Braden: I thought you knew that about me already.
Shit. Immediately, my mind goes to the fact that I was so persistent in luring her into bed.
Poppy: How would we make it work?
Braden: Book club, or you and me?
Poppy: Well, since only one of those is on the table…
Braden: Hmmm… I like the sound of that. You’d make a delicious meal.
Poppy: I’m blocking your number if you keep it up.
Braden: Alright, alright. You choose a book, and we’ll only read it when we’re reading together. We can start tonight.
Poppy: Can’t. I’m headed to dinner with a friend.
Braden: Male or female?
Poppy: Why does that matter?
Braden: So it’s a male. Oh well. A little competition isn’t a bad thing.
Poppy: You’re delusional. There’s no competition.
Braden: I’m flattered.
Poppy: Meaning, you’re not in the running. Five states away, remember? A player interested in notches on his bedpost versus one who’s ready to settle down.
Braden: We could negotiate.
Poppy: Stop it. If you want to read, I’m open to the idea. Anything else and I’m serious about blocking you.
Braden: When can we start?
Poppy: We can talk about it tomorrow. I’ve got to finish getting ready.
Braden: Send me a picture of what you’re wearing.
Dammit. She’s going out. On a date. What if someone else touches what’s mine? I shake my head in disbelief.Mine?
Fine, that may be a stretch, but I can’t stand the thought of another man’s hands on her. And now I’ll be stuck thinking about it until I hear from her. It’s insane that this is what I’m reduced to—on a Saturday night, no less.
Rather than sit here and stew for God knows how long, I decide a distraction is in order.
Braden: Anyone free tonight?
Jackson: Nope, headed to the parents. It’s been a while, though. What about Tuesday?
Eli: Abby’s been running a fever, but Tuesday works.
Sebastian: Keep me posted. I should be able to.
Braden: Tuesday it is. Nopussying out.
Hopefully, Warren’s available.
Braden: You up for drinks?
