“Will you be with us?”
“It’s hot as fuck outside. Although the thought of you parading around in a bathing suit could sway my mind.”
She smiles brightly. “We could do something else if you’d rather?”
My dick lurches again, ready to speak up about exactly what we want to do with her. But the trace of vulnerability in her voice stops me.
“The selfish ass in me wants to keep you all for myself, but you should get the complete experience. Enjoy a few hours at the pool and I’ll make plans for us tonight.”
Her smile dies. “I work again tonight, both shows.”
“Then I’ll be waiting when you’re done.”
“I’d like that.”
“After your shows, you’re mine.”
“Okay.” She lays her cheek back to my shoulder, skating her fingers across my chest. “Tell me what you’d normally be doing on a Saturday morning in Charleston.”
“Most likely, I’d go to Darby’s and hang with my nephew, Devin. Maybe take all the kids to my parents’ farm for horseback riding. Occasionally, my buddy Jackson likes to surf early.”
“Darby showed me a few videos of Devin last night. He’s a cutie.”
“He’s not cute, he’s a badass.”
“Isn’t he eight-months-old?”
“There’s not an age limit on it. With a name like his, he was born to be a badass.”
“Devoted brother, proud uncle, successful business executive—not sure why you don’t have women lined up at your door.”
My fingers thread their way back to her scalp, and I tip her head to mine. “Because none of them have rainbow-colored hair, the face of an angel, and make my heart race with one look.”
Her lips part and eyes glimmer.
“Babe, if this is your kind of morning beast, I can handle it.”
“It’s different with you.”
We lay in silence, her words hanging in the air, until eventually, her breathing shallows as she drifts back to sleep.
Careful not to wake her, I reach for my phone. There’s a message from the concierge verifying my last request. Another message comes through from Darby confirming the cabana reservation for eleven and asking about my night.
For a second, I consider messaging her back but decide against it. It doesn’t take long for me to purchase a ticket for Poppy’s later show and get a premium seat.
A new text flashes on the screen from Scottie—
She better have gotten to her room safely.
Me—She’s safe.
He replies instantly. Will we see y’all at the pool?
I resist the urge to tell him to mind his own business, knowing I’m going to require his help.
She’ll be there, and I’ll need a few favors.
Scottie—Do these favors require working my magic? Because I’m planning on enjoying my day. He adds a martini emoji.
Me—Pretty sure you can work your magic with a drink in your hand. Also, I’d appreciate keeping it private.
Scottie— Anyone who paid attention last night knows you’re captivated by my flawless flower child.
Captivated? He has no idea.
Me—My business, Scottie.
Scottie—A series of hearts and flowers come through.
Jesus, what thirty-six-year-old law professional uses emojis? I don’t respond, placing the phone back on the nightstand and wrapping my arm around Poppy’s back.
“Am I dreaming again?” she mumbles sleepily.
“No, babe, but I need to run out. Where’s your room key?”
“In my dress's pocket with my phone. Should I get up?”
“No.” I skim my hand up and down her back until she’s asleep, then gently slide out from under her.
Ten minutes later, I stare at her sprawled out across the bed. My t-shirt swallows her slight frame, and a sense of possessiveness I’ve never known stirs in my gut.
For the first time in my life, I understand Pierce Kendrick’s obsessive nature.
Reluctantly, I leave her sleeping, ready to get this shit done.
The clock is ticking, and time isn’t on my side.
I don’t have to see the front of her to know that I’m paying for the whole fucking cabana today. Poppy mumbles to herself, rooting through her bag, giving me extra time to take in her multi-colored bikini molding perfectly to her ass.
“Here it is.” She whips something out. “Knew it was in here.”
When she faces me, my dick is instantly hard.
Every inch of her is sheer fucking perfection.
My eyes fall to the script slanting up her ribcage, disappearing under the top of her suit. There’s another design on her right hipbone. As if the tattoos aren’t enough, a large jeweled piercing is shining in her belly button.
“Jesus, Poppy.” I make it to her in three strides, clasping her hips. “I didn’t think it could get any better than having you wake up in my arms. You’re fucking killing me.”
Her gaze drops to where my thumb is grazing over the ink on her hipbone.
“I’ve had them so long it’s easy to forget they’re there.”
“I can promise you I won’t forget it.”
“Do you have a thing for tattoos?”
“I do now.”
She grins shyly up at me. “They have a special meaning.”
“Tell me.”
“This one,” she slides her finger across my thumb, “is a symbol of the element of water. I got it the night of my first show.”
“Very fitting. What about this?” I snake my fingers up her side.
She lifts her arm, raising her top enough to reveal the rest of the script. ‘Dance to your destiny.’
“Remember that dance instructor I mentioned?”
I nod, remembering every word she’s said since we’ve met.
“She’d repeat this anytime I became overwhelmed or discouraged. The day I decided on my college program, this tattoo was a gift to myself.”
“And the piercing, any significance?”
“That’s the result from a wild night out, a lost bet, and a reckless dare among Dante, Ryanne, and me.”
My fingers brush over the jewel. “Wild nights out and dares sound like a story I want to hear.”
“Not sure I should divulge those secrets to a man who never loses control,” she teases, placing her hands on my chest. “You may run without a second glance.”
“I can promise you I’m not running. And know that my control issues are the only thing holding me back from kneeling, rolling that piercing with my tongue, before I peel these bottoms off with my teeth.”
Her breath hitches at the same time her hazel eyes brighten. She licks her bottom lip, gripping the material of my shirt as a tremor rolls through her body.
“If I thought you were ready for that, we wouldn’t be leaving this room today. Which would definitely send a message to Darby and the rest of them.”
“Is it a one-time offer?” she barely whispers.
“Nothing with you is a one-time offer. We’re moving at your pace.”
She tips up, bringing her mouth close. “You’re a dangerous temptation, Evin Graham.”
“I can say the same thing about you.”