Owen: Straight to the point, huh?
Poppy: Might as well.
Owen: I was about to propose to the girl who cheated on me, but after that, I swore off dating until recently. I’m not eager to walk down the aisle, but I’m not as opposed as I was before.
Poppy: Is that because you’re getting older, or what?
Owen: Let’s go with “or what”. My turn now. I want to hear more about your first time and why you waited so long.
Poppy: I knew we’d end up on this topic again.
Owen: I’d say it’s a pretty big deal.
Poppy: Deal-breaker?
Owen: I already told you it wasn’t. I’m just trying to understand where you’re coming from.
Poppy: That’s fair. It’s mainly because my brother scared me away from guys all through high school, while my parents inspired me to want someone special, and no one was ever special enough, or like I said, anyone who made me want to.
Owen: Then you’ve been dating the wrong men.
She doesn’t argue.
We chat a bit longer about trivial things, favorite foods, thrills, hobbies, and the like until she’s practically falling asleep. I told her I’d be with family tomorrow, and we could pick up again on Monday, since I want all her focus on Braden for the day. If I have my way, she’ll forget Owen even exists by the time I’m through with her.
The next morning, it takes serious willpower not to text her the second my eyes open as I reach for the phone. If I do it as Owen, I’m only strengthening a false relationship, but I’m afraid to scare her away if I do it as Braden. This entire situation is fucked up. Which means I’m fucked.
The hole is getting deeper with each passing conversation, but I haven’t found a way out yet, nor have I stopped digging. Talking to her as Owen gives me insight I wouldn’t have, and Braden allows me to bring out the fun in her otherwise reserved self.
I manage to make it to the gym for a quick workout while my wheels spin about scheduling a meeting with my clientin Bozeman. It’s a dirty move, but I need to be with Poppy in person to prove I’m not the man she thinks I am. Plus, a do-over is in order… to show her what her first timeshouldhave been like.
14
BOOK CLUB
Poppy
I woke up with a smile on my face this morning. Talking to Owen last night wasn’t as awkward as I thought it would be with no rules to follow. We learned a lot about each other and elaborated on things more than the night before, which was nice. My first impression is that he’s a good guy, but we’ve only scratched the surface.
I’m feeling hopeful after two long chats, along with all the information in our profiles. That’s two of the five conversations we need to exchange pictures. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about that part—and not just because of what he looks like but also because of what he’ll think of me.
Braden: Good morning, Mouse. Sleep well?
Poppy: I did. Plus, I’m still in bed.
Braden: That’s a great place to be.
I don’t know if I’m ready for Braden yet. He confuses me, and I’mnot sure how to handle him. Should I go along with this crazy book club idea or let it go and stop talking to him? It wouldn’t be smart to indulge him at this point, considering A, he doesn’t live here, and B, he’s not at the same stage as I am, as in wanting a relationship.
He’s only after sex, and in hindsight, I probably messed up by making him think I was a no-strings-attached type of girl. I may have started with that, but it doesn’t mean I’ll continue down that path. It’s simply not in my DNA. But then, like I said, it could be good practice for the real thing.
I’d be opening the door for heartbreak if I go down this road with him, though, and it’s certainly nothisheart that’ll be on the line. I’ve no doubt this book club idea is only to get what he wants, even though we’re miles apart. He already tried once for phone sex, and I’m sure he won’t give up, especially during the spicy scenes.
Braden: So tell me, sleepyhead, are you planning to stay in bed all day? We could read a book together.
Poppy: Since I cleaned the house yesterday, that was the plan, but you weren’t part of it.
Braden: It’s a perfect day to kick off our book club.
