Chapter 5
Not for the first time, Gina considered turning around and going home. Lincoln Marshall was a patient. It was unethical. But over the few weeks, working closely with him, it had become almost impossible to fight her urges. With each appointment, they had gotten to know each other better. They’d talked about their pasts. She’d gotten him to open up about his future. She couldn’t have been happier that he wanted to coach. She even had a surprise for him. But, could she go through with this? A date? With a patient?
She pulled into the driveway and shut the car off. She’d come this far. Didn’t that say something? Stepping out, she stared in awe, at what he had told her was a small condo. No. Her apartment was small. This place was a freaking palace. What the hell was she thinking? Lincoln was out of her league. Way out. Light years and galaxies out of her league.
She fidgeted with the silk tank top she’d chosen to wear with jeans. Her simple black flats were silent on the flagstone as she walked to the front door. She raised her hand to knock but stepped back as the door swung open before her knuckles touched the wood. Wow. This man could fill out a pair of jeans. And the T-shirt that hugged his muscles was a fantasy bonus, another little something she could add to her already quite full, Lincoln Marshall Fantasy File. God, she’d thought the track suits he’d worn the last few weeks were nice, but this…she couldn’t do more than stare. His five o’clock shadow darkened the pale skin on his face. “Please.” He shuffled backwards. “Come in.”
She brushed past him, and her panties dampened. He smelled woodsy and delicious, like whatever he was cooking. The whole place smelled wonderful, and it made her hungry. She glanced around, taking in the marble floor, and wide-open space. This was her dream home. Open spaces, made it look bigger, great for entertaining.
“I hope you like Italian. I made lasagna.”
She turned, wide eyed, looking at this professional athlete, almost shocked that he could cook. “You made lasagna?”
“Surprised? I mean, I know I’m a big dumb jock and all, but even we have to eat.” He laughed. Over the weeks of watching him joke and play with Jesse, the deep throaty sound had become one of her favorites.
“Well, I mean, you play football, and I know what the schedule is like, so I just…I don’t know…I thought…” She paused. “I’m rambling. I’m sorry. I just meant, your life must have been so busy, that I’m definitely stunned that you know how to cook. It’s a good thing, though.” She giggled nervously.
With his palm at the small of her back, he guided her further inside.
“Well, great.” He led her to the kitchen island and pulled out a stool for her. “You can watch while I get the salad ready.”
She slid onto the seat, looking around. “Wow, did you think you were feeding an army?” She looked at the large pan of lasagna, wondering if he’d invited anyone else. He was chopping lettuce, moving along like a professional chef, mesmerizing her with every move he made.
“I um, didn’t tell you, but I have surprise. I invited Jesse and his parents too. I hope you don’t mind. I mean, I definitely want a dinner alone with you, a date, but, Jesse got all excited when he found out I was being released. I couldn’t help it.” He stopped chopping and looked down at the floor. He either did a great imitation of humility or he really was sorry.
“That’s great.” And she meant it. It would be good for both of them. Plus, when she delivered her news, they would both be there. It would also ease the nervousness quivering inside of her at being alone with Lincoln. The sexual tension between them was thick.
He was nowhere near recovered enough for sexual activity. Not that she was thinking about it, well, now. It was the main thought she had every other minute of every other day. Maybe because she hadn’t been on a date in so long—what was it? A year or two?—that all she’d been able to think of was Lincoln. Naked. Naked Lincoln. Oh yeah. Her girly parts gave a squee, then clenched.
“You’re ok with that?” He started chopping again and looked at her. His eyes sparkling. He’d come a long way from the man she met, who was so down and depressed. It warmed her heart.
“Absolutely. I’ve met his parents before. They are great people. They’ve been through a lot. Losing a son, another with so much medically to overcome. I admire them. Their positive attitude.”
“I agree,” he smiled. A knock at the door stopped their conversation. “Speak of the devil.” He set down the knife, but Gina jumped up.
“No, Master Chef. You keep cooking. I got it. I mean, that is, if you don’t mind.” He nodded, returning to his task. She strolled to the door, opened it and returned with the Mercer family. She watched as Jesse, who now walked with crutches, moved towards Lincoln. Without a word, he slid over, making room for the kid. He handed him a knife and cucumber, and went back to preparing the salad. A smile spread across Jesse’s face, as he got to work. After a few slices that to Lincoln, must have been too thick, he reached over and showed his pal, how to do it right. It was wrong, but she started to wonder what he would be like with his own children, their children. Shaking her head, she tried to focus on Jesse’s parents, and their conversation, instead of wild daydreams that had no place at a family dinner.
***
As everyone leaned back in their seats, bellies full from the large meal, she looked around. Having been alone for so long, this was new, but thrilling. Sure, she visited her parents often. But this, this was a house full of cheerful laughter. It made her realize just how lonely she had been. Throwing herself into work after her last relationship, she had never come up for air.
“So,” she said, getting everyone’s attention. “Jesse, Lincoln, I have a surprise for you.” Everyone looked at her, waiting for the news. She clasped her hands and leaned in. “Jesse, I spoke to your school. Next season, Lincoln has been invited to be the coach, and you’ll still be allowed to be the assistant coach.” cheered chorus of cheer rose up, and she joined in, laughing and clapping. Lincoln and the kid talked about plays and what they would do together. As they wound down, Mr. Mercer looked at his watch.
“Sorry kiddo, we have to go.” He stood, picking up his plate.
“No, no, leave it. I got it.” Lincoln walked his guests to the door as Gina began to clear the table. She heard him come up behind her as she stood at the sink, rinsing the plates. His hard body aligned with her back. She could feel his impressively hard cock, pressing against her ass. She turned to face him, her breath catching in her throat. His blue eyes were dark, hooded with lust.
“I, I don’t,” she stammered. “I’m not sure you’re ready for this yet. Your hip I mean, I can, um. I can tell other parts are.” She giggled nervously.
He pressed against her harder, her lower back against the counter. The bite of pain was nothing compared to the fire burning in her body. He cupped her face, leaning in. His warm breath caressing her lips. She sighed, and he leaned in, kissing her with a passion she had never felt before. His tongue moved between her lips, caressing her mouth, tasting.
She strained against him, leaving no space between their bodies. She clutched his arms, feeling the muscles she had seen while he worked out, feeling each ridge along his chest and abdomen. She clenched her thighs together, her core throbbing. He pulled back, reaching down. His hand slid in between her stomach and jeans, causing flutters inside of her. She gasped as he pressed one finger against her clit. A moan escaped her lips.
With his other hand, he unsnapped the button, freeing up more room. His hand moved in further, sliding along her moist slit. He inserted two fingers, deep into her pussy, his thumb pressuring on her clit. As his fingers moved, he kissed her again. Excitement coiled in her stomach, tensing tight, ready to snap. Within minutes, she was ready to orgasm. As she lost the last thread of control, her body exploded. She cried out with a whimper.
“So ready for me.” His whispered words against her ear, caused a shiver to wrack through her. She looked up into his eyes. He pulled back, giving her room to breathe, to think. Her mind began to clear. She couldn’t find the words for the situation.
“I’m sorry,” he said, backing up. Her silence must have made him feel awkward.
“No, it’s, it’s good, really.” She buttoned her jeans back up. “I just, haven’t, it’s been awhile,” she stuttered again.
“Look, I really like you. I do. I want to see more of you, if that’s ok.” She just nodded, afraid to make a fool of herself by speaking again. “Great, then, I’ll see you at my appointment in two days, and then, maybe this weekend, we can take advantage of the beach here?”
She grinned and agreed. It truly did sound amazing. She helped him finish cleaning up, as if nothing had happened between them. Her mind was racing all over the place, emotions at war as to how she felt about this. The one thing she was sure of, was that she wanted more of Lincoln. And the rest, would just have to fall in place, one day at a time.