This Time, Forever by Pamela Britton Read Free Book Online Page A

should get some shut-eye,” Linc said.
    They did not have to leave early, but Marley wasn’t about to argue the point. Obviously, Linc really hadcome to the realization that Sharon was doing her best to attract his interest and was trying to put a stop to things.
    â€œI should head upstairs, too,” Marley said.
    There was nothing Sharon could say to that, at least not without sounding rude, and so Marley found herself standing, her upper body wobbling a bit. Linc came around and steadied her with his hand.
    â€œEasy there,” Linc said. “Your brother will have my hide if I let something happen to you.”
    Sharon’s eyes widened at the familiarity of the gesture, so much so that Marley found herself saying, “Linc’s like a big brother to me,” as they walked out. “I’ve known him since I was a teenager.”
    â€œReally?” Sharon asked, seeming a bit appeased by the explanation.
    â€œIn fact, I used to have the biggest crush on him.” She opened her arms wide, nearly clocking Linc in the nose. “Ooo. Sorry,” she said.
    They were in the main lobby now. Linc had to steady her again when they came to a stop.
    â€œI’ll just bet you did,” Sharon said, eyeing the two of them together.
    â€œBut he rejected me and I got mad.” It was one of those moments when you know you’ve had too much to drink, but you can’t help saying the first thing that pops into your mind. “So I set his race car on fire.”
    â€œYou did what?” Sharon cried.
    Marley nodded, swaying a bit. She knew she would hear about this later, but hoped Sharon wouldn’t think any less of Double S Racing when the head of sponsor relations was clearly tipsy.
    Oh, well.
    â€œYup,” she said. “Threw a shop rag inside and lit it on fire.”
    â€œYou’re kidding,” Sharon said, sounding more and more horrified.
    â€œI didn’t mean to catch the whole thing on fire,” she said. “I just wanted to scorch Linc’s custom race seat.”
    â€œBut one of the techs had just used degreaser to clean off the interior,” Linc provided.
    â€œOh, no,” Sharon said.
    â€œIt, too, caught on fire,” Marley admitted.
    â€œBefore we knew it, the whole car went up in flames,” Linc said. “ Not one of my best moments,” Marley said.
    â€œI bet not,” Sharon said, appearing genuinely amused.
    â€œShe was a major pain in my rear when she was younger.”
    Was it the champagne she had ingested, or was that a look of tenderness in Linc’s eyes. No way. She was definitely imagining it.
    â€œAnyway,” Linc said. “I always try to keep an eye out for her.”
    â€œHow sweet,” Sharon said, but it was obvious she didn’t really think that. She looked at Marley as more of an imposition, Marley could tell.
    â€œHe is, isn’t he?” Marley said, painting a look of adoration on her face.
    â€œI guess we’ll find out,” Sharon said, suddenly all business. “Thank you for joining me for dinner,” she said to Marley. “Linc, we look forward to working with you.”
    â€œSame here,” Linc said.
    And then they were alone.
    â€œCome on,” Linc said. “Let’s get you to your room.”
    But when he turned away, Marley was struck by the notion that she didn’t want this night to end and, even more shockingly, that yet again her crush had come back—full force, and that she was just tipsy enough to act on it.
    â€œOh, dear,” she heard herself mutter.

CHAPTER FIVE
    L INC KNEW she was tipsy. “What?” he asked. “Are you going to be sick?”
    She shook her head, but on her face was a look of horror akin to someone who’d just seen an apparition. “I’m fine,” she said softly.
    â€œUh-huh,” he said, hooking his arm through hers so he could lead her past the registration