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  Lincoln tucked her head on her sister’s shoulder. “Thank you.”

  Chapter Two

  Anthony Jenkins was a perfect example of history repeating itself. Another date and as with most of their dates lately, they would come separately. Lincoln arranged to meet Anthony at the Red Lobster restaurant at 2:00 p.m. and was the first to arrive. She requested a cozy table for two and was seated by a window where she could observe the clamor of the lunch crowd, including the tinkling from glasses and utensils making contact with each other. She requested a Coke to drink while she waited for Anthony to arrive. Laughter erupting from a nearby table caught her attention. Her eyes zoomed in on one of the men - it was Nick, who worked with Anthony at Station 30.

  She looked away to check her watch. “Where is he?” she sighed, taking a big sip of Coke from her glass.

  The server stopped by her table. “Good afternoon, my name is Hollister. Would you like to order now or continue to wait for your party to arrive?”

  Anthony was late again, and this would make three weeks in a row that he’d stood her up or was late arriving for a date he had arranged. Lincoln decided this was the last straw. If he didn’t show up today, she was done. Her time was just as valuable as his and she didn’t have all day to wait for him. She had other pressing items on her agenda.

  Her stomach gave an embarrassing growl, causing her anger with Anthony to deepen. “Yes, I’ll order now. I’ll have the shrimp special and another Coke,” she said, shaking the ice in the half-empty glass. “Oh, could I also have an order of cheddar cheese biscuits?”

  “I’ll get that order in for you right away,” the server said, not moving away from the table.

  She looked up at him puzzled. “Is something wrong?”

  He inserted the pencil into the pocket of his apron. He stammered a reply, “Um, I may be out of line and ruin my chances for a tip, but whoever is making you wait is a fool. A beautiful woman like you shouldn’t be kept waiting by any man.”

  Lincoln felt the blush rise on her cheeks. She tucked her hair behind her ear and leaked a partial smile. “You just doubled your tip. Thank you for making my day.”

  “I mean that,” he said as his hazel eyes rested on her. “This is not a permanent gig for me. I’m going to be a journalist. I graduate from Cleveland State in June.”

  “Congratulations. My sister is a journalist.”

  “See, this is fate. I have something in common with a family member of yours already,” he joked. “If you aren’t too serious with the guy, I’d like to take you out to dinner or a movie and I promise I’ll be on time.”

  His broad smile brightened his handsome face. Lincoln put his age anywhere from early to late twenties and not much older. The mannerism he displayed fit his current job as a waiter. There was no doubt in her mind that if he succeeded in his career as a journalist he would definitely become an on-camera personality. His tall, broad frame; sexy, shy smile and dark good looks were made for television.

  Lincoln fumbled with the cloth napkin lying across her lap. “Unfortunately, I’m in a serious relationship with him. If I weren’t, I would take you up on that date,” she said, giving him a wink.

  He scribbled on a piece of paper and slid it onto the table. “In case things change, give me a call,” he said walking away.

  She unfolded the paper looking at it. “Hollister Gains…hmm,” she said licking her lips. Her cell phone rang as she folded the paper and put it into her purse. It was Anthony calling. She swiped her finger across the screen to answer the call. “What’s the excuse this time?” she asked, not holding back her annoyance with him.

  “I have to go in to work. Apparently, Nick called in sick. I have to cover his shift tonight so the firehouse isn’t short-handed. Baby, don’t be mad at me.”

  She turned to look at the men who were still acting up nearby. Nick was laughing boisterously and banging his fist on the table. He didn’t look sick to her.

  “So, Nick called in sick? Well, you do what you feel is right, baby. I know how important the firehouse is to you.” She kept her voice steady. The urge to scream “liar” crept into her throat, but she managed to swallow it down.

  “I knew you’d understand. I won’t see you for a few days, but I’ll call and check in with you. I love you, baby.”

  “Be careful, and I’ll see you in a few days,” she said as she hung up the phone. Fuming, she put the phone down on the table. She should have busted him. However, without any proof Nick had not called off work, she let it go.

  Tapping a long fingernail against her lip, she pondered going over to ask him what was up. She scratched the idea. If Anthony was pulling a fast one, this tidbit would come in handy later.

  She sat back in the chair looking out the window wondering where things went wrong. Last year they were planning a future together, only to have it unravel one thread at a time. Her mother feared that their ten-year age difference would not stand the test of time. As Anthony grew older, she was afraid he would become possessive or mistrust Lincoln when she was out of his sight.

  That was not the case. Anthony was the one creeping. A sudden sadness fell over her and tears threatened to fill her eyes as she watched a couple outside embrace. This was supposed to be a happy time for her family. Regan’s wedding and her role as Maid of Honor filled her with excitement and ideas she intended to use one day for her own wedding. Lately, Anthony was disappearing, and his secrets about his whereabouts made her suspicious. She didn’t know why, but she felt it had to do with his ex-girlfriend Melanie. That woman would always hold a special place in his heart.

  A different server arrived with her food. The woman placed the hot plate of grilled shrimp before her and a basket of biscuits in the center of the table. “I’ll get you a refill on your Coke,” she said taking the empty glass away.

  Lincoln managed a half-smile and said, “Thank you.”

  The cozy table for two suddenly became huge as she reached for a biscuit. The bread released a warm puff of steam as she opened it to spread butter inside it. She tore off a piece of the biscuit stuffing it in her mouth watching the couple outside greet another couple before heading to the front door of the restaurant.

  Slowly her mind drifted to nowhere. She jumped in her seat when she felt a hand rest on her shoulder.

  “I didn’t mean to scare you,” the hand’s owner said as he smiled down at her.

  Lincoln had to catch her breath. Recognizing it was Nick; she smiled back. “Don’t mind me, my mind was a million miles away.”

  “I noticed. Remember me? I’m Nick Barona. I work with Ant at Station 30.”

  “Yes, I remember you. When I heard the laughing, I knew it was you having a good time over there.”

  “We tend to get a little rowdy, but when you work hard, you gotta play hard, right?”

  Lincoln nodded. “I guess so. Although, I don’t visualize Red Lobster as being a place to let your hair down,” she chuckled.

  “Anyplace I go, I let my hair down. I like to have fun when I’m away from work. Are you eating alone or is Ant joining you?”

  The words lay on the tip of her tongue. Nick opened the door for her to question him, but she was afraid to hear his answer. “I’m alone. Anthony isn’t joining me for lunch.”

  “This is not a good look. A beautiful girl like you should not be dining alone. Would you mind if I joined you? I could use a cup of coffee.”

  Company was the last thing she was in the mood for, but she motioned for him to take a seat. “Help yourself to a biscuit. I would share my shrimp, but I’m greedy and want them all.”

  Nick caught the attention of the server and raised his chin. “You’re in luck—I’m allergic to shellfish.”

  Lincoln eyed her lunch growing cold on the plate. She hadn’t actually carried on a conversation with Nick before. Their encounters had been brief, a hello or goodbye here and there. Now, by faking a conversation with him, it would only add to the stress of an already bad day.

 
However, it wasn’t Nick’s fault. He was following the conduct that firefighters use as a close-knit family. Even though she and Anthony weren’t married, she was considered a part of the family because of their relationship.

  She separated the shrimp on her plate with her fork. As bad as this was going to hurt, she had to know about Anthony’s former relationship with Melanie. Opening up that complex issue would put Nick in a bad position, but she’d rather it is him than Orlando or Jon who were closer to Anthony.

  Looking down at her plate, she decided to ask the risky question. How he answered was up to him. “Nick, what I’m about to ask you could put you in an uncomfortable position, so don’t feel pressured to answer if you feel you shouldn’t.”

  Nick raised his brow and took a sip of coffee. “Well, what do you have to ask me that would put me in that kind of position?”

  “I have questions concerning Anthony that need answers. I could go to Jon or Orlando, but they are too close to him.”

  “Um, I’m his friend, too. Anyhow, is he in trouble? Tell me, I wanna help.”

  Lincoln saw his concern and assured him. “He’s not in any trouble. I want to know about his ex-girlfriend Melanie.”

  Nick sat back in the chair and draped his arm across the back of it. “Wow, Melanie. What do you want to know about her?”

  “In your honest opinion, how deep was their relationship?”

  “I might not be the right person to answer that, Lincoln. I don’t feel right talking about him behind his back; especially when it comes to Melanie.”

  Lincoln waved her hands dismissing the question. “You’re right and I shouldn’t have asked you anything. I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable.”

  “It’s alright. Hell, there was a time I couldn’t stand Ant. We weren’t close or friendly to each other. If you’d asked me then, this would be a different conversation. Since you mentioned Melanie, is she back in town?”

  Lincoln shrugged her shoulders, “I don’t know if she is or not. I’m…”

  Hollister stopped by the table interrupting her. “Well, I see your date finally showed,” he said handing the folder with the check inside to Nick. He winked at Nick and said, “I’m glad you didn’t stand this lovely lady up. I was going to make a second move if she was still here alone after my break.”

  Dang it! She turned her head to see a sudden flash of confusion float across Nick’s face. He played it off without alerting Hollister to his deception.

  “Good thing you thought twice about doing that, buddy. It’s been a while since I put these fists to use.”

  Hollister´s mouth had dropped open before he snapped it shut. “Yeah, whatever, dude.”

  Lincoln gathered that Hollister didn’t enjoy Nick’s humor as he glared at him with narrow eyes. Lincoln lowered Nick’s hands. “Don’t pay him any attention. He’s a firefighter, not a hoodlum.”

  “I’m also a lover,” Nick said as he nuzzled her shoulder with his nose.

  Hollister’s brows slanted as he looked at them and said, “I’ll be back to get the check.”

  Keeping up the façade, Lincoln feigned excitement as Nick’s warm breath caressed her bare shoulder. “Okay, he’s gone; we can stop pretending.”

  Nick lifted his head off her shoulder smiling. “Good thing I think fast, huh?”

  “You are fast on your toes. I guess I should get going; I have errands to run.” She attempted to take the check from him to see how much she owed for lunch.

  “I’ll take care of your check. Ant would never forgive me if he knew I didn’t pay for your lunch.” Removing money from his wallet, he slipped cash inside the leather folder and put it on the table.

  “That’s a joke. He didn’t bother to be here to pay for my meal after inviting me to lunch.”

  “Um, well, I don’t know about that…”

  “I’m sorry, Nick; once again I’ve made you uncomfortable.”

  She took his hand in hers. “Thank you for buying my lunch and hanging out with me for a bit. I’m sure you had other plans for your day off.”

  He rolled his eyes upward. “I wish I was off tonight. I go in later.”

  Her hands trembled as she let go of his. Anthony was up to something, and it was time she finally found out what he was doing.

  “I’ll walk with you to your car,” Nick offered.

  “I don’t want to make you late for work.”

  He licked his lips alluringly. “I have time.”

  Is Nick flirting with me? The palms of her hands moistened. “Okay, if you’re sure.”

  “I’m positive.”

  His hand barely touched the small of her back as they walked to the door, but she felt the heat of it through her cotton blouse. Lincoln thought of Nick as a flirt and a ladies’ man. He was never with the same woman twice. And she made it a point never to call the woman he was with by name until he introduced her. He dated so many women it was impossible to keep track of them.

  Outside, the sunshine had faded away to dark cloud cover. It was threatening to rain and, from the looks of the clouds, severely. “My car is right there,” she said, pointing to a dark blue Honda Civic. She didn’t drive a fancy car or live in a fancy apartment. Her job as an IRS agent paid the bills, and she lived within her means. The luxury she indulged in was the monthly spa day she did with Regan.

  “You lucked up and got a spot at the door,” Nick said as he led her to the driver’s side of the car.

  Lincoln put the key in the lock and opened the door. “Lucky me.”

  Nick placed his hand on the edge of the open door to look down at her. “Are you okay?”

  Lincoln nodded not looking at him. “I’m fine, Nick. Thanks again for everything.”

  “My pleasure, but I know you aren’t okay. You’re upset about Anthony. What has he done to upset you?”

  She put the key in the ignition and turned on the car. “I don’t want to get you involved. I have to figure this out for myself.”

  “It’s too late; I’m already involved. What can I do to help?”

  She looked up at him and into sincere eyes. Lately, when she looked Anthony in the eye, all she saw was deception.

  *****

  Nick waited for her answer. He knew a spouse or girlfriend of a firefighter had it hard. The hours they kept weren’t regular 9- to -5, but usually, 24-hour shifts that, could go past that depending on the type of disaster they were dealing with. His first marriage failed because of his job and his lack of dedication to his family. After his accident, he promised he’d get his life together and learn to be a better man.

  The doctors were surprised at the rate Nick regained full use of his legs after suffering a spinal injury while battling a fire at a steel mill years ago. He was determined to walk without the use of a cane and resume his career as a firefighter. It took years to get it done and with the help of friends, he was able to do it. Anthony was a part of his recovery.

  His recovery also aided in them overcoming their issues with one another. Nick and Anthony’s friendship became stable. Anthony had risked his life to save him in the fire and Nick felt he owed Anthony a debt of gratitude. What Lincoln was asking felt like betrayal on his part if he were to answer her questions.

  But he saw the sadness on her in her eyes. It wasn’t easy for him to stand there and pretend he had no idea what was going on with Anthony. He knew Melanie was back in town. She had come to the firehouse looking for Anthony on several occasions.

  Lincoln may be young; however, she was not naïve. If she sensed Anthony was fooling around with Melanie, her intuition was most likely correct.

  Lincoln skipped over his question. “I should get going before the rain falls. I hate running in and out of stores in the rain.”

  He backed off realizing she wasn’t going to talk after what he’d said. “Okay. Drive safe.”

  “I will.”

  He stepped on the curb next to the shrubbery giving her room to back from the parking space. As she drove off, he walked to his truc
k that was parked on the other side of the restaurant. He hit the button to unlock the fire engine red, Dodge Ram pickup truck that mirrored his immense personality. It was big with an extended cab, loud from the dual exhaust system that he supped up, and sported bumper stickers that boasted his status as a brave firefighter.

  The rain started to fall in big drops as he picked up the pace. He got inside the truck wondering what mess Anthony had gotten himself into with Lincoln. He checked his mirror and saw Lincoln’s Honda Civic stopped at a traffic light. He envied Anthony for having a woman like her.

  On occasions that called for the whole crew to be together, he’d catch himself watching Lincoln. He admired the way she doted on Anthony. She truly cared about him and supported him however she could. He inhaled and the scent of her perfume lingered in his nose.

  He smirked as he recalled a dream he had about her doting on him but in another manner. The dream was so intense that it jolted him from his sleep with his heart racing and his body drenched in sweat. That dream was one he remembered vividly and fondly.

  Nick started the truck and backed out the space thinking that fantasizing about her was okay. He could do that and not worry about breaking any idiotic code.

  Chapter Three

  Later that day, Nick arrived at work. The firehouse was experiencing a slow day. Station 30 was an active house with the alarm going off every hour it seemed. They barely had time to return from one emergency before responding to another.

  “Hey, what’s up,” he said sitting at the kitchen table with Jon, who was texting on his phone.

  “Let me finish this text to Amira. She and Gabby are having a disagreement about a dress.”

  Nick chuckled. “Damn, is this what having a family is like? You get to make the final decision about a dress?”

  Jon put down the phone. “I try to keep the peace. Amira is growing up and Gabby is having a hard time accepting that. When she came to live with us, she was this sweet little ten year-old. Now she is twelve with an opinion on what she wants and doesn’t want.”