The last of her bathroom items just barely fit into Brooke's suitcase.  She pulled out a denim jacket which freed some room.  With the slow zipping action of the closure, reality hit like a swift punch to her gut.  She was packed, ready to leave and would now go home back to reality, to the real world.

Lincoln made it into the bedroom just as Brooke was hovered over her bag.  She was either a light packer, or was trying to rush out. The very thought made his heart twist and a funny foreign ache roll in his stomach. Hadn't she enjoyed herself just as much as him this weekend?

Brooke jolted a little as Lincoln snaked his hands around her waist in a tight embrace.  She squeezed her eyes closed as his soft lips pressed a lingering kiss on her bare shoulder.  It was deceptively sweet.  Almost like he dreaded this as much as her. A few traitorous tears trickled down her cheeks, burning the skin on their path down.  Lincoln stiffened against her back hearing the faint sniffle.

"Why are you sad?" He asked in a tight whisper, titling her face to look up at him.

With eyes still tightly closed, Brooke swallowed, suddenly finding her throat very dry.  "I don't want this to end," She confessed, her bottom lip quivering.  "But the reality is...there is no future for us outside the walls of this cabin.  It was nice while it lasted but," Her voice cracked at the bitter lie flowing from her tongue. "There is no room for me in your life."

Lincoln spun her around to face him, brows deeply wrinkled in frustration, betrayal and pain. He held Brooke steady with a firm grip on her arms.  How could she not even look at him right now?

"Look at me Brooke!" He snapped, sounding more angry that he intended.  When she still didn't, he shook her slightly.  "Look at me!"

Finally her eyelids fluttered open, pain and a flash of fear in those hazel orbs.  Guilt ran an icy river of cold through Lincoln's veins.  He loosened his grip enough to erase the fear but not enough to let Brooke escape.

"Where is this coming from, Brooke?" His voice cracked through the husky whisper.

Biting her lower lip, Brooke contemplated revealing the truth of her fears. Did she dare lay herself completely bare to this man? The man who had awakened something in her and would leave her lost once they parted?

"Maybe..." Her voice came so soft, he almost didn't hear her words.  "Maybe this was  meant to only be a weekend."  Lincoln released her as if her skin scorched him.  The angry, pain filled expression on his handsome face almost made her regret the bitter sounding words. "Our lives are too different, Lincoln! Yours is in San Diego! Mine is in LA!"

Turning his back to her, Lincoln raked his fingers angrily through his hair causing random parts to stick up rebelliously.  He rested his hands on his hips, head hanging low toward the ground. 

"Don't you want this to work?" He hissed, again his tone sounded more poisonous than hurt like he was truly feeling.

"I don't see how it could," She replied weakly, arms around her middle hugging herself.

Lincoln sighed, ideas, proposals, plans racing through his mind.  "I visit LA regularly both for work and to see my family.  Only part of my life is in San Diego."

"I'm so busy with work," Brooke defended, her voice shaking.  "Long nights grading, lesson planning, events on the weekends sometimes during weeknights, too.  My time is not solely my own."

Spinning to face her, Lincoln's vibrant green eyes were wild with possibilities.  "I'm always working nights, too!  You could grade and plan while I research and type statements!"

"That's how you want to live a life with me?" Now Brooke was angry.  "Sitting separately but in the same room, lost in our computers and never actually speaking?  I want and deserve more than that!  So do you! I want what happened this weekend to continue!"

"We wouldn't be separate!" He defended, taking a step toward Brooke only to have her step backwards.

"That is what you just described."  Brooke held up a hand in warning to keep his distance.  "To be together but more focused on devices and work than each other.  This is why it would never work no matter how much either of us may want it to!  We shared an amazing weekend that I will never forget but...that's all it was."

"This was more than just the weekend for me, too, Brooke!" Lincoln shouted, arms thrown upward causing Brooke to flinch.

Tears flowed freely at a renewed frequency from eyes wide with shock in response to his obvious anger. She couldn't help it. The returning fear of Dorian when he would get angry came rushing back like a tsunami as if it happened just yesterday.

Silence reigned between them for several heartbeats, both frozen amongst unspoken words.  Lincoln's entire body slowly relaxed while Brooke remained iced in fear. Slowly it dawned on him.  The revelation became clear from the pain flashing in those hazel depths that Brooke was doing what she always felt had to be done.  She was protecting herself. An automatic defense to prevent getting hurt again.

Lincoln took a cold step forward while Brooke took a step back.  Her breath shuddered, eyes pressing closed as she tried to stifle her sobs by clamping a hand over her mouth. With each step he advanced, Brooke retreated until her back hit the wall.

"You don't really believe all that, do you?" He asked sweetly, barely above a whisper.

"Over time," Brooke shook her head.  "You will resent me for working so much. The chemistry will fade and...you will leave me for someone else. Someone prettier, thinner and more available."

With a frustrated growl, Lincoln stepped forward closing the distance. He ignored Brooke's gasp, wide eyes and cupped her cheeks in his warm hands. His forehead leaned against hers until he could steady his raging heart. Finally, he leaned back just enough to hold her gaze.

"I...am not. Your ex," He ground out, green eyes on fire with sincerity so deep in brought on more sobs from Brooke. "I want you, Brooke.  Just as you are, all of you and only you."

Only you.

Desperate to stop the onslaught of her tears, Lincoln tilted his head and lunged.  Their lips crashed in an eager, hungry kiss. Hands tugging and groping wherever they could reach. He decided to show her exactly how special she was, how she had eased into his heart and made him feel like he belonged somewhere.  She challenged him, matched him and excited him like none other.

Brooke clung to him, raking her fingers through the thick, silky waves of hair on his neck. Lincoln's fingers roamed down her stomach, deftly gathering the skirt of her dress around her hips before cupping between her legs. His other warm hand slipped around her waist to pull her hips forward.

Flush against him, Brooke could feel his hardness at her belly.  She sucked in a sharp breath, shuddering against Lincoln's firm chest then leaned back against the wall as his finger pushed in, grazing her bud with each deliberate slip into her heat.  Brooke tugged at his hair like an anchor, the other hand gripping Lincoln's wrist to urge his hand on.

Soft, warm lips sucked and kissed hungrily at her neck, a strong arm roaming down cupping and massaging a lower globe in his large hand while another finger joined the first, now moving faster.

The tightness in her belly began to grow quickly as Brooke's body succumbed to Lincoln's touch without any hesitation. With Brooke's breathing growing more rapid and ragged, Lincoln could tell she was close.  His lips dragged upward along her neck and pulse toward her ear lobe and nipped at the sensitive flesh.

"That's it, baby," Lincoln crooned against her neck, driving his fingers harder as her walls tightened around him. "Do you want more?"

Hazel eyes darkened with desire flew open, hypnotized by the flood of sensations he was the cause of.  Silently, her hands grabbed for his shirt, yanking it upward and off then went for his belt, tugging it loose then undid the button and zipper of his pants.

"Yes," She growled, her own voice foreign in her ears.

Dark brows raised at her boldness while a smirk tugged at the corner of Lincoln's lips. He wasn't going to stop her.  With a groan, Lincoln rolled his eyes closed feeling Brooke stroke his already throbbing shaft.  Once he recomposed himself, he reached under her dress and pushed her panties down.  Brooke stepped out of them when they pooled at her ankles. Crushing his lips to hers with a guttural moan, Lincoln reached down and grabbed her ass, hoisting her upward using the wall as a brace.

Instinctively Brooke wrapped her legs around his waist, arms draped around his neck as their tongue dueled. Through heavy breaths and passionate smacking of lips, Lincoln found her center and at a teasingly slow tempo, lowered Brooke onto his length.

She gasped, rolling her head back as he stretched her again through the tenderness.  Lincoln pressed his forehead to her neck while he stretched her to the hilt. In even, slow pumps, he withdrew then pressed into her heat.

The tempo Lincoln consistently held was deliberate, heavy and rough.  Nothing like anything else through the weekend.  With each slam he wanted to send his passion, desire and complete belonging he felt when with her.  Casting away any doubts of how it would work for them.

For Brooke, two words rang into her mind like a broken record sending fresh tears streaming down her cheeks.  Just you. Then three more, you and me.  That would never be possible. With each measured thrust, Lincoln cracked her heart a little more.  She realized he didn't want to share her. So how could he share Brooke even with Melody?

When she tried to explain, he wouldn't let her.  Now was no longer an appropriate time.  If she told Lincoln about Melody now, how would she know he stayed with her out of genuine, strong feelings or pity that she had a child?

So in this passionate display, this conquering, this hasty joining, Brooke allowed herself to get lost.  To succumb to the renewed realization that she was desirable, could be wanted and was worthy.  If only every piece of her would be accepted. Was this still worth the risk? A quiet voice inside her whispered, Yes.  If only her head would listen.

Between feverish kisses, Brooke felt the hot breath of Lincoln's husky groans of pleasure fan past her ear.  Her own symphony of oohh's and aahh's mixed harmoniously with his. Lincoln gripped her bottom firmly in both hands and lifted her off the wall.  Brooke's hold around his neck tightened as she nuzzled her cheek against his.  Guiding her hips to rock into him, Lincoln carried her the short distance to the bed and tumbled with her.

Lincoln cupped her cheek as he rolled his hips in a much softer rhythm.  Their eyes locked, both alight with the same desire burning deep inside them like a raging, uncontrollable inferno. Brooke slid her hands over his shoulders, down his sides and held at his waist. She could feel the delicious tightening and flexing of his chiseled muscles with each intense, rhythmic rock of his hips.

"Can you feel it?" Lincoln questioned breathlessly.  Brows knitted together, one hand reached for her wrist, bringing her palm to his lips.  "How good this is?"

Nodding her instant reply, Brooke smiled and breathily replied, "Yes... I do feel it."

Now entwining his fingers with hers, Lincoln pinned that arm beside Brooke's head as his thrusts gained strength again. The desire for release became a strong need inside his body.  Judging by the vice like tightening of her walls, Brooke needed it, too. 

"We fit perfectly," "Lincoln groaned in a soft, husky whisper hovering above her lips.  

"Yes!" Brooke moaned, rocking her hips upward to meet his.

He pumped harder, guiding the front of her dress down to massage a heavy globe.  Lower his head, he drew the taut peak into his warm mouth, sucking as the tip pebbled.

Brooke arched against him, moaning his name in rising pitch as her body seemed to implode, shattering around him.  His hips slowed, grazing her bud with each pass to drag out her climax until her body trembled in the aftermath.  The clenching of her walls dragged him over the ledge of ecstasy exploding his essence into her core.

Reluctantly, Lincoln separated them but collapsed beside her on the bed, propping himself up on an elbow. Brooke whimpered at the loss, pouting at how empty, how lonely, she felt disconnected from him. She leaned back into the bed, now with a giddy grin spread across her lips as Lincoln's hand rubbed gentle circles over her bare thigh.

"Lincoln," She sighed, raking her fingers through his hair while he shifted to rest his cheek on her heaving breasts.

Two lines of tears had wet her face and the sight tugged at his heart.  Cupping her cheek, Lincoln made sure she was listening and remembered each word.

"Brooke," He exhaled, his voice firm to keep her attention.  "I will always want you.  Nothing will change that."

"Time will tell if your mind changes," She replied softly, her voice cracking as she laid a hand on his neck.  The pulse hammered like a hummingbird's wings against her palm. Lincoln's brows furrowed deeply.  "Nothing will change that I will always want you, too."

Lincoln parted his lips to say something but a ding from his pants in a crumpled pile on the floor distracted him.  He groaned and buried his face in her chest, peppering kisses along her cleavage.

"Is that Trenton?" Brooke inquired softly, her voice tight from moaning but also sadness.

"Yeah," Lincoln exhaled, reluctantly pushing himself up then glancing at the text.  "He went to get gas and stuff. Now he's out front. Tow truck on its way."

"Oh," she mumbled, cheeks heating with embarrassment as she scooted off the bed to right herself.

Silence lingered while they both redressed.  So many unspoken words hovered in the air but neither chose to voice them.  Instead, once dressed, Brooke slipped on the denim jacket and flats she set aside then zipped up her suitcase.  When she went to lift it, a larger, warm hand reached for it at the same time.

"Let me, please?" Lincoln asked softly.  Brooke nodded giving a small smile. She closed her eyes as Lincoln placed a long kiss at her temple.  With his free arm around her waist, they both left the bedroom heading for the foyer of the cabin.

Trenton was out front waiting patiently as he leaned against the back of Brooke's car now parked in front of the cabin.  The garage as open, trunk open and the groceries were already loaded. All that was left was her suitcase, purse and herself.

"I found the keys next to your purse," Trenton explained.  "Everything packed that was out is in the car.  I figured you'd want to start heading back as soon as possible."

He sent her a pointed look, brows furrowed and sending a silent message Brooke read loud and clear.  Melody had been worried, too and was anxious for her mom to get home. The silent exchange didn't go unnoticed by Lincoln.  He simply chose to not interject at this moment.

"What time is the tow truck coming?" Lincoln asked, breaking Trenton from his stare on Brooke.

"Half an hour," He replied coolly.  "Clean up workers are down around the bend.  They will help clear this tree so your car is accessible."

The soft ding of beeping from work trucks faintly hit Brooke's ears, reminding her they were no longer solely alone. A heavy lump settled in her throat making it difficult to swallow.  Her breaths sped slightly along with her heart rate.  She didn't want this to be over so soon.

Both men noticed her steadily rising panic and Trenton pushed off the car to come to her aid but Lincoln turned toward Brooke first. Their mutual friend's eyes flicked between the two, noticing something that wasn't there before and decided to simply take Brooke's bag and conveniently carried it to the trunk.

Now wrapped in Lincoln's warm, comforting embrace, Brooke squeeze her eyes tightly shut to force the tears back into the traitorous ducts. He gently stroked her back with one hand, the other pressing her body flush to his.  How perfectly she fit under him made Lincoln smile.  Her head came just up to under his chin.

The rapid beating of his heart thumped in her ears just as fast as her own.  Was he reluctant for this to end, too?  Did she dare sink into the belief that he wanted, truly wanted to make this work? The gentle, affectionate lingering kisses he left on top of her head were chiseling away the doubt caging in her heart.

"I have a court case that will be consuming my time for the next few weeks," Lincoln whispered into her hair. "Our court date is at the end of the month.  Unless the other party accepts the deal I have offered on behalf of my client, which would take a miracle, the case could drag out."

"It's ok," Brooke choked out.  "I have assessments and theme changes for my classroom coming up. I'll be busy too."

Now cupping her cheeks in both of his warm hands, Lincoln tilted her face up to look at him.  She kept her arms tightly wrapped around his waist.  "I'll be back in LA the next three day weekend," He stated firmly, making a pointed vow.  "We are going out on a proper date."

"That's a month from now," Brooke pouted briefly then drew her lower lip between her teeth. Anything could happen in a month apart.

Drawing her back into his chest, Lincoln closed his eyes and kissed the top of her head. She felt the rapid beating of his heart as he sighed heavily. 

"I know but this case has been in the works for most of the last year," He explained, hoping she'd understand he would come sooner if at all possible.  "We are meeting again this week to propose another deal.  They have rejected each one so far."

Brooke nodded her understanding.  She couldn't stand in the way of his career. If this were to work, however miniscule those chances were, she would have to be supportive of his career just as Brooke expected him to support hers.

"I understand," She whispered, turning her head to kiss the center of his chest. 

Lincoln released another sigh, eyes still pressed closed as he allowed the tingles from her kiss to spread through his chest. "I have your number," He smirked, chortling softly as he peppered kisses down her temple to her ear. "I promise to call you when I'm alone in my office and pretend you're on my desk."

Gasping in playful shock, Brooke leaned back and lightly smacked his bicep.  The deep blush of her cheeks had Lincoln grinning and wiggling his eyebrows. "You behave!" She scolded in a harsh yet teasing whisper.  "Trenton is right over there!"

With a chuckle and an eye roll, Lincoln waved off the nearness of their friend.  "I've heard worse from him in college," Trenton quipped.

"I don't need to hear this!" Brooke clapped her hands over her ears bringing a full chuckle from Lincoln.

"Alright, alright," He laughed, gently easing her hands down and kissing both knuckles. "I'll miss holding you at night.  Don't get lonely for me sleeping alone," He winked, lightly rubbing his knuckles over her cheek.

Brooke's lips spread into a wide grin, slowly shaking her head.  "I never sleep alone."

Frowning down at her, Lincoln's hold on her wrist tightened as he cupped her cheek.  When he was about to question, Brooke laid her index finger over his lips to silence him.

"Lincoln," She giggled then cleared her throat because of his serious looking frown.  "I have two cats," She lost it then as his eyebrows rose high in surprise.  "They sleep on my bed pretty much every night."

The glare he shot her was absolutely adorable to Brooke.  "So I have four competitors for your affection and attention?" He asked with a quirked eyebrow.   Brooke tilted her head in confusion.  Lincoln smirked as he counted each one, naming them off.  "Ben, Jerry and two cats."

She shook her head as the laughter settled, cupping his cheeks in her creamy, soft hands.  "They don't compare to you."

The wide smile and sparkle in his emerald orbs at hearing those words melted Brooke's heart.  It was the truth. No one would ever compare to the way Lincoln made her feel loved, cherished and desirable all at once making her stomach flip while being alight with flutters.

Tilting his head as he leaned down, Lincoln parted his lips and eased them onto Brooke's.  He simply held them there at first then parted further only to close around her lower lip, massaging the petal soft flesh in his.  Brooke melted into this tender kiss, her hands draping over his shoulders to lightly stroke his hair with her fingertips.

When his tongue licked at her seam, Brooke parted her lips in welcome to his warm tongue, letting her own swirl with his. From there, the kiss only grew more intense, more urgent as their tongues dueled, lips captured, teased a release then lunged again.

Lincoln wrapped his arms around Brooke's waist, sprawling his fingers across the curves of her back and pulling her firmly onto his front. This would be the last kiss and moment to hold her until his case was settled.

Reluctantly they both separated to catch their breaths.  Pressing their foreheads together, they panted lightly for a steady stream of air.  Brooke was the first to pull back, hazel lifting to lock onto emerald.  She had to get home to Melody. Her heart truly felt like it was being tugged in two opposite directions.

"Drive safely," She whispered, her voice failing as she stepped backwards away from Lincoln's warmth.

"You too," He responded softly letting his hands release her then heavily drop to his side.

Brooke stepped around him as Lincoln opened her driver's side door, waiting until she was in completely before he closed it.  She started the engine then rolled down her window. Her cell phone was plugged in next then she looked up into the handsome face of the man who had so drastically altered her life.

"Call or at least text me when you get home," Lincoln requested.

Brooke nodded and smiled warmly at him.  "You too, please."

With that agreement, Brooke shifted into drive and guided her car out of the driveway.  Lincoln shoved his fists into his pockets and watched her drive away.  It was the hardest thing he had ever had to do and his heart thudded violently in protest.

Bravery stuck with Brooke until she was almost out of the driveway.  That's when the tears finally fell.  She let them slide down her cheeks until the village.  Brooke had to pull herself together long enough to call Melody and Leena to let them know she had left and would be home soon.

The clock read just a few minutes after 10:00 a.m.  Brooke would be home by lunch if traffic was clear. After selecting Leena's number, she hit send then set the call to speaker.

The sweetest little voice answered cheerily.  "Hi, Momma!"

"Hi, sweetie!" Brooke chimed back, smiling wide at the sound of her daughters voice.  "I'm on my way home!"

"Yay!" Melody cheered, repeating the news to Leena in the background.  "I've missed you, Momma!"

"I've missed you too, honey," Brooke replied.  "I'll be home soon."

Figured out how to post on my iPad lol

They are gonna try to make it work!

Enjoy,  vote and comment!

❤️