“It’s not the same.”
“Is this about giving me something or about the money again?”
“Mostly, me giving you something you want.”
I move my hand under her tank and splay my palm across her ribcage, feeling her heart race under my fingers. “You are what I want. Mornings like this, you baking something you love from your grandmother. Waking up to that picture of us on your dresser, you leaping through the air and latching onto me like it’s been an eternity instead of two weeks, hearing your voice when you get home after work and listening to your day—that makes me happy. You can keep pushing me on the money thing, but it’s a fight you won’t win. Let it go.”
Realization washes over her, and her body relaxes. “Okay. But when you’re not able to retire at sixty because you were careless with your money, don’t come griping to me.”
“Glad to know you’re concerned about my retirement plan, baby.”
“Seriously, Evin, I have a very detailed bucket list that includes travel around the world. I figure by then, all these kids you want to have will be self-sufficient and we can take off without worry. Those plans do not include living out of backpacks and staying in European hostiles.”
My body strings tight at her statement, and all thoughts of beds, pillows, and cinnamon rolls fly out of my head. “All these kids I want to have? You’ve been thinking about our conversation a few weeks ago?”
“A little,” she lies unconvincingly.
“You have. How many?”
“I haven’t gotten that far. Figured we’d start with one.”
“That’s usually how it goes.”
“Considering we aren’t even having sex, it’s a moot point.”
I flex my hips into her, my hard cock pulsing against her thigh. “You tell me you’re ready, things will change.”
“I’ve waited twenty-nine years to feel this way. How much more ready can I be?”
I close my eyes and drop my head to her neck, kissing gently. “You slay me.”
She draws in a deep breath and presses deep in the pillows to bring her face into view. “I’m the lucky one. No matter what happens and how hard it gets.”
“Nothing will happen to us, Poppy, I won’t allow it.”
“You keep being so awesome, I’ll believe that.”
“Don’t just believe it, trust in it. I’ll travel across the country to be next to you until you decide to give up your contract. Luckily, I’ve got that option. You come to Charleston next week, see how I live. You’ll understand that it’s simple.”
She leans up, pressing her lips to mine. “Did you hear anything else after the comment about children?”
“No hostiles, got it.”
“I’m serious!”
“Do I seem like a man who would stay in hostiles?”
“No, I’m putting it out there now.”
“Noted.”
“My bucket list is extensive.”
“Mine’s getting there.”
“You have a bucket list?”
“Making it up as we speak, and every item has to do with you. Starting with taking advantage of this bed that feels like heaven with you naked.” My hand slides under the elastic waistband, and her knees widen, giving me access.
“And then?”
“Baby, I want you on my face, my mouth on your pussy until you’re ready to pass out.”
Her breath hitches as her eyes brighten with desire. “I’d be happy to help you cross that off.”
Chapter 14
Poppy
Evin was right about the hotel having perks. Specifically, him laying in bed with the sheet low on his hips. I lean against the doorway, admiring him and wondering if tonight will be the night to finally demolish his self-control.
I’m done waiting. If there was any lingering uncertainty, last night crushed it. My feelings soared past falling for him and straight into the in love with him category. It’s terrifying and exhilarating all at once. Three weeks isn’t a long time, but falling in love long-distance makes it seem like an eternity.
His eyes slice to me and fill with warmth. His gaze travels head to toe and one side of his mouth curls up. “You couldn’t help yourself.”
“This one smells like you and it’s hot.” I pull on the collar of his shirt and inhale deep.
“Honey, you have the real thing lying here. If you want to smell me, have at it,” he invites, clicking off the television and widening his arms.
I climb from the end of the bed, making my way up his body. When I get to the edge of the sheet, my teeth nip the material and pull it down, fully exposing his hardened bulge. My mouth waters at the sight.
This man is perfect everywhere.
My lips skim over the smooth, firm, hot skin. His groan vibrates all down his body.
“Poppy, you’re killing me.”
I consider altering my plan of seduction and staying right here, but perseverance wins out. If all goes well, there will be plenty of time later. My tongue darts out to lick around his crown and moves to his abdomen, kissing, licking, nipping my way up his chest. His muscles flex against my mouth and I smile, making a mental note to come back soon.
That’s the last thought I have. Lightning fast, Evin’s fingers fist in my hair, and he guides my face to his. What I see sends a full-body tremor through me. His eyes are golden amber, smoldering with fire, hunger, and wild desire.
“You should find some panties or shorts, or any fucking thing to put a barrier on your sweet pussy.”
The tremor returns and I shake my head. “No, told you I don’t particularly like wearing them.”
“Poppy, I’m not playing here.”
“Neither am I. Listen to me, look at me, and hear me. I. Am. Ready.”
He swallows hard, staring intently for so long nerves knot in my stomach.
“I believe you,” he finally replies.
I’m close to crushing his resistance. No stopping now. “Never in all my life have I felt the way I do with you. You’re everything I’ve ever wanted and never knew existed. Loving you is the easiest thing in my life.”
He drops his forehead to mine, breathing deep. “I don’t deserve you, but shit if I’m not thanking my luck.”
Then I’m on my back and his eyes are molten. “Baby, I saw the pills in your make-up case. Are those birth control?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll wear a condom, but had a physical two weeks ago. Results are clean.”
I swallow the lump in my throat and nod. “We don’t need a condom.”
The flash in his eyes tells me this means something to him. “It may hurt.”
“It won’t hurt.”
“You don’t like something or change your mind, just say the words.”
“I’m ready, Evin.”
He exhales loudly. “Mine.” His mouth comes down, and his tongue slips inside gently.
One hand leaves my head and moves down, unbuttoning the shirt and moving lower between my legs. “Shrug out of the shirt, baby,” he says into my mouth.
I do as he says and gasp when two fingers slide inside me. “Yes,” I whimper.