Rush (Eligible Receivers #3)

Chapter Eighteen

“Hey, lady, what are you doing tonight?” Ivy asked when Nora answered her phone on Wednesday morning.

“I don’t have anything special planned. Why?”

“Emerson and I were just talking and decided it’s been way too long since we’ve had a girls’ night. Are you in?”

“Sure. What did you have in mind?” She’d have to veto another night of drinking and dancing. Linc would not like that.

“We thought we’d see that new Matt Damon movie. Don’t tell Oz, but Emerson’s got a thing for him.”

Nora chuckled. “My lips are sealed. And that sounds like fun. Count me in.”

“We’ll pick you up at five.”

“Okay, see you then.”

She hung up and texted Linc to tell him her plans and got a thumbs up emoji in response.

Setting her phone on the coffee table, she turned to Sophie who sat, coloring on the couch. “Well, munchkin, what shall we do today?”

***

Nora stepped out into the fading light of early evening, soaking up the residual heat of the day. After spending almost two hours in the air-conditioned movie theater, she was chilled to the bone. Why did they keep those suckers so cold?

“That was such a good movie and Matt Damon totally kicked bad-guy ass. I was hot.” That, of course, was Emerson’s remark as they stood on the sidewalk outside the theater.

“I’ll admit,” Nora replied, “He wasn’t on my radar before this movie, but I have a small crush now too.”

“Hey, back off. He’s all mine.”

Everyone laughed, including Ivy who then looked down at her phone. “It’s only eight. Shall we grab a bite to eat?”

“I could do with something that has more substance than popcorn,” Emerson said, on board with the plan. “Can we stop by the pub first though? There’s something I forgot to grab this afternoon before I left.”

“We can do that.” Ivy turned to her. “Nora?”

Nora thought about the peanut M&M’s she’d consumed. While they did have protein, dinner they did not make. “I’m game.”

They all piled into Ivy’s sporty SUV.

“What do you guys feel like eating?”

“Mexican?” Emerson suggested.

Yum, her favorite. “I second that,” Nora piped from the back seat.

“We can try that new place on Alder,” Ivy suggested.

That decided, Ivy hit the road and it wasn’t long until they were pulling into the parking lot for The Parting Glass.

“Do you guys want to come in?” Emerson asked, putting away her phone after texting someone.

“Sure.” Ivy turned off the ignition and unclipped her seatbelt.

They both opened their doors and got out.

“You coming, Nora?” Emerson asked, poking her head back in the door before closing it.

“I think I’ll just wait here.” If she had the choice to be lazy, she’d take it every time.

“Oh, come on,” Ivy coaxed. “You don’t want to wait out here all by yourself.”

She really didn’t mind but giving into peer pressure, she undid her seatbelt and got out of the car.

They reached the front door and Emerson pulled it open, ushering Nora in first.

“Surprise!”

The multi-voice shout startled her so much, Nora took a step back, hand flying to her chest. It took her a few seconds to process what was happening, but then she burst out laughing. “Oh, my god. I wasn’t expecting this at all.”

Her eyes landed on Linc as he stepped out of the group wearing a huge grin. “Were you surprised?”

She wrapped her arms around his waist, burying her face in his chest, a little embarrassed by all the attention now that the initial adrenaline had faded. His arms came around her, squeezing tight as people crowded her all wishing her a happy birthday.

“No one’s ever thrown me a surprise party before.”

Oz stepped forward drawing her in for a hug. “Happy birthday, baby sis.”

Though it wasn’t officially her birthday until the next day, she soaked up the festivities just the same.

“My turn now.” Jay stepped forward.

Her eyes flew to Linc. Though his lips were pressed flat, she saw his barely discernible nod just before Jay pulled her in for a hug.

“Happy birthday, Nora.”

“Thanks, Jay.” She ended the hug quickly then scanned the rest of the faces that surrounded her.

She was surprised by the turn out. Her brother and Colt and of course Emerson and Ivy were there, but also several members of Linc’s team with their girlfriends and/or spouses whom she’d met at the ring ceremony. No other patrons filled seats and it was then Nora realized Emerson had closed the place down for her party.

A lump filled her throat as tears welled in her eyes.

As if he’d been watching her closely, an arm materialized around her shoulders and Linc led her away from the cluster of people.

“Why the tears, baby?” He asked softly so only she would hear.

She swallowed, trying to find her voice. “It’s a little overwhelming.” His brow drew into a frown and she quickly added, “In a good way. These are happy tears.” The line between his eyes vanished and he brought her against his chest. “All these people who barely know me, and Emerson closed the restaurant just for me.”

“Everyone’s here because they like you and Emerson closed because she loves you.”

A sense of belonging filled her and for the first time since coming to Portland, it didn’t feel like she was just a visitor. Here with her new friends and family, it felt like home.

She did notice one little person was missing though. “Where’s Sophie?”

“I knew it would be a late night, so I asked Jill and Mike to watch her. We’ll celebrate with her tomorrow on your true birthday.”

She gave him a squeeze around the waist. “I’d like that.”

Perfect started playing on the jukebox.

“Oh, I love this song,” Nora gushed.

“Dance with me.” It wasn’t a question. Not that it had to be, as she would never say no to Linc.

He led her to an empty space where the tables and chairs had been pushed aside, creating a makeshift dance floor, and took her into his arms. Soon she was dizzy and she wasn’t sure if it was from the spinning or the man.

But she had a feeling it was most likely the man.

After everyone had their fill of dancing, Emerson slid into the booth beside Nora where she sat watching the guys playing pool. “So, I couldn’t help but notice there’ve been no reporters around to report on the happy couple, yet it still seems Linc can’t keep his hands off you. What’s that about?” Emerson raised her brows with a knowing grin.

Nora felt her cheeks heat and looked around to make sure no one was close enough to overhear their conversation before divulging, “Our relationship status may have changed from fake to real.”

“I knew it!” Emerson exclaimed in a loud whisper, scooting closer to Nora in the u-shaped booth and lowered her voice conspiratorially. “When did it happen?”

“The night of the ring ceremony. Jay dancing with me prompted Linc to make a move. He said he didn’t like that other guys had the right to touch me and he had no say in the matter.”

“Very romantic. In a caveman way, of course.”

Nora smiled, having had the same thought. She lifted a shoulder. “His jealousy doesn’t bother me so long as it doesn’t get too out of hand. I wouldn’t want him to micro-manage my every move.”

“Linc wouldn’t do that.” She paused as if in thought before amending, “Although, I’ve never seen him serious about anyone before you so I could be wrong.”

Nora frowned. “Do you think I need to worry?”

Emerson waved a hand. “No. Linc’s too easy going to be that controlling.”

Feeling closer to her sister-in-law than ever before, Nora admitted, “I have a confession.”

Sensing the mood had turned more serious, Emerson reached for Nora’s hand. “You know you can tell me anything.”

“I’m not knocking myself but, Linc has been with so many beautiful women—models and actresses, and I’m so ordinary. It makes me wonder what he sees in me and how long our relationship will last.” She felt tears fill her eyes and blinked them back. “I’m worried because I’m falling for him and I’m scared he’s going to break my heart.”

Emerson squeezed her hand. “There are no guarantees in life, especially when it comes to relationships and love. I can’t tell you what to do, but I do believe when you find that special someone, you not only know it here,” she patted her heart, “but here,” she tapped her head. “So, when that happens, listen.”

Understanding, Nora nodded. “Thank you.”

“And, Nora?”

“Yeah?”

“You’re far from ordinary. Don’t ever forget that.”

Nora looked into her sister-in-law’s sincere eyes, warmth filling her. “I won’t. You’re pretty special yourself. Oz is a lucky guy.”

Emerson winked. “Don’t I know it. Not only do I fill his soul, but I fill his belly too.”

As if on cue, Nora heard Oz’s booming voice right before he came into view. “Where’s the birthday girl? I’m ready for some cake.”

Nora and Emerson shared a look then burst out laughing.