and marched down the hallway. In my socks.

When I walked into the kitchen, it wasn’t even six-thirty yet and Maggie was making coffee. She glanced over at my feet. Her chuckle followed me as I spun on my heel and hurried back down the hallway to find my inside shoes, the comfy tennis shoes I loved. When I returned to the kitchen, she already had a mug of coffee poured for me and held it out.

“Good morning, Chloe.” Her eyes crinkled at the corners as she smiled at me.

“Good morning, Maggie.” My cheeks got hot, as if somehow she knew what had happened on this very counter. I couldn’t even look at the counter right beside the sink. Oh, my God.

“How are you?” she asked.

“I’m good.” My voice was a little chirpy. “How are you?”

“Pretty good.”

I was relieved when I heard the sound of footsteps racing down the hall. At that speed, it had to be Tommy. “Morning, Grandma,” he called over.

“Good morning.” Maggie turned away from me, stepping toward the refrigerator and pulling out a little bag that I knew to be his lunch for school. “Here you go. You’re a little early this morning.” She eyed him. Tommy’s hair was damp and sticking straight up off his head, a little spiky from the cold air. “And, you need a hat,” she added.

He rolled his eyes. “I’m fine, Grandma. I need to get over to feed the animals. Haven’s waiting outside.”

She kissed his cheek, and he called over to me. “Good morning and goodbye, Chloe.”

“Ditto,” I called in return. He was off.

When Maggie turned back to face me, her smile was bemused. “That boy. Invincible at his age.”

“Isn’t he, though? It’s a wonder he doesn’t just run around in bare feet in the winter.”

“He was born and raised here. I think he’s pretty used to the cold.” She paused. “You need to eat something,” she said as soon as my stomach growled.

Before I could even reply, I heard footsteps coming down the hallway. It could have been anyone. Absolutely anyone. But I knew, I freaking knew, it was Lincoln. How was it possible that I had memorized the sound of his stride? His presence was like a force field that surrounded me. There might as well have been an electrical cord shimmering and sparking between us, and as soon as he got close enough, my cheeks got hot all over. Maggie eyed me curiously.

When he reached the counter, she glanced over. “Good morning.” She literally beamed when she saw him, and I knew why. This whole family had been through so much before I ever got here.

Maggie was just so happy Lincoln was here now. “Hey, Mom,” he said, his lips kicking up at one corner as he crossed over and dutifully dropped a kiss on her cheek. The affection between them all but shouted its presence. His gaze met mine as he lifted his head and dipped his chin. I could’ve sworn there were embers of heat in his gaze.

“Good morning, Chloe.”

Oh. My. God. The low rumble of his voice played over my nerves like a chord being strummed. “Good morning, Lincoln.” My words came out a little squeaky. Maggie glanced over at me, looking puzzled.

“Sorry, just, you know, my voice is weird in the morning,” I said, clearing my throat.