Off the Record (Off #3)(23)

Yes, Linc Caldwell is about as hot as they come. But I don’t think I’ve ever seen him look more attractive than he does right now, sitting in a hospital bed with a sick little boy.

I don’t want to intrude. I put Kyle’s ginger ale on the bedside table and tell Linc to take his time, that I’ll be waiting in the lobby for him. He just nods and waves me away.

As I sit here and wait for Linc, I take stock of my feelings about him.

Less than a week ago, I was beyond infuriated with this man, believing him to be the lowest form of scum on this earth.

Now?

I see someone different.

I not only misjudged his character, but I’ve learned very quickly that it runs deeper than I would have imagined.

So sure...he has the hotness factor down pat. But I find myself being attracted to him now on a completely different level. And that makes me uneasy. Because it’s easy to ignore physical perfection. Well...that’s not true. It’s hard to ignore his physical perfection, but it’s easy to control my impulse around it.

However, factor in the fact that Linc seems to be a much nicer guy than I could have imagined, and it’s not so easy to ignore the attraction that seems to be building.

I’m so screwed.





I have the vaguest memories of my mother. More like sharp flashes that I remember. I was still such a little boy when she died.

Sometimes, something will happen and it will bring forth a memory that I had forgotten about. It happened today when I was at the hospital with Kyle. It was when Ever placed a wet washcloth on his forehead, a move that I found to be ridiculously endearing. I was looking at her in marvel when a memory of my mother slammed into me. It was when I was sick...the flu I think. And I remembered her doing the same thing...placing a cold washcloth on my forehead and I remember it made me feel better. The memory was so strong, I swear I could smell her perfume.

When I had finally left Kyle, over an hour after Ever had left us, my first inclination when I saw her was to hug her. Then I imagined her soft body pressed to mine and I envisioned that hug turning into a kiss. And next thing I knew, I was obsessing about kissing that sweet mouth.

I take her out to lunch, and every time she takes a bite of food, I just stare at her lips and the way they move as she chews. I stare so hard at one point she asks me if she has something on her mouth.

I wish! Then I could lick it off.

I have to fight off the groan that almost pops out of my own mouth at the thought.

Ever breaks into said wicked thoughts. “Why didn’t you tell me you were going to the hospital to see Kyle that first night?”

“I didn’t want you to think I was just doing something to look good for your article.”

“But I wouldn’t have thought that.”

“Wouldn’t you? You’re a distrustful person, Ever. Especially toward men. Tell me you wouldn’t have questioned my motives.”

Ever lowers her gaze to her salad and I can tell I’ve embarrassed her. And even though I was only speaking my mind, with no intent to hurt her feelings, I feel bad that I may have done just that.

“I’m sorry,” she says quietly. “You’re right. You had no reason to trust me.”

I set my fork down and wipe my mouth. “Maybe we can start over. I’m Linc Caldwell. It’s nice to meet you.” I thrust my hand across the table to her.

She takes it and gives me a firm shake as her face lights up. “I’m Ever Montgomery. It’s nice to meet you, too.”

We both go back to eating and I try hard not to look at those luscious lips.

“So, how long have you been friends with Kyle?”

“Probably about two months now. I come to the cancer ward a lot. Several of my teammates come, too. But I met Kyle a few months ago, and he’s...special. We hit it off and I’ve tried to visit him at least once a week.”

“Is he going to get better?”

My heart turns heavy. “His parents say his outlook isn’t good. But I’m holding out hope.”

Ever reaches across the table and takes my hand. It’s as soft as silk, and reassuring as it lightly grips mine. “I’ll add him to my nightly prayers. I’ll add you, too, so that you have continued strength.”

I swallow hard. I’ve never had anyone say something like that to me and it warms me to the bone. It makes Ever so much more fascinating to me and the final dredges of anger I had been holding onto sort of melt away.

There is no telling why I have this sudden and deep interest with Ever. My feelings toward her have gone from an instant attraction, to anger, to vengeance, to amusement, to attraction and now fascination. In any other circumstance, if I was this attracted to a woman, I would be putting some moves on her.

But that’s not something I can do with Ever.

I’m not about to give her fodder for her article. Plus, she’s too distrustful. There’s no way she’d be receptive to me.





“Do you want some popcorn?”

I look behind me and Ever is standing there. She and I are getting ready to watch a movie in my living room. She has on a pair of sweatpants and a Duke t-shirt. She f*cking looks amazing and I want to slap myself silly for even thinking that.

“I’m good,” I tell her. She heads back into the kitchen and I settle back into the couch cushions. I hope I don’t get sidetracked with every piece of popcorn she places between those full lips.