Burned Read online

  “I don’t know what to believe anymore! My whole life has been turned upside down. The lies and deceit far exceed any truths I’ve been told lately.”

  “I don’t care about that. I want to know do you believe I would use you for my own pleasure.”

  Her long lashes held tiny tear drops. When she blinked, they fell to her cheeks. “I would hope not. I need a friend, Nick, not a man that is curious about what I’m like in bed. I need someone to hug me and not expect anything in return but a hug. What I need most is for this pain to go away. I’m tired of hurting. I’m tired of the heavy cloud hanging over my head. God, I want to go away and never come back to this place or see any of the people that have done this to me.”

  He stood up and reached for her hand. He wrapped her in his arms squeezing her softly as he whispered in her ear, “I can provide hugs. And trust me, Lincoln, I am your friend. If there were any way for me to take away your pain, I would do that for you too.”

  Her arms tightened around his back. “I knew he was wrong about you. Thank you for being here for me.”

  He pressed his lips to the side of her head in a friendly kiss. “I’m always around when you need me.” He broke the embrace. “We have a date tonight. Go fix your face and put on an outfit you can wear in public. I want to see that Stallone movie.”

  The tip of her nose was red as a cherry, but her a tiny smile curled at her the corners of her mouth. “You still want to go out with me?”

  “Heck yeah! I’m not turning down a movie and a free meal.” He thumbed a tear away from her cheek. “Go get dressed. If we hurry, we’ll make the opening credits.”

  She wiped her face with the balled tissues in her hand. “Okay, it will only take me a second to get dressed.” She paused. “Nick, I’m sorry about what I did and what I said.”

  He waved his hand dismissively and winked. “You had a temporary loss of sanity. Everybody goes though that at least once.”

  He watched her disappear down the hall. Adjusting his clothes, he still tasted the warm sweetness of her mouth as he ran a finger across his lower lip and over the spot where she had bitten him.

  Nick paced around the living room. He knew he would have to come clean with Lincoln about his past, but for now, he had to deal with Anthony. The man was digging up his past to poison people against him. There was no way in hell he could allow that to happen. He’d worked too hard to change his image and refused to let a bitter man on a power trip take him down.

  *****

  Nick made sure to take Lincoln out at least once on his off days following that awkward night. Today, he was meeting her at the track for a run and tonight he had a special surprise for her. A citizen he’d rescued from a garage fire gave him two tickets to a concert at The House of Blues.

  As they formed a bond, they realized they shared a great deal in common when it came to activities outside of work. He learned Lincoln was athletic and enjoyed jogging and yoga, but she did not commit to a regular routine. He suggested exercising on a regular basis to help ease the stress of planning Regan’s wedding and to deal with her split from Anthony.

  Nick found Lincoln stretching by the indoor track. It was drizzling outside and though running in the rain didn’t bother him, Lincoln wasn’t hearing it. “Stretching those muscles won’t help you. I’m gonna dust you on the track.”

  She looked up at him from her bended position. The headband matched the black and blue sports bra and matching shorts that clung to her like a second skin. His mouth watered at the contrast of her light skin against the dark colors.

  Standing up straight, she grinned. “I didn’t know we were competing, but I beg to differ. I was a track star in high school. I hold the record for the women’s 400m and the 4x100m relays. What’s your record?”

  He looked her over and saw she had a runner’s body type. She was lean and muscular in the thighs but not overly muscular anywhere else. He dropped his gym bag on the floor and started to stretch. “Is that right? I didn’t run track, but Station 30 holds the record for running the stairs at Tower City.”

  “I was there the first time you all won it.”

  He snorted a confident answer as he stretched. “Okay, track star. Give me a minute to get my muscles loose and I’ll challenge you to a foot race. I can’t let the fellas know a girl out ran me.”

  “Get that condescending smirk off your face, Nick. I’d dust you with no problem.” She poked his stomach. “That muscle mass will slow you down.” She put her hands on her hips goading him. “I’m lean and fast. I’ll whisk by you like a bird in the wind.”

  Nick flexed his arms and his muscles expanded. “I need muscles for my job.” He picked her up and suspended her over his head. “I couldn’t do this if I weren't a muscular powerhouse.”

  “Ah, Nick! Put me down,” she protested with giggles.

  He bounced her over his head. “Dang, you are light as a feather considering you don’t hold back on desserts when we eat out. I’d have to pump you for hours to get a decent burn out of you.”

  A couple walking past them burst out laughing. “Did anyone ever tell you, you have a way with words?” she said sarcastically. She held onto his thick shoulder so he wouldn’t drop her.

  “Not as much as me having a way with words, but the way I use them.” He put her down gently. Her hands lingered on his chest.

  He continued to stare at her. His emotions balanced on a teeter-totter. Part of him was angry for feeling the way he was, but the other part of him knew he’d be in serious trouble if he did what was on his mind. The urge to kiss her was strong. He wanted to run his tongue across those precious ruby colored lips and lick every drop of lipstick off her mouth. Her fragile kiss last night would be nothing compared to what he would do to her if the circumstances were different.

  After a few minutes of standing close together, she pulled away slightly, giving him a weak smile. “Maybe we should do our run before the track gets too crowded.”

  Nick ran his hands through his hair. “Sure,” he said running ahead of her. He needed to do a quick lap or two to calm down.

  They jogged around the track not really talking. He couldn’t help but notice how firm she was. He usually went for women with fuller bodies and not so athletic. A woman with a large rack had a better chance of attracting his attention than a woman with small breasts. However, Lincoln’s body was perfect.

  He knew it was a sleazy move when he lagged behind to get a glimpse of her butt in the tight shorts. Her ponytail swayed from side to side as her feet and elbows worked in unison to control her run.

  He shook his head of the lustful thoughts and reset his steps to match her pace. “I got a surprise for you.”

  “Really, what do you have for me?”

  “Do you like Brian McKnight?”

  Her breathing was steady as they ran around the track “Are you crazy! Who doesn’t like Brian McKnight?”

  He teased her further. “We’ll go to the concert tonight if you beat me on the final lap of the run.”

  “Are you serious?”

  “The tickets are in my truck. Are you ready?”

  “Firefighter Barona, get ready to eat my smoke,” she mocked.

  Before he could get into gear, Lincoln’s body straightened and she took off. Her knees and arms in perfect formation. He stopped running and watched her powerful kicks take her to the end of the track where she waited for him. He trotted the rest of the way. “Well, damn, you didn’t tell you were related to Usain Bolt.”

  She wiped the sweat off her face with a towel and drank a sip of water from her bottle. “I told you I was fast. What time does the concert start tonight?”

  He winked. “Be ready at 8:00pm and wear something sexy.”

  She folded her arms across her chest. “Why is that a requirement?”

  “It’s not. You don’t have to show off a damn thing, Lincoln. You’re sexy just the way you are. I’d be proud to have you on my arm wearing those tight workout clothes and smelling funky
as a scared skunk.”

  She laughed. “You are a trip. I’m going to take a shower.”

  A lazy, satisfied smile dawned on Nick’s face as his eyes fastened on her sashaying away. He knocked a fist upside his head asking. “Man, what are you doing?”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Lincoln daydreamed the entire morning. The figures on her computer could not hold her attention as she recalled the date with Nick. The concert with Brian McKnight was great, but Nick was the star of the show. He was the perfect gentlemen. He did everything right from picking her up on time to complimenting the outfit she’d worn.

  She took extra care choosing the right outfit for the evening. Even though he claimed he was kidding about her wearing a sexy outfit, she made sure it was. The dress was tasteful but incredibly hot. The body-hugging low-cut black mini dress emphasized what she lacked and showed off the curves she had. Her long legs came into play that night, also. The weather had warmed enough for her to go barelegged and Nick took every opportunity to brush a hand against them.

  Lincoln smiled to herself hoping Evelyn wouldn’t notice her spaced out appearance since she was under the impression Anthony occupied her days and nights. She had to journal that night in her head; especially the goodnight kiss. That would linger with her forever.

  Lincoln touched her lips as if the tingle were still present. The kiss wasn’t dramatic but sensual and sweet for friends not sure if it should have happened at all. It started as a gentle hug and a brush of his lips on her cheek until they both couldn’t resist the urge and took the plunge to lock lips.

  She mesmerized in how he tenderly tilted her chin up, pressed his soft lips against hers, and kissed her like a leading man in a romantic movie. She didn’t want it to end. She didn’t want the night to end.

  “Lincoln, you have a visitor,” Evelyn said sliding around her desk to sit.

  Lincoln snapped awake shaken from the glorious daze. She looked up from her computer and at Evelyn. She wasn’t aware the woman had left the room. She asked. “Who and are they in a conference room?” Visitors weren’t allowed in their work area and appointments had to be made in order to have a one-on-one session with an agent.

  “Your sister is down in the lobby. Check your phone. She said she sent you a text.”

  “When?” She took her phone from her pocket and checked. She did not find any text messages from Regan. She headed to the elevators. Once in the lobby, she saw Regan standing near the doors but away from the security checkpoint desk chatting with a few people.

  Lincoln waited for the last person to leave before greeting her sister. Regan looked radiant in a red pantsuit with matching red pumps and red leather handbag. But then, Regan always looked radiant. She was formerly married to a millionaire and experienced the finer things in life. As an on-air personality for Channel 5 News, elegance was mandatory and Regan never disappointed. She’d worked her way up from weekend anchor to anchor the big desk at 6:00 and 11:00 o’clock.

  Lincoln hugged her sister. “You look great! Puerto Rico agreed with you.”

  Regan smiled. “We had a great time. Orlando’s extended family was so nice to us. They didn’t want us to leave.”

  “I really missed you a lot. So, what are you doing here?”

  “I’m treating my kid sister to lunch to get caught up on what’s been happening since I’ve been gone. Can you get away?”

  She checked her watch. “Lunch got here quick. Let me call Evelyn and let her know I’m taking lunch now. I won’t need to fetch my purse since you’re treating.

  They crossed the street to enter the Galleria where they ordered soup and salad. Regan blew on a spoonful of clam chowder to cool it down. “So, how are you doing?”

  “I’m hanging in there,” Lincoln answered before biting into the overstuffed pita filled with tuna salad. “Tell me about your trip.”

  “We can talk about that later. Lincoln, I heard what happened. No one knew Anthony had a son. I don’t believe he knew about him.”

  “Is that supposed to make it better for me or him?”

  “Girl, you know I’m not dismissing what he’s done. He could have handled the situation better than he has. He’s overwhelmed with grief about how he’s treated you. Anthony still loves you.”

  The whole morning she’d been absorbed in the wonderful evening she’d spent with Nick. Now Regan had to ruin it by bringing up Anthony. Lincoln pushed her plate away, her stomach suddenly felt sick. “I guess he’s bent Orlando’s ear already. Did he mention the fight he had with Nick? I’m ashamed to repeat the disgusting crap he said about him.”

  “Yes, I heard and Orlando is mad at him. It’s true, Nick was a handful years ago, but he’s changed according to Orlando.”

  “Are you agreeing with Anthony?”

  Regan shook her head. “Heck no. Nick’s redeemed himself and he shouldn’t have to keep proving that to people.”

  Lincoln released a resounding sigh. “I’ve forgotten what’s it’s like to be with a man my age. We’ve had a lot of fun doing things together. Oh, well, I don’t want to talk about that anymore. Nick is done with his babysitting duties. Everyone can return to their normal activities as far as I’m concerned.”

  “What have you two been doing? Regan asked tapping a finger on the table top.

  She shrugged her shoulders. “We do things, Regan. Anyhow, it’s not important anymore. He did what Orlando asked of him and now it’s over.”

  “I’m not buying that from you. You’re a stubborn person, Lincoln. You hold everything inside because you don’t want anyone to think you are vulnerable. What Anthony did was despicable and could make a person want to get revenge. Honey, I have to ask, have you slept with Nick to get back at Anthony?”

  “You sound ridiculous, Regan. You know I wouldn’t do anything like that or use Nick that way.”

  “I had to ask. So, when you’re out with Nick, he never sees your pain. Is he able to keep that off your mind?”

  “Sometimes, but I did break down once. Nick saw it and I was embarrassed.” She tossed her napkin in the plate. “This is so unfair. You and Carter have more experience with relationships than I do. Anthony was my first real love, Regan. I hate him for what he’s done to me yet my heart still aches for him some nights. When will that end?”

  Regan took her sister’s hands in hers. “There is no timetable to heal. When Mark and I divorced, I threw myself into school to drown my sorrow. Here is my sisterly advice to you. The worse you can do is let Anthony know he has broken you. Keep your head up high. This city is full of potential suitors, Lincoln.”

  She skewered her lip. “With my luck, I’ll land another man like Anthony.”

  “No, you won’t. And stop being a pessimist. None of this is your fault, Lincoln. Anthony has not and will never let go of Melanie. She left Cleveland and that put her out of his mind, but not his heart.”

  “Then why is he acting an ass about Nick if he is so happy to be back with what’s-her-face?”

  Regan leaned back in the chair. “Well, he probably didn’t expect you to bounce back so quickly and possibly with Nick. And let’s face it, Nick is younger, he’s attractive and Anthony feels threatened that Nick will find you more than just a friend—those are my reasons why he’s acting up.”

  Lincoln shook her head. “Nick has a stream of women to choose from. You all had him put his social life on hold while he babysat me. He can get on with his life and I’ll muddle along in mine until I’m ready to date again. Anyhow, your bachelorette party is coming up soon and I plan to let my hair down and have fun.”

  Regan held her hand up for a high-five. “That’s the spirit! Don’t close the door to your life because Anthony isn’t a part of it anymore. You’re too young to give up on finding love again. We all get burned, but we eventually get over it.”

  Lincoln felt a little better about herself but sad that Nick wouldn’t be coming around anymore. She needed get her head out the clouds and get on the right track of life and the a
dvice Regan gave made sense. “That is what I needed to hear, Regan.”

  “I try to keep it real and it comes from my past experiences. Anyhow, Mom and Carter will arrive this weekend. Orlando wants to have a cookout if the weather stays nice so make sure you’re available.”

  She dunked two French fries in ketchup and stuck them in her mouth. “I’m there and if you need me to bring anything, let me know.

  *****

  Nick jumped off the truck and rushed to corner Anthony before he entered the break room. Shoving him on the shoulder, he yelled at him. “What the hell were you doing back there, man? Were you trying to kill me on purpose!”

  Anthony pushed away Nick’s hand. “You’ll pay closer attention next time.” “Screw you, man! You’ve messed with me for the last time. I’m not taking your shit anymore!”

  Anthony buffed up. “Bring it on with your punk ass!”

  Nick’s breath came in short pants, his face red-hot with rage. One narrow escape with death was enough for him. To have it happen again due to someone else’s negligence was something he would not stand by and take. He lunged towards Anthony tackling him around the midsection.

  The two fell to the floor. The noise from falling equipment hitting the cement floor alerted other firefighters to the area.

  “Hey! Hey! Break it up now!” Jon yelled as he tried to break the strong holds the two men had on each other.

  With the help of other firefighters, they wrestled them apart to end the fight. “Both of you in my office,” Jon ordered.

  Nick wiped sweat from his face with the back of his hand. His heart was beating a hundred thumps per second. If Jon hadn't been standing between them, Nick would have jumped Anthony again.

  Nick roared, “I’ve had it, Jon! That bastard is trying his best to get my ass hurt again! He fucking cut the line, knowing I was still in that damn hole!”