“Now what are you talking about?” I glance between them.
“The love-struck look on your face when you think about him,” Dante adds.
“Love-struck? Don’t you think it’s a little premature to be throwing out words like that?”
“Nope, because it’s the exact same way he looks at you.”
Butterflies take flight in my stomach, swarming high into my chest. Then Ryanne’s statement from earlier occurs to me. “What was Ryanne referring to? What did you tell her?”
He grins slyly and relays his conversation from last night with Evin. The butterflies take a nose-dive and I stare at him, horrified. “You referred to him as a big shot executive that comes to Vegas to have a little fun? Then you basically called him a sugar-daddy? Why would you do that?”
“I pushed a little hard to rattle his cage. I had to see for myself his reaction.”
“And?”
“By the end, he wanted to pummel me.”
“I’m experiencing that same thought right now.”
He smiles wider, not caring that I’m about to strangle him. “Don’t get worked up. You should have expected it.”
“Expected you to be rude to a man that I’m interested in?”
“I wasn’t rude, I was direct. He gets where I’m coming from.”
I open my mouth to debate his intentions when he places his hand on mine, his face growing serious.
“That’s what having your back means. I’ve waited a long time.”
“We both have,” Ryanne adds.
“You’re back to making me sound pathetic.”
“I’m calling it now. Your run as the oldest resident virgin in Vegas is about to end.”
“And the best part is you found yourself a man, Pips, a man that’s eons above playing games. Not only is he going to be patient with you, he’s also going to enjoy every minute knowing he’s got something precious,” Dante announces proudly.
“Did you psychoanalyze him?”
“Didn’t take a degree. He may be gruff and hard on the outside, but he’s got a soft spot.”
“Hmmm, I don’t know if there’s anything soft about him when Poppy is around. Did you see the rod of steel he was sporting? Imagine having that as your first.” Ryanne fans her face. “You’re a lucky bitch.”
“Oh my God!” I fall back, hiding my face with the pillow.
“Dante, our little Popsy is flushed from head to toe.”
“That’s because she knows you’re right. There’s no way she didn’t notice what that man has to offer.”
“Stop!” my scream is muffled.
Ryanne pokes me in the side. “I’m enjoying this. But for now, I’ll pack your things. That’s the only way to ensure you have the right stuff for the next few days.”
“I’ll help because I’m starved.” Dante rolls off the bed.
I peek out and watch them. Dante goes to my closet and Ryanne to my dresser, both of them discussing what I may need.
A new realization washes over me, sending my thoughts into a frenzy. I’ll be spending the next four days and nights with a man I barely know and yet feel one-hundred percent safe with.
I channel my inner Ryanne and decide. Regardless of what happens with Evin, there will be absolutely no regrets.
Chapter 7
Evin
The last set of girls crosses the large dance floor, trying their best to imitate Poppy’s graceful movements and routine. She openly praises them one by one. The group of teenagers break up, a few of them surrounding her with questions. It’s easy to spot the admiration on their faces as she gives them her full attention. I won’t be surprised if the next time she’s here, they’re not all donning flowers in their hair as if she started the trend.
I stay outside the room, observing her interactions and feeling exactly how these girls do.
Completely enamored with the woman at the center of it all.
Gorgeous, kindhearted, passionate, talented, every fucking beautiful thing about her radiates brightly.
Mine.
The primal thought has always been a foreign concept until six days ago when she strutted into that bar. My world shifted again on Sunday afternoon; I was three feet from her bedroom door when I heard Ryanne’s words and my body froze.
Your run as the oldest resident virgin in Vegas is about to end.
The rest of what they said barely registered as the reality slammed into me.
Pure, clean, completely untouched.
No man has experienced the beauty of having all of her.
The last long-term relationship I had was right out of college. On paper, the woman was a perfect match. Ambitious, focused, and beautiful. We had a great time. But my family was going through hell, and when Darby needed me, I knew it wouldn’t work. Kelsey was looking for things I couldn’t give her. She didn’t agree at first, holding on to something that had long faded away. It sucked for her when she finally realized my priorities didn’t include forging a future with her. We split with little drama.
That was a long time ago, and no woman has caught my attention for more than casual hook-ups since then.
Dante’s warning has replayed in my mind over and over. Knowing that she has a family that fucked her over and his blatant disgust with them heightens my protective instincts. He’s used to being her protector.
Now, she has me.
And I’m gone tomorrow.
Shit, a knot coils at the thought.
I didn’t want to leave on Sunday, but I really don’t want to fucking leave tomorrow. Our time hasn’t been enough.
We’ve fallen into a routine. I’ve kept up with work in the early mornings while she sleeps and later when she goes to perform. Our days have been filled with her showing me life in Vegas. Each night, I’m waiting when she’s done with her last show.
All of it is barely a tease into the world of life with Poppy.
A world I’m not ready to be two thousand miles away from.
As if she senses my thoughts, her head pops up. She flashes me a blinding smile, mouthing ‘two minutes’.
Jesus, that smile sends a possessive burn scoring through me.
My phone vibrating in my pocket pulls me from my thoughts.
“What’s up, Jackson?”
“I have updates.”
“Give me a second to get somewhere quiet.”
I gesture to the door to let her know and head outside to the rented SUV.
Monday morning, I arranged for the hotel to rent me a larger vehicle.
This gave me the first glimpse of an irritated Poppy Malone. She protested strongly that it was a ridiculous waste of money, offering to call Dante and borrow his SUV.
I told her it was non-negotiable.
She threw sass until my dick was hard as steel. I ended the argument by silencing her with a kiss. Later, when the valet brought it around, she rolled her eyes but did it grinning.
“Okay, I’m here.”
“Where exactly is here?”
“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”
“After the curveballs you’ve been throwing me, not much would surprise me.”
“I’m at a dance studio.”
“Dance studio? Like ballroom dancing?”