Page 48 of Good Girl's Guide to Love
While you’re deciding, can I ask you a question?
Of course.
I know we talked about some logistics today, but…I feel like we need to cover a few more things.
Such as?
I know we laid out what we could both use from this, but how long is this going to go?
Trying to get rid of me already?
No. Not at all. I’m just wondering, because this can’t go on forever. And I need to prepare for things. I know this might come as a shock to you, but I’m not good with spontaneity.
No…really?
I know. Shocker. But if I know what our timeline is, I’ll feel much more comfortable.
I mean, I guess I didn’t think about it. You know, because I don’t think. I save that for you.
Happy to help.
Linc doesn’t respond back immediately, which doesn’t freak me out. Actually, I like that he’s taking his time..
But, what does freak me out is ten seconds later when I see “Boyfriend” pop up on my phone, accompanied by one of the selfies he took of himself as a FaceTime call appears.
“How much did you do to my phone? You had it for less than a minute.”
He laughs, and I can’t help but stare as I watch him lay back on his couch. He has his free hand behind his head, unintentionally showing off his tattooed bicep that is straining against his gray Fury T-shirt. His brown hair is messy, and he has a little scruff on his normally clean-shaven face. I’ve always been a fan of clean-cut men and smooth faces, but suddenly I’m having an appreciation for a little scruff.
“I move quick, Ainsley. Gotta be on your toes.”
I smile as I pull my blanket up to my chin as I lay on my couch. “I didn’t take you as a phone talker.”
“Usually I’m not,” he says. “But there are just some conversations that shouldn’t be done over text. This is one of them.”
I smile again, appreciating this gesture. “Thank you.”
“No, I should be thanking you, every day,” he says. “I know I said it earlier, but I feel like I’m getting so much more out of this. You’re saving me.”
“We’re not going to keep score. But I do feel like you have more of a timeline need than I do. My hope is that Jonathan will get the hint. Or even better, find another job, so I never have to see him again.”
“And the city of Nashville would be better for it.”
I laugh. “Exactly.”
We pause for a second as I watch Linc gather his thoughts. I know this is hard for him, based on what he told me, so I have no problem waiting. I just appreciate the effort.
“I told you a little about this today, but this football season is the most important few months of my life,” he begins. “I’m only signed with the Fury for one year. If I can have the season of my life, I’ll either re-sign with the Fury, or another team will want to pick me up. But if it goes south? If I’m in trouble, or don’t play well, or the black cloud that’s followed me around my entire life decides to pour on me, I’m done. There’ll be no more football.”
I know that I’m still getting to know Linc, but if I’ve learned anything, it’s that this man shows his feelings in high definition. I can see the look of determination, mixed with some sadness, in those green eyes. Where some guys play things close to the vest, I don’t think that’s the case with Linc. He acts first and thinks later, and I believe that’s how he shows himself as well. He puts it all out there, no questions asked.
“Well, then that settles it,” I say. “This is going through football season.”
His smile is slow, and it comes with a little shake of the head. “I thought you said you weren’t good at making decisions?”
I blush at his teasing comment. “Maybe I just needed someone to boss around.”
Linc’s smile turns a little mischievous. “That can be arranged.”
