Page 49 of The Captain

I said that wrong. The minute it passes my lips, I know it.

“As if working in a diner is beneath me, right?” She scoffs and crosses her arms.

“That came out wrong.” No shit. “I mean, you should be doing what you love, which is writing and publishing. Do you realize how amazing your work is, Sunshine? It’s fucking brilliant.”

She shakes her head. “You base that opinion off one book you’ve read. You haven’t read a bunch of other fantasy novels to compare it to.”

“Actually, I have,” I reply, shocking her.

“You have? When?”

I grate my teeth. “I’ve had a lot of free time in the last few months.” I don’t mean to throw anything in her face, but she flinches all the same.

“So, you’ve filled your free time with books?”

“What else am I supposed to fill it with?”

She shrugs. “I don’t know. Girls.”

I think I actually cracked a molar from how hard I clench my jaw at her accusation. I lean in close, close enough that she has no choice but to look at me, and I practically growl out my next words. “The only girl I want in my life is you, Sunshine.”

Cassie seems to flush, and I watch that blush spread over her cheeks and down her neck. It has stark memories rushing to the surface, and I tell myself to calm down.

“Linc,” she starts, her mouth opening and closing a few times but nothing coming out, her eyes darting between mine, unable to look away.

“I can’t stress this enough,” I start, needing to make sure I’m crystal fucking clear. This is what women want, right? Communication? “You are the only woman I care about and the only one who will be in my bed. I don’t want anyone else. I don’t need anyone but you. And when you’re ready, that will be where your ass is. In. My. Bed.” I’m still close enough to smell the jasmine scent that wafts off her skin and into my senses. “Tell me you get that.”

Swallowing hard, she nods her head.

“Good.” I brush my fingers over the back of her neck again. “Now, tell me you’ll have dinner with me.”

“I—”

“Cass! Table three.” Marie’s voice bellows from behind the countertop, and Cassie looks over in surprise.

“I have to work.”

“Sunshine,” I say as I stand, not wanting to put distance between us but not really having much choice.

“I’m not ready,” she says quickly, and I frown, wondering if she means publishing her book or going out with me. Before I can clarify, she’s off to working her tables, and I’m left to wonder how the hell I’m going to move us forward.

SIXTEEN

Lincoln

Five Months Ago

Slicing through the ice in full gear with my adrenaline pumping, I felt everything click into place. Life could not be more fucking perfect if I tried.

Cassie texted me before the game to wish me luck, and I replied that it would be luckier if she were here cheering me on.

I could not even believe that the night before, she’d been wrapped in my arms and let me hold her nearly naked body to mine for the entire night. Until she shoved me off in her sleep and rolled to her other side, making me chuckle at her need for space even in sleep.

But I’d gotten to wake up with her. I got to make her breakfast and shower her with kisses before I had to leave.

It was quite possibly the best morning of my life.

It was almost the end of warm-ups when I looked out into the crowded stands, my eyes scanning for someone that I knew, and I blinked when I saw the flash of blonde hair that sat next to my sister.

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