CHAPTER 198 Link's Note
*Lisa*
I was gazing out of my airplane window, lost in thought, the corners of my lips turned upward into a small smile. Every so often, I would let out a soft sigh, reveling in the joy of being in love.
I was blissfully happy - so happy, not even my own mother could dampen my mood.
Earlier, while I was seated in the airport lounge, I called my mother to tell her I had already checked in and would be boarding soon.
"*Hija*, if you arrive in Bismarck ahead of schedule, do not, for any reason, leave the airport without me. Understood?" She instructed.
"Yes, Mother," I scoffed, annoyed at all the constant reminders and unnecessary precautions.
"Lisa, this is a matter of vital importance, so YOU'LL DO AS I SAY!" My mother snapped, to my surprise. I was about to argue with her when a car horn blared in the background.
"Are you already on your way to Bismarck?!" I asked, bewildered. I wasn't due to arrive for another hour and a half.
"Yes, I am. I have some business to attend to before picking you up at the airport. If all goes well, I will have a Capo Bastone in my debt," she answered curtly before muttering a curse under her breath. "Sorry, sweetheart, but I have to go. Have a safe flight. *Te amo*, *mi hija*. *Adiós*."
"Capo Bastone? Ma, what are you talking about?" I asked, hoping for some answers.
However, instead of a reply, I heard a beep, informing me the call had ended. I threw my hands up in the air, utterly frustrated. *Great*! *She hung up before I could get any answers*.
Although my mother's scheming troubled me, there was no way I could stop her. So, I pushed my worries aside and focused on Link instead. Just thinking of him made me feel warm and fuzzy inside.
*Gosh! I couldn't wait to get back home*… *Back in Link's arms where I belong*.
I giggled excitedly, imagining his arms wrapped around my naked body. I couldn't help it. I was just so happy...
Thanks to his note.
After calling the concierge to send a porter to assist me with my luggage, I sat down on the corner of my unmade bed, inhaling the lingering scent of our lovemaking, while my mind debated with my heart.
*Link isn't looking for love*, *Lisa*. *He's looking for conquests*.
I winced, feeling the same pain I suffered in high school.
It took every ounce of courage I had to ask Cris to the spring dance. I did it over the phone, knowing a call would soften any rejection.
"Geez, Lisa, I don’t know what to say," he replied, sounding shocked.
"You don’t have to decide now, Cris," I said, emboldened by his hesitation. "Take some time to think about it. I’ll cover everything—you won’t spend a cent."
"You drive a hard bargain," he said, sparking hope. "How about I give you my answer tomorrow at the pep rally? You’re going, right?"
"Of course," I answered, ecstatic. "I wouldn’t miss it."
"It’s a date, then," Cris said enthusiastically. "See you tomorrow."
The next day, just as I feared, Cris said no. Worse, he announced it to the entire school during that godforsaken pep rally. Not only was I humiliated, but I also became the butt of everyone’s jokes. That is, until that fateful night-- the night everyone wants to forget.
Even though the sting of Cris' rejection still lingered, I loved him. I loved him while we were in high school, and I loved him all throughout college. After our wedding, I prayed fervently for a happily ever after...
Unfortunately, I got a nightmare instead.
*What if Link was the same*?
I could handle him. After all, I was a grown woman, strong and successful; not some naive schoolgirl who people used to call Whisper Tits.
I inhaled and exhaled, mustering the courage to read Link's note. *It was now or never*.
With trembling hands, I unfolded the small piece of paper. It read:
*Lisa*,
*Believe me when I say it was difficult for me to leave you without saying goodbye*.
*I miss you already*...
*Link*
*P*. *S*. *Can you be my date to Liam and Virtue's wedding*? *Call me when you get to New Salem*. *I hope you say yes*.
I pressed the note against my chest and squealed. *Link wanted me - he wanted to be with me!*
I waltzed out of the hotel seemingly in a blissful daze, intoxicated by a drug that was far more addicting than all the chemicals in this world...
*Love*.
I tilted my head and sighed, the memory of last night still vivid in my mind. As I recalled each tiny detail of our first date, I felt my heart flutter in my chest.
After purchasing my bridesmaid dress, Link and I explored Chicago, seeing the sights, stopping for pizza for lunch, and gelato for dessert. Later in the afternoon, while sipping coffee at a park, Link invited me to have dinner with him at a very popular and expensive fine dining restaurant.
"I'm impressed. I tried making a reservation once for my -" I stopped, horrified, nearly mentioning I had planned to take Cris there for our anniversary.
"Lisa? Are you alright?" Link asked, his brow furrowed.
"Yes. Sorry, I accidentally bit my tongue," I lied, concealing my faux pas. "What I meant to say was I tried making a reservation once for my parents' anniversary, but the hostess told me they were booked six months in advance. How were you able to get a reservation?"
"I can’t reveal all my secrets—I’d lose my charm," he smirked, winking at me. "So, Lisa Murdock, care to join me for dinner at La Grande?"
I paused, glancing at my casual outfit. "I'd love to, Link, but I'm underdressed."
"I can fix that. Come on," he said, taking a hold of my hand and quickly leading me to his car.
I thought we were heading back to our hotel to change, but I was wrong. When the car finally stopped, I found myself staring at the gleaming facade of Christian Dior.
Assuming Link needed something, I immediately followed him out of the car and into the store, thinking it wouldn't hurt to do a little window shopping myself. However, to my utter shock, he told me to pick any outfit - his treat.
"Link, this is too much," I protested, glancing at the price tags of a few items displayed on the rack. Sure, I could afford it, but it felt extravagant.
"Indulge me, Lisa," he coaxed, brushing his knuckles along my cheek. "It will make me genuinely happy."
After years of catering to Cris, here was a man eager to spoil me. Stunned, I simply nodded my head, unwilling to disappoint him.
Grateful, he leaned down and placed a small kiss on my cheek, making me blush to the roots of my hair. "Take your time, my sweet. I'll wait."
Two assistants whisked me to a private dressing room filled with evening gowns. I chose a one-shoulder black lace maxi dress, pairing it with lace stilettos and a matching clutch. The staff gracioualy styled my hair and makeup, transforming me.
I emerged to find Link seated comfortably on a white couch, sipping champagne, dressed in a tuxedo. He looked calm and collected, unlike me, who was suffering from first date jitters.
When he saw me, he quickly stood up, took my hand, and wrapped it protectively around his arm. "Ravishing," he whispered, gazing down at me. "You take my breath away."
His desire-filled gaze made me go weak in the knees. No one—not even Cris—has ever looked at me like that.
Dinner was magical. Link was witty, attentive, and engaging; he made me feel like I was the only woman in the room. And, oh, those smoldering eyes of his... his eyes made me melt with his every glance.
After dinner, we decided to get a few drinks at the Martini Club but ended up having a bit more. By night's end, we found ourselves in each other's arms, dancing to the slow sultry music of the club.
To me, it was like never-ending foreplay, erotic and tantalizing. Our bodies were pressed so close together as our hips swayed provocatively to the rhythm of the music.
I knew he wanted to kiss me... I could see it in his eyes.
I tugged on his neck, lowering his face to mine, my lips parted, welcoming his for a kiss. I could already feel his warm breath on my face before he suddenly pulled away.
Embarrassed, I lowered my arms and turned around, thinking I had misread him.
But before I could walk away, his arms quickly circled my waist, pushing me against his hard, taut body
"I'm just teasing you, my sweet," he murmured, nibbling my earlobe, sending shivers up and down my spine.
"I have a balcony suite overlooking the whole of Chicago I'd love to show you," I moaned, wrapping my arms around his neck. I didn't want the night to end.
"Oh, I'd love to see it," he growled before his lips claimed mine in an electrifying kiss.
I immediately melted in his arms...
Weak, like a feather in the wind...
Basking in the glory of our first kiss.
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