Nick: Warm clothes. Hiking shoes. And a swimsuit. There’s a hot tub.
That giddy feeling swoops through me as I text him back.
Can’t wait.
Chapter 35
Nick
Ihand in my College Algebra midterm exam and walk out of the classroom feeling confident.
I’ve never felt this good after a test before. I know I didn’t ace it, but I’m certain I passed.
And it’s all because of Poppy.
I smile like a goober as I pack up my things and head toward the exit. The professor looks at me like I’m crazy. I don’t blame him. Most people aren’t smiling after a midterm.
But that’s all I’ve been doing lately, ever since Poppy spent the night at my place during that winter storm.
I woke up with her cuddled into my chest. I was grinning just like I am now.
I pull out my phone and text her.
Me: Just finished my last midterm. I’ll be by your place to pick you up at 3. Does that still work?
Poppy: Yup :) How’d you do?
Me: Pretty good, I think. I definitely passed.
Poppy: I know you did. You studied so hard.
Me: I owe it all to you, hot tutor.
She sends a blushing emoji, and I smile. I can’t wait to spend a long weekend with her at the cabin that the guys and I rented. I love spending time with Poppy, no matter what we’re doing, but it’ll be nice to get away from campus and classes and have some alone time in the quiet mountains.
A few hours later, I park in front of her apartment. I hop out of my car right as she walks out of the building, suitcase in hand.
I run over and take it from her, then grab her waist, pull her against me, and kiss her.
When we break apart, she’s smiling and blushing.
“Hey,” she says in a soft voice.
“Hey.”
I scoop her hand in mine and walk her to my car, open the passenger door for her, then load her stuff in the back.
I hop in the driver’s seat, pull onto the street, and head for the highway.
“So how long’s the drive to the cabin?” she asks.
“About an hour and a half,” I say. “Blake and Leo are already there. They didn’t have class today, so they left this morning to get everything set up.”
When Poppy glances at the cup holder in the center console, her eyes light up. “You got me a cherry lime sparkling water?”
She pops open the can and takes a long sip, closing her eyes and humming.
“Of course I did. It’s your favorite. I packed more in a small cooler in the backseat in case you want some on the ride there. And snacks too.”
