“But I thought you were going to be in charge.”
“I will…” I kiss the tip of her nose. “When it’s time. For now, you decide what happens.”
She bites her lip again and takes a deep breath. “I think a bath sounds nice.”
“Good choice.” My lips can’t get enough, and I chastely kiss hers before releasing her. “Why don’t you use the robe hanging in the bathroom and get ready while I fill it? Take your time… but not too much.” I slap her ass as she walks away and am rewarded with a squeal as she scurries in, closing the door behind her.
16
THE BEST FOR LAST
Poppy
Shit. Shit. Shit.I’m supposed to talk to Owen tonight, but that’s obviously not happening. The problem is, I don’t know what to say. It doesn’t feel right to make something up, but I can’t exactly tell him why I’m canceling. Ugh, the guilt is killing me. All I can do is give it my best shot, so here goes.
Poppy: Hey, so a friend from out of town surprised me with a visit this weekend. Can we reschedule for Sunday night?
Owen: Sure thing, beautiful.
Poppy: Thanks, and sorry.
Owen: No need to be sorry. Have fun with your friend.
Poppy: Thank you.
Well, that was way easier than I thought, but he’s so dang nice that I feel worse than before. I can’t believe we only have one more conversation until we can finally see each other. Unlessthat short one counts? How cool would it be if we could exchange pictures next time we talk? The only problem is if this thing with Braden ends up turning into more than just sex.
But come on. That’s so unlikely. So much is against us that it would take an act of God to make it happen. A, he’s a player and certainly not looking for anything serious, least of all starting a family. B, he lives in San Diego. And C, he’d get bored with me in no time. Mouse, as an endearment or not,washis first impression and not entirely off base.
So for now, I won’t think past the mind-blowing orgasms coming my way. Thank God I keep a razor in my overnight emergency bag, because the hair on my legs is definitely an emergency, given the bath we’ll be sharing. Sitting on the edge of the small tub, I lightly run the water and take care of the problem before standing to touch up another area he’ll be eyeing tonight. When I’m finally ready, I’m about as nervous to bare myself for the third time in my life as I was the first.
Opening the door, I slowly leave the bathroom to Braden, already submerged in the water.Cheater.
“There she is,” he says when I emerge.
“Here I am…”
“Get your sexy ass over here and enjoy this bath with me. The view’s incredible, although you’ll give it a run for its money as soon as that robe comes off.”
My cheeks heat at his words, and when I stop three feet away, my arms instinctively cross over my waist in hesitation.
“Don’t go shy on me again. Show me what I’ve been missing these last few weeks.” He jerks his head in encouragement.
“Seriously, you’re like a completely different person than I originally met.” My words emerge as I shake my head and remove the last layer of defense, exposing myself completely. After laying it on the back of the chair, I quickly climb in to hide under the water, facing him on the opposite side of the tub.
“Now that’s a sight I’d love to see every day, right along with that red blooming on your cheeks to match your hair.”
“Stop it. You’re embarrassing me.”
“You should never be embarrassed. You’re fucking gorgeous. And Poppy?”
“Yeah?”
“I’m no different from the man you met, but because of you, I’m doing my damndest to become a better one.”
I shake my head in bewilderment. I’m so screwed. He’s literally unraveling me. I’m walking straight into his trap with each sweet thing he says. Add in the dirty things that come from his mouth, and I’m running toward it. If I’m not careful, I’ll need some serious therapy after this weekend—ifI stay, which, at this point, I’m not sure I have the willpower to resist.
“Come here, Poppy.” He motions me over with a tweak of his hand.
