by Cindy Kirk
When he rested his hand lightly on her shoulder, she had to admit the contact felt good. But once all the men had gotten their food, Anna shooed them and the children out of the kitchen, promising them dessert later.
Poppy had expected the women to start on the book discussion while they ate. Instead the talk turned personal as they sat around the large oval table with plates of food before them.
“Travis said Keenan might be out of prison before Christmas,” Mary Karen said then sighed in ecstasy when her lips closed around a bite of the mango chicken piccata, the entrée Lexi had brought.
“This is fabulous.” Betsy cast an approving glance in Lexi’s direction before shifting her focus back to Mary Karen. “Travis heard correctly. The release may even be as early as this fall.”
“I can’t imagine being imprisoned for something I didn’t do.” Poppy’s heart twisted at the thought of what Keenan must have endured. “He has to be so angry.”
“Not as much as you’d think.” Betsy’s eyes softened. “He’d done a lot of growing up before he went to prison. I think he’s even more mature now.”
“I’m happy for him.” Lexi reached across the table and squeezed Betsy’s hand.
“Thanks.” Betsy’s smile lit her whole face. “But I’m not the only one with good news. Poppy and Ben have some, too.”
“I’m not sure an unplanned pregnancy actually qualifies as good news,” Poppy said, then immediately felt as if she’d been disloyal to the baby. “Although a new life is always something to celebrate.”
“There are a few of us who’ve been in your situation.” Mary Karen chuckled. “In fact we could probably form our own club.”
Laughter rippled around the table.
“It looks as if you and Ben are getting along well,” Anna said.
“He’s moved in with her,” Lexi informed the others.
Michelle looked surprised. “Really?”
Don’t be shy, Poppy told herself. Like Mary Karen had said, no one here would judge her. “It seemed a good next step.”
“But why your apartment?” Michelle asked.
“I don’t want to tell you.” Poppy dropped her gaze to her hands. “You’ll think it’s silly.”
“No, we won’t,” the women protested almost in one breath.
She wouldn’t tell them it was a power thing, that she worried moving in with Ben would make her feel as if he had all the power. Even if they wouldn’t judge her, and might even understand, it was too personal.
Instead she gave them a reason that was close to the truth. “When I discovered I was pregnant, my life turned upside down. I’ve had a lot of change in my life this past year. I’d moved back to Jackson Hole, got a new job and a new place to live. I honestly couldn’t bear the thought of one more change.”
It was true...as far as it went.
“That was nice of Ben to understand,” Anna said in that soft, thoughtful way of hers.
The other women nodded.
“He’s a nice guy.” Poppy found herself surprised by the fact that the words rang true.
“Do you think you’ll get married?” Michelle asked.
“Our first priority is getting to know each other even better.”
“That’s what David and I decided to do.” July Wahl, whose husband was an E.R. doctor, spoke for the first time.
“You were pregnant when you got married?” Poppy asked cautiously.
Mary Karen gave a hoot of laughter. “Nothing quite that mundane.”
Lexi smiled and took a sip of her wine.
Anna added a thumbnail size of pasta salad to her plate.
“David and I had a one-night stand when he was in Chicago attending a conference and I was working as a photographer for the paper.” July sensed she had Poppy’s full attention and grinned. “Through some strange quirk of fate, I took a job photographing national parks and went into early labor while I was doing the Yellowstone shoot. Guess who was the doctor on duty when I showed up at the E.R.?”
Poppy widened her eyes. “This sounds like a soap opera.”
July laughed and took a sip of wine. “We took time to get to know each other, got married and now have two wonderful little boys.”
“If you think about the reason that soaps are so popular, it’s because in many ways they mirror real life,” Lexi said with a wicked grin. “At least they do if you look at this group.”
“Of everyone here tonight I think Anna, Michelle and I are the only ones who didn’t have a bun in the oven before we walked down the aisle,” Betsy said.
Anna cocked her head. “I believe you’re right.”
“You and Tripp better get right on that,” Mary Karen said in that same no-nonsense tone Poppy had heard her use with her kids.
“We’re working on it.” The Madonna-like smile that graced Anna’s pretty face told Poppy news of a pregnancy would soon be forthcoming.
“Forget about the book discussion,” July said. “Let’s just talk sex.”
“Poppy’s face is turning red,” Mary Karen said as she chortled.
“If you keep that up, M.K., she’s not going to want to come again,” Lexi warned.
Poppy laughed, but wanted to tell Lexi and all the others that this was the most fun she’d had since she’d returned to Jackson Hole.
Was it because she knew these women didn’t judge her? Or was it her decision to not be so uptight, to not worry so much about the future implications of everything. To simply let go and enjoy?
“I liked the book,” Anna said. “Though we’re already halfway through the year, I like the idea of choosing a word to be my focus for the year.”
Anna went on to explain that the nonfiction book was recommended to her by one of her patients. She’d picked it up at the local bookstore and found it to be a quick, but inspiring read.
“I also enjoyed it,” Betsy admitted. “Though I’m still not sure what word I’ll choose.”
“It’s a big decision,” Anna told her.
“I think it’d be good for me,” Mary Karen said. “With five kids and a husband with a busy medical practice, I sometimes feel like I catch myself coming and going. Though I’m not big on introspection, I believe a focus would be good for me and for my family.”
“I agree,” Poppy found herself saying. “There have been so many changes in my life during this past year it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. I’d like a word that would keep me focused on what’s important.”
“Do you have one in mind?” Lexi asked her.
“Not yet.” Poppy stabbed a green bean. “But I have the feeling I’ll know it when I see it.”
Chapter Sixteen
After some spirited discussion—and just before they were ready to call it a night—Poppy was hit with inspiration.
“Freedom,” she told the others. “That’s my word.”
“Freedom,” Lexi repeated, a thoughtful look on her face.
“It feels right,” Poppy told the women.
“We should set aside a time at each book club meeting to talk about our words.” Mary Karen rose from the table to help load the dishwasher. “Since there were so many who couldn’t attend tonight, we need to make sure the others know we’re doing this so they have a chance to participate.”
“Good thinking, Mary Karen.” Anna nodded her approval. “Perhaps we should divide up the names. That way we can make sure everyone is contacted.”
Mary Karen nodded, brought a finger to her lips. “Let’s see, who do we have—”
“I’ll call Rachel,” Michelle said, referring to a friend who lived part of the year in Jackson Hole and the rest in California.
“Poppy, you get Mitzi. I’m sure you’ll see her since she practices with Ben. I’ll give you Kate Dennes, too, since she’s Mi
tzi’s best friend.”
Poppy wasn’t sure what surprised her more, that they were having her call people when she wasn’t even part of the group, or that Mitzi was a member.
“I don’t mind helping out,” Poppy began slowly after Mary Karen had barked out a few more assignments then paused for breath. “But wouldn’t it be better to have someone who was actually part of the group call them?”
Mary Karen tilted her blond head and looked at Poppy as if she’d spoken in a language she didn’t understand. “You’re part of this group.”
Now Poppy was confused. “I’m just filling in tonight.”
“Don’t you want to be part of the group?” Anna’s brows pulled together in puzzlement.
“I thought you had fun.” Hurt filled Lexi’s eyes.
“I did have fun. And I want to be part of the group.” Poppy took a deep breath. “I didn’t think you wanted me to be a regular member.”
“We invited you. You came. You’re a regular now.” July’s tone might be brusque but the softness in her eyes told Poppy she understood. “We’re all happy about that.”
Everyone around the table nodded.
Pleasure slid through Poppy’s veins like warm honey. It had been a long time since she’d experienced this sense of belonging. “I’ll be happy to contact Mitzi and Kate.”
“Now that we’ve got that settled, can we have dessert?” Mary Karen’s tone stopped just short of a whine.
“I know the last time we met we agreed to try healthy dessert options,” July began. “I was fully prepared to bring something low-cal until I ran across a new red velvet cake recipe. I made it for David and the boys last week and OMG, it is so fabulous.”
“I would have to kill you, dear sister-in-law, if you brought a low-cal treat,” Mary Karen said, her tone only half joking. “I’ve been dying for something sweet all day.”
“So have I,” Betsy admitted. “I even took Nate and Puffy for an extra long walk today so I could have dessert without feeling guilty.”
She grinned. “Never let it be said July Wahl disappoints.”
A cheer rose up. Poppy found herself joining in.
“I’ll call in the hoard from the hinterlands.” Anna grinned. “After we’ve gotten our piece of cake.”
“I like the way this woman thinks.” Mary Karen shot Poppy a wink.
Once the women’s plates and coffee cups were full, Anna informed the men and children dessert was served. With the announcement, the segregation ended. Those with children stayed in the kitchen where the floors could easily absorb the mess. Those without—or who’d left their children at home—wandered into the living room.
“David’s parents love watching the boys.” July settled herself into a chair wide enough for two, and patted the spot next to her.
“We haven’t gone out much lately, so they were eager to watch them.” David dropped down next to July and slipped his arm around her shoulders. The movement was so smooth it seemed second nature.
David had been handsome as a young man but, like Ben, he was one of those guys who only improved with time.
“It’s nice to finally be able to hear myself think.” Tripp slipped an arm around his wife’s waist. “Travis’s boys are Xbox crazy.”
“Which is good because it keeps them occupied,” Anna said lightly. “They’re very high energy.”
“Are you going to find out what you’re having?” July asked Poppy, licking the cream cheese frosting off her fork.
Poppy had taken a seat on the sofa with Ben. She glanced at him. “We’re leaning that way.”
Ben squeezed her hand and smiled.
The conversation shifted to the upcoming Taste of Jackson Hole event then to a projected golf course development that Winn Ferris was attempting to get approved.
“Poppy, didn’t you and Winn date for a while?” Anna tilted her head. “Or am I thinking of someone else?”
“Who hasn’t that guy gone after?” Tripp said with a scowl. He glanced at his wife and his expression softened. “For a while he had you in his crosshairs.”
Anna patted her husband’s shoulder. “You were the only man I ever wanted.”
Poppy sensed Ben’s gaze on her.
“Winn and I had dinner a couple of times.” Poppy kept her tone offhand. “Friends. No big deal.”
“Not like Ben,” July teased. “He swept you off your feet.”
“I convinced Poppy she couldn’t live without me.” Ben’s tone might be light but the eyes that he’d fixed on her were intense.
Poppy smiled then impulsively leaned over and rested a hand against his cheek. “Unlike Winn, you were impossible to resist.”
At the flash of heat in Ben’s eyes, her body began to hum. By the time the evening concluded and they were on their way home the hum had turned into an electrical charge strong enough to power the town of Jackson. The air in the car snapped and sizzled.
As they climbed the steps to her second-story apartment, Ben took Poppy’s arm, steadying her. They paused at the door while he took out his key.
“They want me to be a permanent member of the group.” Poppy knew it was silly, but she couldn’t quite keep the pleasure from her voice.
“Of course they do.” He pushed the door open and stepped aside to let her enter.
Poppy sauntered past him then dropped her bag to the floor. “I thought I was simply filling in.”
Ben liked seeing light dance in her eyes. Liked knowing the other women had made her feel welcome. He took a seat next to her on the sofa. Not too close. But close enough if the vibes he’d picked up on the way home were accurate, he wouldn’t be far when the firestorm hit.
“I’m sorry. I’ve been blathering on.” She looked chagrined. “I haven’t even asked what you thought of the evening.”
“I enjoyed it.” Ben realized he’d never felt fully part of the community until tonight. “I wouldn’t mind going back.”
“The book club meets every month,” Poppy began. “Spouses are always wel—”
She stopped herself. A flush of red traveled up her neck to color her cheeks. “And significant others, er, boyfriends, ah—”
Ben could see she was floundering, sensed her distress and found it quite charming.
“—and guys like you.”
It took everything he had to keep his lips from twitching. He lifted a brow. “Guys like me?”
She gave an embarrassed laugh. “I’m not sure how else to say it. You have to admit we have a unique relationship.”
“One I like very much.” He traced a finger down her arm. “I enjoyed going to the party with you and knowing we’d be coming home together when the evening ended.”
“I liked that part, too,” she said.
“Kind of like being married.” Ben laced his fingers with hers. “I think it’d be nice having someone you care about around at the end of the day.”
Poppy’s gaze dropped to her entwined hands. “Bill was gone more than he was home. I told myself I didn’t mind. I thought I’d get used to being alone. I never did.”
“Your experience taught you what you want,” he pointed out. “And what you don’t want in a relationship. That’s huge.”
With the warmth of his hands on hers, Poppy realized Ben was right. And she realized something even more important. The man sitting beside her was himself, not a clone of Bill.
Freedom.
What did the word she’d chosen tonight mean to her? It meant the freedom to make her own choices, to choose her own path. To be free of old attitudes and more importantly, freedom from irrational fears. Freedom to be spontaneous.
“I want—” Poppy swallowed hard then traced Ben’s lips with her fingers “—you.”
He slid even closer and pulled her tight. “You have me.”
“It’s not like I can get pregnant or anything,” she said in a lighthearted tone that brought a smile to his face.
“One less worry.” He carefully removed her glasses and placed them on the end table before his mouth lowered to nuzzle her neck.
“No worries tonight,” she said in a schoolmarm tone. “Not allowed.”
He nibbled her ear, sending pleasure shooting through her body. “Is this allowed?”
“Most certainly,” she said in a voice that sounded breathless.
“How about this?” His lips moved to her mouth. By the time the kiss ended, Poppy had difficulty recalling the question.
She tried—unsuccessfully—to slow her breathing. “Wow.”
His smile widened into a grin. “I’ll consider that a yes.”
“You’re looking pretty smug.”
“Just gathering up my courage.”
She cocked her head.
His fingers slipped under her sweater, his hands cool against her burning skin. “Venturing into unknown territory.”
“I believe you explored that area, and quite thoroughly as I recall not all that—” She gasped when those searching fingers found the lacy edge of her bra.
“I take that as another yes.” With quick, experienced fingers he unfastened the scrap of fabric to bare her skin to his gaze. The tips of her nipples hardened beneath his fingers.
She arched back. “Please,” came out on a strangled cry of pleasure.
Ben pushed her sweater up all the way and replaced his fingers with his mouth. When he began to suck, heat shot straight to her core.
“Let me help you,” he said when her frantic hands tugged at the sweater.
In seconds her pants and underwear soon followed the sweater on the floor.
“Now you’re the one overdressed,” she panted.
“Easily remedied.” In seconds his clothes joined hers.
His hands slid up and down her body, his mouth following, plundering and teasing.
“Beautiful,” Ben murmured, his hand skimming the slight round of her belly before dipping lower and cupping her.
Poppy bucked. Her body shuddered. “I want you inside me.”