1022 Evergreen Place - Debbie Macomber [78]
A frown puckered her brow. “I can’t do it. I’m sorry, Linc, but I just can’t.” She broke free of his embrace and hurried into the kitchen.
Linc waited a couple of minutes, then followed her. “Are we having our first fight?” he asked.
Lori, who had her back to him, turned and then smiled. “You know, I think we are.”
A smile broke out across his face.
“What are you so happy about?”
“Well,” he drawled, “I’ve heard that make-up sex is the best there is.”
“Lincoln Wyse, I can’t believe you just said that!”
“Wanna find out?”
He could see Lori struggling not to smile. “We haven’t resolved this yet.”
“Can’t we do that later?”
“Linc, you’re impossible.”
“Can’t help it.” He motioned toward the bedroom. “Dinner can wait, too, can’t it?” Lori giggled.
Linc scooped her into his arms and carried her to the bedroom. Together they fell onto the bed.
A half hour later, sated and content, Linc lay gazing up at the underside of the pink canopy.
“Well,” Lori murmured, stretching luxuriously, like a cat in a patch of sunshine. “You were right about the making-up part.”
“Maybe that means we should argue more often.” Rolling onto his side he leaned over her and kissed her. “Call your mother, sweetheart, okay? I promise not to embarrass you.”
“Oh, Linc, I’m not worried that you’d embarrass me. I just don’t want them making you feel uncomfortable. I love you for who you are, not the amount of money you make or anything else.”
“Good.” He kissed her again, his lips lingering on hers.
Late Saturday afternoon, Linc dressed casually in slacks and a white polo shirt for dinner at the Bellamy family home. When they arrived, they had to stop at the iron gate and wait for admittance. Entering the circular driveway, Linc had to make an effort not to stare or look impressed. The photograph Lori had shown him didn’t do justice to the stately home.
He’d just helped Lori out of the car when the front door opened and an elegant blonde woman stepped outside.
“Lori, darling, I’m so glad you’re here.” Lori’s mother came forward with her arms extended.
Mother and daughter hugged before Lori turned back to Linc. She slipped her arm around his waist. “Mom, this is my husband, Lincoln Wyse.”
“Mrs. Bellamy,” he said, and extended his hand.
She smiled and shook it. He noticed that her palm was smooth and soft, her rings obviously expensive but understated. “Welcome to our home, Lincoln.”
“Most folks call me Linc.”
“Linc, then. My friends call me Kate.”
“Kate.” He hoped that he would, indeed, be considered a friend.
Lori’s mother escorted them into the house. The foyer was massive. A round inlaid wood table dominated the area with a floral arrangement so huge it was like one he’d expect to find in a five-star hotel lobby.
“Where’s Dad?” Lori asked, glancing around.
That was Linc’s question, too. He intended to do his best to reach an understanding with his father-in-law over dinner—or at least make some progress toward that goal.
“Unfortunately, your father was called away at the last minute,” Kate said with undisguised frustration.
Lori’s hand tightened around his. Linc wasn’t sure what she was attempting to tell him and looked down. His wife mouthed three words—that’s a lie. He frowned as Kate led them into the living room.
The hors d’oeuvres had been arranged on a silver platter. Linc didn’t recognize a single one—except for the caviar, which he’d never had before. This was no crackers-and-cheese plate. Nor was it stuffed mushrooms or Greek olives. Rather than admit he didn’t know what he was eating, he leaned forward and helped himself. He scooped up some caviar with a small triangle of toast and shoved it in his mouth—not bad. He saw Lori glance pointedly to the right. That was when he noticed the delicate china plate and napkin.
“Can I offer you something to drink?” Kate asked.
“I’ll have a beer,” Linc said automatically.
“I will, too.” Lori slid closer to Linc.
Her mother grinned. “Then so will I.”
Linc saw his wife relax visibly. “I didn’t know you drank beer, Mom.”
“Well, the truth