Rush (Eligible Receivers #3)

Chapter Thirteen

Hearing the doorbell, Linc walked the length of the living room decked out in a navy blue, micro-check tux worn over a black dress shirt and slim black tie. With his dress shoes tapping a rhythm as he walked the length of the marble tiled entryway, he pulled the front door open, ushering in Emerson’s parents who had offered to babysit Sophie. Which worked out perfectly because he wouldn’t have to worry about her being well taken care of. In the past few months, Mike and Jill had taken Sophie under their wing and become pseudo grandparents, filling a much-needed gap. And Sophie loved spending time with them too, especially Chewy and Sulley, Jill’s Pomeranians.

“Thanks for picking her up.”

“No problem,” Mike said, shaking Linc’s hand. “We were in the neighborhood anyway because Jill wants Montebello’s for dinner and they’re just outside of our delivery range.”

“Sophie will be ecstatic. Pizza is her favorite.”

“Where is the little princess?” Jill asked after planting a kiss in greeting on Linc’s cheek.

“Upstairs in her room. I think she’s still trying to decide what toys to take for her sleepover with Nana and Papa.”

A huge smile took over Jill’s face at the mention of her honorary title. “I’ll just pop up there and see if I can help.”

“So, big night, huh?” Mike said as Linc led him into the kitchen.

Linc grabbed two waters from the fridge, handing one over. “Yeah. One of the biggest.” He cracked the lid on the bottle and took a long pull.

“I know I’ve said it before, but I’m saying it again. I’m proud of you boys.”

Linc threw him a smile. “Thanks, Mike.”

“So, where’s your pretty fiancée?”

An unexpected punch hit Linc in the gut. He hated being deceitful to Emerson’s parents who had been nothing but kind to him, but the lawyer had cautioned that the fewer people who were in the know, the better.

Linc cleared his throat, not looking the man in the eyes when he answered, “Upstairs, still getting ready.”

“Good thing to know now, women are forever getting ready .” He gave Linc a conspiratorial wink.

Hearing Jill’s voice, they migrated to the living room. Sophie had her packed suitcase at her feet and her favorite stuffed animal tucked under her arm.

“Looks like someone’s ready to go.” Linc knelt in front of Sophie. “Are you excited to spend the night at Nana and Papa’s?” She clasped Jill’s hand and Linc kissed her on the forehead. “Good.”

Movement from the corner of his eye caught his attention, and the sight of Nora walking down the stairs kept it. Fuck, she was a vision. Draped in a floor-length, gold sequin gown that plunged at the neckline and hugged every curve of her body, she glided down the stairs, one hand holding up the skirt of her dress revealing red, high-heeled strappy sandals fastened around the ankle. She’d done something fancy with her hair. The top was pulled up into a twist and held with rhinestone clips while the rest fell in a thick wave down her back and over her shoulders.

Linc slowly rose to his feet then rubbed a hand over his mouth to make sure he wasn’t drooling.

“Oh, Nora, you look absolutely beautiful.” Jill rushed over and gave Nora a hug then stepped back, smiling.

“Thank you. And thank you for watching Sophie for the night.”

“Oh, no thanks are needed.” She waved a dismissive hand. “In fact, I was just telling Mike how much I’ve missed her the past few weeks.” She looked over at her husband. “Isn’t that right, honey?”

Mike quickly agreed. “Yep. Sure is, sweetheart.”

“Well, we’ll get out of your hair. I saw some fancy car parked at the curb when we arrived. I’m sure you guys are ready to go.”

Hugs and kisses were given all around.

“Don’t hesitate to call if there’s a problem. I’ll have my phone on all night,” Linc informed them as they went out the door.

“Don’t you worry about anything. Just have fun,” was Jill’s reply and she threw him a wave once they hit the driveway.

Linc watched as Mike put Sophie’s suitcase in the trunk then they all piled in and drove off, Jill sending one last wave before they disappeared down the street.

“I miss Sophie already,” Nora said as Linc closed the door.

“I know. The house feels so empty without her in it.”

“The house feels so empty without Jill in it.” Nora said, making Linc chuckle. “Let me just grab my bag and I’ll be ready to go.”

***

A Super Bowl ring ceremony was a big deal. If Linc hadn’t figured that out already, the red carpet leading to the door of the most expensive hotel in Portland and plethora of reporters and spectators would have tipped him off.

Getting out of the sleek stretch sedan, Linc waved to cheering fans amidst an overwhelming amount of camera flashes before helping Nora to alight. Keeping hold of her hand, he led them to the back of the queue sectioned off with velvet ropes. He gave the teammate ahead of him a fist bump and nodded to his date while all around reporters jockeyed for position, getting candid shots before the more professional pictures were taken at the front of the line. Nora’s grip on his hand tightened and Linc glanced down to see her lips were set tight and her gaze was flying everywhere.

“You okay?” he whispered close to her ear.

“It’s a little overwhelming. I’ve never been to anything like this before.”

“Will it help to know reporters aren’t allowed inside?”

“Yeah that does help a little. I guess I should have realized what I was walking into when you told me it was a black-tie event. I mean, I’ve seen all the red-carpet photos of you on the internet, so I should’ve assumed this would be one too, but my brain just didn’t quite make the connection.”

“You’ve seen pictures of me at other events?” He wasn’t sure why that bothered him so much.

“Of course.”

He processed her matter-of-fact response for a second. “Do they bother you?”

She glanced up at him, a tiny furrow between her brows. “Why would they bother me?”

Linc’s jaw flexed. Oh, maybe because seeing pictures of Nora posed with other men would bother the fuck out of him? “No reason,” he grumbled.

“Look, there’s Oz and Emerson.”

She waved at someone and he turned to look behind him, seeing the couple stepping out of a car similar to the one he and Nora had arrived in. Emerson raised a hand, waving back at Nora.

Nora craned her neck up and down the line. “I don’t see Ivy. I wonder if they’re here yet.”

The line moved up and a reporter appeared before him. “Susan Berkley, FOX News, talking with Lincon Scott, the Phantoms’ wide receiver and chosen this year’s 30 under 30 one to watch. I hear congratulations are in order. Not only did you make the big play to help your team to victory, winning the Super Bowl, but you made a big play in your personal life as well.”

A microphone moved in front of his face. “Thank you and yes.”

“And this must be the lucky lady in question.”

Linc’s arm, already around Nora’s waist, pulled her in a little closer. “No, Susan, I’m the lucky one.”

The reporter chuckled, “Spoken like a true husband-to-be. What are your thoughts on your upcoming season?”

“Win or lose, I’m always excited to get back on the field.”

“Spoken like a true athlete.” She chuckled again.

The line moved up so she ended the interview. “Enjoy yourselves tonight.”

Linc nodded and a man in a suit directed him and Nora to stand in front of a large white billboard with the Phantoms’ logo printed on it. Pictures were taken then they were able to make their escape into the reception room.

“You can breathe now.”

“I’ll confess, it wasn’t as horrible as I thought it would be.” She glanced around. “This place is amazing.”

Linc had to agree. Large banquet tables decorated with elegant table settings and elaborate flower centerpieces were set up in rows in front of a small stage. Draperies and banners lined the walls. String lights and balloons covered the ceiling. And, of course, everything was done in their team colors of black and silver.

“Linc! Good to see you, man.” A teammate walked up with a smack on his shoulder and Linc introduced him to Nora.

That had been the first of many in a long round of happy greetings and introductions until one—Jay fucking Cooper—turned his mood from joyful to irritated as fast as flipping a switch.

“Nora!”

“Hi, Jay.”

“You look drop-dead gorgeous.” The fucker leaned over and kissed her on the cheek.

“Thank you. You clean up well, yourself.” Nora was all smiles which grated even further.

“Hey, Linc, you lucky dog. I hear congrats are in order.”

Linc put a protective arm around Nora’s shoulders, drawing her close. “You heard right.”

Eyes—that if he wasn’t careful Linc was going to pluck from his sockets—still on Nora, he said almost as an afterthought, “Let me introduce you to my date. Linc, Nora, this is Rachel. Rachel, Linc and his fiancée, Nora.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Nora said, holding out her hand.

Linc nodded, mumbling an incoherent, “Hey,” under his breath.

The trio chatted for a few more minutes while Linc just stood there throwing daggers until people started towards the tables.

“Looks like things are about to get started,” Linc interjected into the conversation.

They went their separate ways, but not before Jay threw a last parting remark to Nora. “Be sure to save me a dance later. You know, for old times’ sake.” Then the asshole winked.

If Linc ground his teeth any harder, he’d break a tooth. Thankfully, the tables were set up for offence and defense so there was no chance of them being tablemates.

“Everything okay?” Nora asked, once they found their seats.

“Yeah, why wouldn’t it be?”

She picked up the water glass sitting in front of her and took a sip. “You’re unusually quiet all of a sudden.”

He was saved from replying by the dimming of the lights and their head coach walking up to the podium to such loud applause it would’ve been impossible to be heard.

“I thought there was nothing going on between you and my sister.” Oz came up beside him as Linc stood on the sidelines, eagle eyes trained on Jay’s hands while he danced with Nora. The fucker had made good on his promise and no matter how much Linc despised the idea, he couldn’t demand Nora not dance with the guy and expect her to listen—regrettably.

Dinner was over and their Super Bowl rings had been delivered amid fanfare. Linc hadn’t been sure exactly what to expect but had been almost moved to tears when he’d unclasped the six-inch-squared red leather box and saw the oversized ring nestled inside. Pride and a sense of accomplishment had filled his chest when he removed the diamond and onyx encrusted ring with the team’s logo on the front and his name and number on the band and slipped it on his finger.

He pulled his eyes off the dancing couple long enough to glance over at his friend. “There’s not.”

“Could’ve fooled me.”

“The point is to fool people.”

“Yeah, but you’re taking things to the extreme. If looks could kill, Jay would be dead by now.”

“You’re being dramatic. I know they’re just dancing.”

Nora chose that moment to tip her head back and laugh and Linc’s jaw locked. If Jay lowered the hand he’d placed at the small of Nora’s back even a fraction more, teammate or no, the dude would be missing a few fingers.

He heard Oz laugh and shot him a scowl. “What?”

Oz’s expression turned sober. “You’re my best friend and she’s my sister. Even armed with that, I know I can’t stop whatever’s gonna happen. Just promise me one thing. Try not to hurt her.”

Linc sought Nora out again, finding her instantly even though she wasn’t at the same spot on the dance floor. He didn’t pull his gaze from her when he murmured, “Hurting her is the last thing I want to do.”