Her lips touch mine, and she dissolves into me. I take my time exploring her mouth and enjoying what is quickly becoming my addiction. Her scent, her taste, the warmth of her body to mine. I wasn’t kidding. If I thought she was ready, we wouldn’t leave this room.
Slowly, I break away, placing my forehead to hers. “Keep your eyes closed.”
I take the ring from my pocket and slide it on her finger, noticing it’s too big.
“Oh my God!” Her eyes pop open, bulging wide. “Wha—, whe—, how?”
“Happy birthday.”
“You bought me a diamond ring for my birthday? You didn’t even know until a few hours ago.”
“This is true. I purchased the ring last night.”
“Purchased how? The store was closed.”
“Messaged the concierge and explained what I wanted.”
“There was no concierge at the desk.”
“One good thing about having Scottie plan this trip was his insistence on a twenty-four-hour contact. I utilized that benefit last night.”
“I- I- I don’t know what to say. It’s too much.”
“No, it’s not.”
“Evin! It’s a diamond ring!”
“It’s a ring meant to be on your finger. I’ve walked by that store a dozen times over the last few days, never paying attention. Until last night. Seeing your reaction to this ring in the display case, I knew it was meant to be yours.”
“I can’t accept this.”
I haul her into my arms and move to the sofa. “It’s a present, Poppy. A present with no expectations.”
“But it’s a diamond.”
“Forget the diamond.” I reluctantly move it to her third finger, noticing it fits tighter. “Is that better?”
She stares at her hand, then brings her eyes to mine. A burning sensation solders through me at the mixture of uncertainty and sadness in her expression. I cup her chin, stroking my thumb across her jawline. “Baby, what’s on your mind?”
“I’ve never met anyone like you. It doesn’t seem fair to feel this connection and you leave tomorrow.”
That’s all the incentive I need to push forward. “Say the word and I won’t leave.”
“Are you serious?”
“I don’t want to wait a month to see you at Stephanie’s wedding. I’d like to spend more time with you now.”
“Is it that simple?”
“For you it is.”
She chews on her bottom lip, holding my stare, and her voice is shaky when she speaks. “I am not ready for you to leave.”
“Thank fuck.” I crush her to me, burying my face in her neck and inhaling deep.
We sit like this for a few minutes, her body pressed tight, her heart racing. “I share a place with Ryanne. She’s super cool, but I’m not sure how—.”
“I’ve already messaged Scottie for a favor. He’ll get my room extended. We can stay here if you’re comfortable. If not, that’s okay.”
“You’ve already messaged Scottie? When?”
“This morning when you fell back asleep.”
“You were planning to stay behind?”
“I knew last night that I didn’t want to leave, but needed to get a read on you this morning.”
“Was I that easy to read?”
“The fact that you were the most beautiful thing I’ve ever woken up with sealed the deal in my mind.”
She glances around nervously before saying, “There’s something else I should tell you. You are the only man, outside of Dante, that I’ve woken up with in over seven years.”
Dante is not a threat, but jealousy spikes. “There’s no pressure here for any more than what we have right now.”
“This is unbelievable.”
“Poppy, I finally understand more about Pierce Kendrick than I thought possible. Twenty-four hours ago, I didn’t know you existed. And now you consume my thoughts.”
“What do we do when you go home? Our worlds are so different.”
“Why don’t we see what the next few days bring and talk about it then?”
A timid smile spreads across her lips, and she lifts her hand, wiggling her finger. “Thank you for this. It’s gorgeous.”
“You’re gorgeous.”
“Evin, it really is too much.”
“If it freaks you out, I’ll hold on to it until you’re ready.”
“I’m afraid if you try to remove it I may have to hurt you.”
“It would suck to be injured on our first official day together.”
“You laugh, but I can do some serious damage if provoked.”
“I’ll remember that.”
Chapter 4
Poppy
An eerie feeling of being watched prickles over my skin, and I slow the kiss, peering over Evin’s shoulder. A little squeak escapes and his neck twists.
“You two enjoying this?” he rumbles.
Miller and Pierce are wearing the same expressions from last night. “It’s the second highlight of my day so far. Now I understand why you aren’t answering Darby’s texts.”
“I’ve been busy.”
“Obviously.” Pierce wiggles his eyebrows. “Morning, Poppy.”
“Good morning.”
“Don’t you have somewhere to be?” Evin grouses.
“Not particularly. ”
Evin turns back to me, blows out a breath, and tightens his grip on my waist. “Can you understand why I despised him?”
“Sweetie, we’re making out in a public hallway. Maybe I should go to the pool.”
He takes my hand and walks us to where Miller and Pierce are standing. “I need to talk to Scottie and handle some business. I’ll catch up with you later,” he tells them.
Their smiles grow even wider. “Do what you need to do. We’ll be around.”
“I don’t want to hear it from you.” Evin picks up on whatever is on his mind.
“Too bad, man. It’s been a long time coming.”
“Shut up.” Evin’s grip tightens and he guides us past them.
At the entrance to the cabanas, he jerks to a stop, twirling me until I’m flush against his chest. His eyes blaze with a deep amber gleam as he circles my hip with his free hand. “It shouldn’t take long to get my shit done. You have a key if you’re ready before I get back.”
“I’ll be fine.”
“This group can be intrusive and highly inappropriate.”
I tip on my toes and kiss him quickly. “Evin, I work in show business in Vegas. I can handle them.”
His lips curl on one side, and he squeezes me again before leading us into the private area. Scottie’s lounging on a float in the pool, and when he spots us his face lights up.
“Flower Child!” he shouts, and heads swing our way.
I don’t miss the surprise in Darby’s expression when she sees our joined hands. “Hey.” She comes over, embracing me warmly. “I’m glad you’re here.”
I wave to everyone else, sensing their curiosity.
Scottie lifts himself out of the pool, drying off before joining us. He kisses my cheek, then glances at Evin. “You need something?”