“No. I came for you. This week’s been hell without you.”
“Braden,” I warn. I may feel the same, but we shouldn’t say things like that.
“Full transparency, Poppy. I’m all-in. I’ll be here every weekenduntil you believe me—until you’re the one introducing me as your boyfriend.”
My heart flutters at his declaration, and I lose the ability to breathe. I’m ready to jump into his lap and give him anything he asks for.
Luckily, Matt returns before that happens, taking away the opportunity to say something I’m not ready for.
“All right, we’re all set. I grabbed another menu,” he says, handing it to Braden.
“Thanks. So what’s good here?” Braden asks as if it’s the most normal thing in the world for him to be here, while I’m teetering on the edge of a breakdown.
“I was just asking Poppy the same thing,” Matt states.
They look up to meet my blank stare as I’m still in a stupor.
“Poppy? You okay?” Braden asks gently as he places his hand on mine and squeezes, bringing me back to the present.
With a huff, I reply, “Yeah, sorry. I’m just shocked you’re here. Um, everything is good. My favorite is the meatballs.”
“Poppy loves her balls.”
“Matt!” I screech.
Braden’s eyes narrow while Matt laughs.
“What? You do. You order them wherever we go.”
“He obviously means meatballs, not balls, balls,” I explain to Braden.
“I’d hoped that was the case, considering mine are the only balls you’ll be having from now on,” Braden says, causing Matt to raise his brows at me.
My elbow hits the table, head falling into my hand, and I groan. “Oh my God.”
This is going to be the longest meal in history.
“Have you had enough time to view the menu?” The waiter appears like an angel to save me from a slow and torturous death.
“Yes!” I say enthusiastically, popping my head up. “Thank you, I’ll start.”
When the orders are placed and the waiter leaves to grab our drinks, I’ve mainly calmed down, praying the rest of dinner goes less embarrassingly.
“Poppy tells me you have business here. It must be hard to travel so far for work all the time,” Matt asks Braden.
“I don’t usually. And I’m not here for work this weekend, just Poppy. Although we are having lunch with my client, Jim, tomorrow.” Braden tilts his head sheepishly. “If that’s okay with you?”
I smile in response. “I’d love to.”
He’s bringing me to meet one of his clients, which seems like something you’d take your girlfriend to, but… I’m not. Except I’m reconsidering my refusal on the issue. If this is really happening, maybe I’m wasting my time with Owen. If only I could combine the two into one person, I’d have the perfect man.
His face lights up. “I’m glad. I’m excited for you to meet him. Hopefully I’m not interfering with any of your plans for the weekend.”
“Nope, just breakfast at my parents on Sunday. You could go with me,” I suggest shyly.
“I’d like that.” His smile makes the butterflies in my belly go wild.
And suddenly, I’m done holding back. I’m not sure how to handle the distance issue or what to do about Owen, but I’m ready to commit. I want more with Braden and I’m willing to risk a broken heart to give us a chance.
