I strode back to my office, dropped into my chair, and pulled up my work. My thoughts constantly drifted back to Poppy, even as I tried to focus.
A knock on the door had me glancing up to see King standing in the doorway, his arms crossed and his usual scowl firmly in place.
He stepped inside and closed the door behind him. “Got an update for me?”
I leaned back in my chair, rubbing my jaw. “Those micro-probes are repeating. Wizard and I are still digging, but so far it’s watch and see.”
King nodded. “And the compliance firm?”
I hesitated, and King raised an eyebrow, his eyes narrowing slightly. Damn, the prez was always annoyingly perceptive. “You conveniently skipped over what happened during your visit there.”
I shrugged, trying to keep my expression neutral. “Had to meet with a junior analyst. I’ll find a way to someone higher up soon.”
King studied me closely for a minute, then nodded. “Taking Stella and Cadell to the zoo, so text me if there’s progress.”
“Will do.”
He left, and I felt that pang of envy again for a half second.
Then a smile stole across my face as a vivid image of Poppy in a property vest, my ring on her finger, and a soft baby bump beneath her clothes flashed through my mind again. I glanced at the clock, suddenly restless. It was barely after four, too earlyto pick her up from work, but I couldn’t wait any longer. I considered swapping to the SUV for a second, but the urge to feel her wrapped around me on my bike won out.
Decision made, I headed to the garage and fired up my Harley, the deep rumble soothing the restlessness inside me. To pass the time, I stopped at Inferno Cycles & Customs and picked up something special for Poppy. When I rolled up outside her building, anticipation buzzed in my veins.
8
POPPY
Ispotted Colter’s motorcycle the moment I stepped out of the building. He stood next to it with his arms crossed over his broad chest and a teal helmet dangling from his fingers.
The butterflies I was quickly becoming familiar with swirled in my belly again, and excitement rushed over me.
He dropped his arms to his sides as I raced forward, the sexy smirk I’d only ever seen him aim at me curving his lips. “Hey, baby.”
“Hi.” I couldn’t stop the grin that took over my entire face. “You must’ve been early.”
“Couldn’t wait.” He caught my waist, tugged me close, and kissed me right there on the sidewalk. Many of my coworkers were right behind me, but I quickly forgot about them as I lost myself to Colter’s embrace.
When he finally pulled back, I was dizzy, and my lips tingled.
“Been thinking about doing that all day.”
I grinned up at him. “I’m not going to complain, but it’s only been nine hours since you kissed me senseless when you dropped me off for work. Still, feel free to do it anytime you want.”
Completely unbothered by my babbling yet again, he gave me another quick kiss. “I’m gonna take your mouth a fuck of a lot, baby.”
“Good,” I whispered, my cheeks filling with heat.
“So damn sweet.”
“And you’re so dang hot.”
I hadn’t meant to say that, but I didn’t regret my mouth getting the better of me, again. Not when he murmured, “Glad you think so, baby. ’Cause you’re gonna look even better on the back of my bike.”
I bounced on the balls of my feet. “I really get to ride with you?”
“Yup. That seat’s never had another woman on it, and you’re the only one who ever will be.”
“Oh my gosh,” I breathed, blinking up at him. “I never would’ve guessed you’d say such thoughtful things when we met. But wow, you’re really good at sweet talk.”
