Poppy’s stance doesn’t change, but her face softens. “You ran into her in an airport?”
“Yeah, fuck if she wasn’t on my same flight to Vegas. I boarded last and left first.”
“What are the chances you’ll run into her again?”
“Slim to fucking none.”
“I don’t like it.”
“Neither do I.”
“We’re burning that shirt.”
“Start the fire.”
She fights a grin. “Well, it’s expensive, so we’re adding that to our list of dry cleaning today.”
“Whatever you want.”
Her arms fall, and she shakes her head. “That woman is in my town now. If we run into her, she’s gonna hate it.”
I fight a smile, even though my lips curve up. “How about we forget about someone that doesn’t matter and you have no reason to be jealous?”
“I’m not jealous, I’m aggravated. She’s a nuisance that ruined my morning happiness.”
I’m in her space in a flash. “Forget her, wipe it from your mind. Go back to that radiant glow and give me my Poppy and the first morning in her house with her grandmother’s homemade pastries.”
She holds on to my shoulders and cocks her head to the side. “Sounds good.”
I kiss the tip of her nose and follow her out, stopping by the bathroom first.
A mug and plate are waiting for me at her bar top, loaded with a cinnamon roll the size of the plate. “You think I can eat all this?”
“Try it. The recipe makes enough for an army, and I figured we’d drop some off to Dante later.”
My taste buds explode on the first bite and I groan in appreciation. “Fuck, this is delicious.”
She beams proudly, popping a strawberry in her mouth.
“Seriously, Poppy, my sister is a professional baker and this rivals her stuff.”
“I don’t know about that, but it’s quite a compliment.”
“You like to bake?”
“I like to cook in general. But with my schedule it’s difficult.”
“Beautiful, sweet, funny, kind, flies through the air with a killer body, wears flowers in her hair, and she cooks. It keeps getting better and better with you.”
A flush creeps up her neck and she grins shyly. “Ditto.”
“Did you have any plans today?”
“I need to do a little shopping for the trip. If you’d prefer to stay here, it won’t take me long.”
“I’ll take you shopping, but give me a head’s up. Are we looking at an all-day adventure where I’ll need to find a bar?”
“Nothing that bad. The most important is a suitcase.”
“You need a suitcase?”
“Another suitcase.”
“This is crossing into woman’s territory because I’ve seen the way my sister packs, but how much are you bringing?”
“Oh, my personal items aren’t that bad. But I went a little overboard.” She signals behind me, and I twist to find three stacks of decorative bags and boxes against the living room wall.
“What the hell is all that?”
“Little presents and gifts I picked up at the market.”
“And they’re going to Charleston?”
“Yes.”
“Are you prepping for Christmas?”
“No.” She giggles. “I found some adorable things for the babies, a few things for your mom and the girls, and even though you took care of the wedding present, there’s a small gift for the couple.”
My face swings back to her. “You did all that for my people?”
“I enjoy giving gifts and this is a special occasion.”
“How much did you spend on your Santa Claus mission?”
She shrugs, her eyes twinkling smugly. “It will not break me.”
I glance back between her and the pile and blow out a breath. “Nicely played. Should I thank my sister for this?”
“Nope, I’m learning all on my own.”
I shove another piece of roll in my mouth and enjoy her gloating. Truth is, whatever is in those packages will thrill my family. It could be pet rocks and incense burners, and they’d be the center of mantle pieces. “Since you’re in a generous mood, I have a job for you.”
“What’s that?”
“I wasn’t lying about sleeping great. It was mostly about having you with me, but your bed is like heaven. My bed is nice, but it doesn’t match up to heaven. When we get to Charleston, do what you need to make mine the same.”
Her features ignite with excitement. “You want me to redo your bed?”
“Skip all the fringe and tassels for the bedding, but otherwise, yes.”
“Most of it is easy and basic, but the secret is the mattress pad. It’s organic, eco-friendly, and has truly awesome temperature regulations. If we order it today, they may deliver it while I’m there.”
“Get it. I’ll give you my credit card. Pay for rush delivery to get it while you’re in town. I want it all—the sheets, pillows, spread, whatever it takes to duplicate yours.”
“Let me grab my phone; the site is saved in my favorites. I can make a quick order.” She rounds the counter, headed to her room.
“Grab my wallet while you’re in there.”
Her steps falter and I pick up on her intentions. “Grab my wallet,” I reiterate.
“It’s much easier to use my saved information,” she tries. “It’ll take a second my way.” Her legs take off running and I’m on her trail.
“Fucking woman,” I mumble, catching her easily and lifting her from behind. She squeals when we land on her bed and I pin her to my side.
“That’s not fair. You’re bigger, stronger, and faster than me.”
“I’ll take the advantage.”
“Let me buy this for you. It can be a present.”
“No.”
“It’ll mean something to me to know you go to bed on something I gave you.”
“You take the time to decorate and make it perfect, and every time I look at it, I’ll know you gave it to me.”
“It’s not the same.”
“Is this about giving me something or about the money again?”
“Mostly, me giving you something you want.”
I move my hand under her tank and splay my palm across her ribcage, feeling her heart race under my fingers. “You are what I want. Mornings like this, you baking something you love from your grandmother. Waking up to that picture of us on your dresser, you leaping through the air and latching onto me like it’s been an eternity instead of two weeks, hearing your voice when you get home after work and listening to your day—that makes me happy. You can keep pushing me on the money thing, but it’s a fight you won’t win. Let it go.”
Realization washes over her, and her body relaxes. “Okay. But when you’re not able to retire at sixty because you were careless with your money, don’t come griping to me.”
“Glad to know you’re concerned about my retirement plan, baby.”
“Seriously, Evin, I have a very detailed bucket list that includes travel around the world. I figure by then, all these kids you want to have will be self-sufficient and we can take off without worry. Those plans do not include living out of backpacks and staying in European hostiles.”
My body strings tight at her statement, and all thoughts of beds, pillows, and cinnamon rolls fly out of my head. “All these kids I want to have? You’ve been thinking about our conversation a few weeks ago?”
“A little,” she lies unconvincingly.
“You have. How many?”
“I haven’t gotten that far. Figured we’d start with one.”
“That’s usually how it goes.”
“Considering we aren’t even having sex, it’s a moot point.”
I flex my hips into her, my hard cock pulsing against her thigh. “You tell me you’re ready, things will change.”
“I’ve waited twenty-nine years to feel this way. How much more ready can I be?”
I close my eyes and drop my head to her neck, kissing gently. “You slay me.”
She draws in a deep breath and presses deep in the pillows to bring her face into view. “I’m the lucky one. No matter what happens and how hard it gets.”
“Nothing will happen to us, Poppy, I won’t allow it.”
“You keep being so awesome, I’ll believe that.”
“Don’t just believe it, trust in it. I’ll travel across the country to be next to you until you decide to give up your contract. Luckily, I’ve got that option. You come to Charleston next week, see how I live. You’ll understand that it’s simple.”
She leans up, pressing her lips to mine. “Did you hear anything else after the comment about children?”
“No hostiles, got it.”
“I’m serious!”
“Do I seem like a man who would stay in hostiles?”
“No, I’m putting it out there now.”
“Noted.”
“My bucket list is extensive.”
“Mine’s getting there.”
“You have a bucket list?”
“Making it up as we speak, and every item has to do with you. Starting with taking advantage of this bed that feels like heaven with you naked.” My hand slides under the elastic waistband, and her knees widen, giving me access.
“And then?”
“Baby, I want you on my face, my mouth on your pussy until you’re ready to pass out.”
Her breath hitches as her eyes brighten with desire. “I’d be happy to help you cross that off.”
Chapter 14
Poppy
Evin was right about the hotel having perks. Specifically, him laying in bed with the sheet low on his hips. I lean against the doorway, admiring him and wondering if tonight will be the night to finally demolish his self-control.
I’m done waiting. If there was any lingering uncertainty, last night crushed it. My feelings soared past falling for him and straight into the in love with him category. It’s terrifying and exhilarating all at once. Three weeks isn’t a long time, but falling in love long-distance makes it seem like an eternity.
His eyes slice to me and fill with warmth. His gaze travels head to toe and one side of his mouth curls up. “You couldn’t help yourself.”
“This one smells like you and it’s hot.” I pull on the collar of his shirt and inhale deep.
“Honey, you have the real thing lying here. If you want to smell me, have at it,” he invites, clicking off the television and widening his arms.
I climb from the end of the bed, making my way up his body. When I get to the edge of the sheet, my teeth nip the material and pull it down, fully exposing his hardened bulge. My mouth waters at the sight.
This man is perfect everywhere.
My lips skim over the smooth, firm, hot skin. His groan vibrates all down his body.
“Poppy, you’re killing me.”
I consider altering my plan of seduction and staying right here, but perseverance wins out. If all goes well, there will be plenty of time later. My tongue darts out to lick around his crown and moves to his abdomen, kissing, licking, nipping my way up his chest. His muscles flex against my mouth and I smile, making a mental note to come back soon.
That’s the last thought I have. Lightning fast, Evin’s fingers fist in my hair, and he guides my face to his. What I see sends a full-body tremor through me. His eyes are golden amber, smoldering with fire, hunger, and wild desire.
“You should find some panties or shorts, or any fucking thing to put a barrier on your sweet pussy.”
The tremor returns and I shake my head. “No, told you I don’t particularly like wearing them.”
“Poppy, I’m not playing here.”
“Neither am I. Listen to me, look at me, and hear me. I. Am. Ready.”
He swallows hard, staring intently for so long nerves knot in my stomach.
“I believe you,” he finally replies.
I’m close to crushing his resistance. No stopping now. “Never in all my life have I felt the way I do with you. You’re everything I’ve ever wanted and never knew existed. Loving you is the easiest thing in my life.”
He drops his forehead to mine, breathing deep. “I don’t deserve you, but shit if I’m not thanking my luck.”
Then I’m on my back and his eyes are molten. “Baby, I saw the pills in your make-up case. Are those birth control?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll wear a condom, but had a physical two weeks ago. Results are clean.”
I swallow the lump in my throat and nod. “We don’t need a condom.”
The flash in his eyes tells me this means something to him. “It may hurt.”
“It won’t hurt.”
“You don’t like something or change your mind, just say the words.”
“I’m ready, Evin.”
He exhales loudly. “Mine.” His mouth comes down, and his tongue slips inside gently.
One hand leaves my head and moves down, unbuttoning the shirt and moving lower between my legs. “Shrug out of the shirt, baby,” he says into my mouth.
I do as he says and gasp when two fingers slide inside me. “Yes,” I whimper.
He continues moving them in and out, grazing his thumb across my clit until I tear away, panting.
“Come for me, baby. Let me see.”
I grind down and throw my head back, feeling the pleasure wash over me. “Evin!”
“Right here, Poppy. Right fucking here.” His fingers disappear and he props over me, settling between my thighs.
On instinct, my ankles hook around his waist as I come down.
“Look at me,” he says so tenderly my chest spasms.
Slowly, he guides himself inside. Inch by inch, he fills me, and the beauty on his face touches just as deep.
Then it happens, a small pinch, and he feels it, too. “I’m okay,” I assure him when he stalls.
There’s a pained look on his face and I reach up, tugging at the back of his head. “I will not break.”
He sinks in further, groaning.
The exquisite sensations rush through my system, and I fall back, tilting my hips. He moves in and out, braced above me, and my body arches into his.
“Jesus. Tight, wet, hot, slick, so fucking smooth.”
A new feeling of empowerment surges through me as I buck up. His gaze falls and I know he’s on the cusp of a new loss of control. “Don’t.”
I defy him, clenching harder to meet his strokes. Every muscle in his body strains. “Slow,” he utters.
“Slow is for later.”
His animalistic growl vibrates around the room, spreading goosebumps along my skin. His dick lurches inside me and I lose all focus, letting the fire build inside
He takes advantage of my submission and brings his hands back to my head, lacing his fingers through my hair. “Never in my life has anything meant this much.”
God! So sweet my eyes sting.
I pivot my hips to meet his rhythm and he kisses me softly. He reaches to my hand at his neck, covering it, and links our fingers. Sliding them between us, he places them to his chest. The rapid beating of his heart speeds against my palm.
“The first time I saw you, the first time you hit that stage, the moment you walked out of that theatre, the kiss on the dance floor, the way you fit against me.” His voice husky and low, his lips brush mine. “The first taste of champagne on your tongue, waking up to a rainbow of colors spread out on my chest, the image of you in that bikini, the dawn you woke me giving me access to this stunning body. I can recite all our firsts, Poppy, and each time my heart was racing like this.”
Tears swell until he becomes a blur.
“Fast, rough, dirty, wild, we’ll get our chance. But give me this slow and beautiful first. My cock inside you, knowing you’re mine, and no one will ever know the treasure of having all of you. And you knowing you’re the only one to have all of me. Never had this, baby. The silky perfection of skin on skin, connected ev
erywhere.” He continues to drive into me in steady, controlled thrusts.
His lips brush the tear that escapes. “You feel it?”
“Yes.” My eyes slide shut and I soak in what he’s giving me. Our bodies tangled, his grip tightening as his heart speeds, the warmth of his breath coating my mouth, each stroke inside.
Then his words roll through my mind. The treasure of having all of you. I get that from him as well.
“Let me see those eyes. What shade do I get when I’m inside you?”
I open, instantly wanting the same. My breath catches at the smoldering liquid copper piercing back.
“Blue,” he states, kissing me again.
His thumb crosses over mine, circling my nipple, and sparks radiate across my skin. My hips pivot, surging up and urging him deeper. I tear my mouth away, moaning when his cock brushes along a spot so delicious my toes curl.
Pleasure points? G-spots? Whatever it is, I get it now.
When women talk about a man that can find it and send electrifying energy shoots through their veins. The fire in my spine travels through my system, igniting a need so great it threatens to detonate.
“Fuck, baby, you there?”
“Please,” my plea is hoarse and ragged.
“Let go.”
“You—” God, the pleasure is so powerful, I can’t form the words.
“I’ll be there.” He increases his speed.
Every muscle in my body tightens and I clench around him with all I have. A force like I’ve never known rocks through me and I cry out his name, flying apart.
“Fucking beautiful.”
He drives harder, hitting the right spot each time until I’m panting.
“Give me another one,” he growls at my ear.
I want to tell him I can’t. It’s impossible to experience something so magnificent. But my voice is gone.
He unlaces another finger, pinches my nipple hard, and groans into my neck, his own body flexing tight. His cock thickens, pulsating inside me, and the impossible happens. My body jolts and I come again. Dynamic waves of ecstasy take over and the earth shatters, taking me along. My mouth goes to his neck and I clamp down to muffle my screams.
Evin's Fight (Southern Charmers Book 3) Page 14