Poppy: I don’t think you’d be much of a help.
Braden: You were pretty relaxed after I made you come.
I can’t believe he said that. I’m fanning myself, suddenly too hot, and removing the blanket covering me. That he can provoke a reaction from a thousand miles away is insane.
Owen: That I have no heart. Truth or dare?
Wait… what? I scroll up to look at my question. Oh. That sounds bad. Why would people think he has no heart? Is it because he’s mean? That was too ambiguous. I need to make a list of concerns for later.
Poppy: Truth. We should keep learning more about each other.
Owen: It’s okay to admit you’re scared of another dare.
Poppy: As if…
Shoot, I have to respond to Braden, but I can’t let him think he got to me with that comment. Maybe I’ll take a page from his book.
Poppy: Yeah, but I don’t need you for that.
Braden
Damn. My dick goes rock-hard as I lie in bed at the vision conjured by her retort. I like the direction this is taking. I’ve been trying to keep things PG withOwen, but the conversation with Braden allows me to spice things up.
I was frustrated after she shut down a trip to Bozeman, so the notification of our match couldn’t have been better timing. I’d begun to worry something was wrong—that she might not have liked my profile—so when my phone pinged, I responded immediately.
Texting her as Braden at the same time as Owen wasn’t part of the plan, but when the idea came to me, I couldn’t resist. However, keeping the two conversations straight is more difficult than I imagined. But I won’t waste the opportunity for the perfect excuse to keep her talking to Braden. To what end, I’m unsure.
I’m still wondering what my goal is. We don’t live near each other. She wants love. I’ve sworn it off. She doesn’t do casual. I don’t do relationships. So why am I pursuing her? I wish I knew. But after having my mind consumed by this woman for the last few weeks, possessing her by any means necessary became a need I couldn’t ignore.
Until I figure out why that is, I’ll enjoy the journey and worry about the destination later. For now, it’s time to have some fun along the way.
Owen: What’s your ideal date?
Poppy: With someone new or been dating a while?
Owen: Hit me with both.
Braden: I’m sure you don’t. I’d bet money you’ve been using thoughts of me to take care of yourself for weeks.
Poppy: Wow. Love yourself much?
Poppy: A round-robin night out with someone new. So one place for drinks, another for an appetizer, and so on. With a person I trust, a home-cooked meal and board games.
Owen: Then I’m looking forward to gaining your trust for a home-cooked meal.
Poppy: Who said I’d be cooking?
Owen: Not me. A night in my kitchen and you won’t ever want to leave.
Poppy: That’s a bold statement.
Owen: That I can fully back up.
Poppy: All right, Mr. Confident, truth or dare?
Braden: What I love is watching you come for me. And since I can’t do that, I might as well imagine it. Moment of truth…I’ve pictured you while “relaxing” more than I care to admit.
Owen: Truth, since you’re trying to get to know me ;)
