Say It

Chapter 6: Flashback

The night has been a blast so far. Lincoln is hilarious, a bit of a flirt, but he seems like a genuine person. But I'm getting tired. A week of work and nightmares have worn me down. "Hey, you still want to be out?"I ask Claud.

"I do, why? You ready to go?"

"Yeah, but it's not a big deal. We can stay out a little longer. No biggie." She shakes her head

"No, let's go home. We can rent a movie and hang out until we're ready to go to bed." She turns to the guys who are having their own little conversation. "Hey guys. We're gonna head out."

They stop talking and look over. Lincoln's eyes fall on me. "Really?"

Then Ryder asks, "Yeah, really?"

Claudia snakes her arm around my shoulder and pulls me a little close like she's protecting me from the big bad boys. "sorry guys, but my girl is tired." She shrugs a little, giving them a half smile.

"Well, if you want to stay, I can take her home." I begin to protest but he stops me. "I don't mind really. I'm honestly getting a little tired and I didn't really want to be out tonight. I also know Ryder isn't ready to leave because his boring ass never leaves the house." Ryder pushes his arm, chuckling lowly.

I look over at Claudia like I'm asking for permission. I'm not sure if I want her to say yes or no. "It's up to you, babe."

I think for a moment. It couldn't hurt anything. It's just a ride home. Why not?

"That'd be great actually. Claudia isn't ready to go, so I don't want to end her night." as he stands to go pay for the drinks that have already been ordered, I turn back to claudia. "You okay with that?"

"Girl yes. I'll kick some ass if I need to. Go home and get some rest." She leans in closer to whisper in my ear. "If you have any nightmares, call me and I'll come running. Okay?" I nod at her and slide out of the booth, grabbing my things and pulling on my flannel. Lincoln and I say goodbye and walk out to his car.

"Of course you drive a 5series BMW." He looks amused by my knowledge of his car. "What?" he just shakes his head.

"You know cars?" Oh, right. I almost forgot, I'm a woman. We don't know anything about cars.

"Not really. I know more than most women, but not enough for it to really be impressive." I shrug a little and turn back to his candy red beauty. "V6? Turbocharged?"

"V8 and yes." he says with a knowing smirk.

"Damn, usually I'm right."

"You were." I look at him clearly confused. "I had it swapped with a V8."

"Why would you do that? The smaller motor can't keep up with that engine. It's going to blow eventually and you won't just be replacing the motor. You have to replace timing, new pistons, new oil pans, new oil reservoir and probably replace the engine you just changed. Plus, new tires all the time." I shake my head slightly. "You also waste gas. It was probably a dumb move."

"I changed the motor when I changed the engine because I already knew that. I take it to get check ups when I change the oil every three months just to make sure. And new tires are nothing." Hes staring at me now laughing and shaking his head. "Damn. I like it that why I did it."

"You really just don't give a damn about what anyone thinks. You say what's on your mind." he pauses. "I don't even think you think before the words leave your beautiful lips."

I look away to hide the blush of red spreading across my face. "Is that a problem?"

"Hell no. It's refreshing." My eyes snap to his. He's telling the truth. "Everyone is always walking on," He runs his perfectly toned hand threw his hair and takes a deep breath. "Most people keep the truth to themselves, except my mom."

"Eggshells..I get it."

Lincolns POV:

I don't understand why anyone would need to walk on eggshells around her. She seems so honest and confident. What had to happen for her to feel this way?

"I'm honest. I always have been. I don't see the point in lying or keeping things hidden. When you have something or someone great, why risk ruining it because you can't tell the truth? I mean, even if the truth isn't great, a lie is never the answer." she shrugs slightly.

This woman pulls at every fiber in my body. She's so much like me, but stronger, smarter. I can't stay away from her. I know that now. I knew that from the beginning. I don't want to admit it because I've always said I would never settle down. I didn't want to marry or have kids, but I can see all that changing with her and its scary. I'd throw that out the window if she'd give me a chance. But I know once the truth comes out, she'll run for the hills.

"You're incredible." Shes looking down, shaking her head. Clearly trying to hide the blush creeping up her face. "You are incredible." I say again and step closer her. "You're sexy." I gently lift her face by her chin."You're smart." I can see her chest rising and falling fast. "and you are," I lean down closer. My eyes flicking between her lips and eyes looking for any hesitation. "so damn stubborn."

In one sudden movement, I devour her sweet lips. To my pleasant surprise, her tongue sweeps across my bottom lip begging for entrance, which I graciously grant. Our tongues in a battle for dominance. Finally, she gives in, allowing my tongue to take control. I slightly suck on her tongue, causing a sweet moan to escape into my mouth. My right hand firmly holding her face. My left roaming from her hip to her lowerback, resting just between her lowerback and ass. Hers gripping my shirt for stability.

As we begin to pull apart, she bites down on my lower lip before lowering flat on her feet. She rest her head on my chest, still gripping my shirt. My arms hang loosely around her waist, resting on her broad hips. I can't help the smile on my face.

"That was.." she begins, but seems not to know how to finish the sentence.

"Perfect." I say. She doesn't say anything or move for a minute. Finally, and thankfully, she nods her head.

"Yes." I kiss the top of her head before pulling away and opening the car door for her.

The ride home was spent in silence, but not awkward. She told me where she lives when we got in the car. I knew where to go because El went to Gregory and Miyla goes there now. As we pull in, I realize Jason lives here also. We helped him move in a few years ago.

"Is this how you met Jason or Gregory?" I ask, remembering Claudia mentioning working there tonight.

"This is. He and Claudia were at the gym and he went over to hit on her. They started talking and that's how they figured out they work together." She points over to a certain building. "He's a good guy right?"

"Oh yeah, he's great. He was adopted when he was very young. His adoptive parents are friends with mine, which is how we know each other. They'e very kind people. Always giving back to others. They once told my parents "We have all this money, more than we need, so why not give to others who don't."" I pull into a spot and put the car in park. "And Jason takes after them. every month he goes to GHP and buys a bunch of books in different age groups and gives to schools and orphanages. GHP also has a toy drive every Christmas and a food drive every month and he always spends hundreds to donate to those things."

Jason really is a great guy. He's smart as hell and any woman would be lucky to end up with him, but damn I hope that is not why she's asking.

She nods soaking in the things I've just told her. "Wow, that amazing." I nod in return.

"Well, Cassie. I hope you have a wonderful rest of your evening." I say to her.Truth is, I want her to invite me in and tell me to stay with her, but I don't think she's ready for that and I'm not the one to push. She looks a little disappointed.

"You don't want to come in?"

"More than you know, but I'm afraid if I go in I won't be able to control myself." Her lips form a little 'O' on realizing what I was telling her. "I'm not the kind to push and I don't want to make you uncomfortable or take advantage of you."

She genuinely smiles at me, looking at her lap for a moment thinking about what to say next. "That's very kind and considerate of you, but nothing will happen that I don't want to happen. You won't be taking advantage because nothing is going to happen." She shrugs slightly. She opens the door and begins to climb out. "At least walk me to the door?"

"Yes ma'am." I quickly climb out, running to her side and extending my arm for her to hold on to and walk her to the door.

"I really had a great evening with you, Cassie."

"Me too." She reaches in her pocket to pull out a key, unlocking the door and swinging it open. Her wonderful scent spilling from the apartment into my nose. "Maybe we can hang out more this weekend?" Although she's suggesting it, she's asking. Afraid I'll turn her down.

"That would be great."

"Awesome.Tomorrow?" I nod and smile down at her. I softly caress her face and kiss her sweet lips for the second time.

"I'll see you tomorrow, sweet Cassie." She curtly nods going through the door as I walk to my car.

Cassies POV:

Once I close the door, I slide down to the floor. A huge smile plastered on my face. My heart is still pounding inside my chest. That kiss. Those kisses. I know at first it was just an attraction, but now, I can really see myself falling for his personality. He's so smart, he's kind, very funny. I know there's more to him than that pretty face, but I haven't figured it out yet. I don't even know what he does for a living yet. I'll have to remember to do that tomorrow. I'll text- s**t! I don't have his number. I'll text Claudia real quick.

*Me: Hey, are you still with Ryder?* She finally text back after a couple of minutes.

*Claud: yeah. Whats up?*

*Me: Ask him for Lincoln's number. We are going out tomorrow and I forgot to ask for it.*

She sends me a gif of someone wiggling their eyebrows. *Claud: You are so telling me more when I get home.*

I don't respond, waiting for her to send me his number. Finally, after about 5 minutes, she sends it to me.

I walk around the living room and kitchen just thinking of something clever to send to him. Do I send a flirty gif? Do I send an emoji? Something witty? Oh, I don't know. I don't flirt. I haven't even flirted this far with him, but he thinks I'm sexy.

"AHHHH. Why is this so hard?" Suddenly my phone starts ringing, scaring me. Dad.

"J.C. My baby girl. How are you doing?" It's so good to hear his voice. I havn't really talked to him much this week, other than a few text here and there. He was always able to know when I had nightmares or when something was bothering me.

"Dad, I miss you. I'm good though."

"Awh, I miss you. How was work?"

"It was fantastic, dad. I really love it. The people are nice. Well, I haven't met the boss yet, but everyone else has been." I clear my throat for a moment. "They only gave me three manuscripts this week; I guess to try me out. Of course I had them all finished by Wednesday, then the boss was so impressed, he let me leave early. Well, his assistant did."

"Thats great." He says. There's something behind his voice; fear maybe, but it doesn't sounds like my dad.

"What's going on?" The line still silent and I can hear my heart beginning to pound. "Dad, spit it out. What?!" He lets out a deep sigh and I know whatever he has to say isn't going to be good.

"He's out Cas."

"Who's out?"

"Cassie, Trey's out."

My head feels heavy and my ears blocked; I feel like I'm underwater. My vision going blurry and dark, muffled voice calling out to me, but I don't process anything. I'm suffocating as my worst nightmare is coming to life. When they first put Trey away, I would have nightmares he got out and came for me at my dads.

**Dream replay**

I'm laying asleep in my bed when I hear a notice coming from beside me. I jolt up seeing his beautiful contorted into the monster he really is. I slowly move away from the bed. I'm almost away when I'm stopped by something. I turn an see my desk almost in the middle of the room. I turn back to bed to realize it had floated right back to me. He's on all fours at the edge of the bed with a sinister smile. He's so close I can feel his breath on my face.

"Wh-what are you do-doing here? Y-you, you're suppose to be in jail."

He crawls the rest of the way on his knees and wraps me in his arms. "Well, babe. Turns out they don't believe a little w***e like you and let me out." His grip gets tighter, squeezing the air from my lungs. He runs his tongue up the side of my face. "ready to be mine forever?" I pull back looking in his eyes searching for answers. Suddenly, I'm lying on the bed watching him dump gasoline all around me, but I can't move. I'm not tied down or held down like some dreams, but I can't move or speak, all I can do is watch him. He lights a match, then smiles at me before letting go. The floor erupts in flames. It's spreading fast all around me. Now he's lying beside me, kissing all over my body and I still can't move. I can hear my dad yelling and I still can't move.

**end**

I can hear my dad still calling my name from the phone and reality comes back. "Dad, I'm," I'm what? Fine? Great? "I'll be okay." I pause for another beat. "How did he? Why? He wasn't suppose to be out for 7 years. He's only served 3 of 7! I don't understand how they could let that monster out!" I'm huffing now trying to catch my breath.

"Deep breaths, Cas. In and out. I hear him inhaling and exhaling with me trying to calm my rising nerves. "It was an accident, I guess. I've been on the phone all day. He walked out as another inmate. He played some new guards who were suppose to escort this other inmate out. They had no idea what he looked like. One of the other guards was checking the cells and when he got to Treys," He takes in a deep breath, then lets it out. "this other guy came to the door smirking wide. But it turns out the guy thought they would still have to release him, but he just gained himself 5 more years. Ha, dumbass."

My mind is still swirling. I don't know what to think or say. He doesn't know where I am. That's the only thing keeping me sane. "Okay dad, call me when you know more. I'm kind of tired and really just want to sleep."

We say goodnight. I make sure the doors locked before going to my room, pulling of my pants and crawling into bed. I don't have energy for anything else. I hear the front door open and Claudia on the phone. "Yeah mom... I promise I'll watch after her. I always do... Goodnight, love y'all." After about 10 minutes, my bedroom door opens and then shuts. A sudden dip in the bed and I know Claudia climbed into my bed. I turn and wrap myself in her arms and just cry. For the rest of the night I just cried, until the nightmares came all night. This nightmare won't end until he's dead.