“What’s wrong with my suit?” I repeat from earlier.
“Not a fucking thing, but considering you are here with us, instead of tied to a bed upstairs means he’s practicing the art of self-restraint.”
“He’s a gentleman.”
Scottie and Billy exchange a glance that sends a prickle up my spine. “Are you saying he’s not?”
“Pips, that man shows all the qualities of a beast in the bedroom.”
“Eek, on that note—I’m going to the bathroom.” Darby stands and grimaces. “I want the clean version. I can’t think of my brother doing anything in the bedroom.”
“Oh my God, Darby, I didn’t mean anything.”
“Stop!” She throws her hand in my face. “You’ll learn I’m not a prude. But it’s my brother.”
“Preach, Darby and Pierce are two of the worst ever. We all know about Devin being conceived in her bakery.”
“Going now.” She rolls her eyes before disappearing.
“Okay, spill.” Megan scoots her chair closer.
“There’s nothing to tell. We hit it off. After the club, we walked around the hotel, and I stayed in his room. He offered me a shirt to change into, and we went to bed.”
“That’s the most boring night in history, considering how I found you fused on the dance floor.” Scottie sighs dramatically. “I expected a little more from him.”
“It wasn’t boring. We talked, kissed, laughed, cuddled…” I trail off when Billy and Scottie’s faces morph to horror.
“Cuddled? He’s a cuddler?”
“Well, it was more of him situating me on top of him until I fell asleep.”
“That’s about right, no space at all,” Ashlyn speaks up and Stephanie nods her agreement.
“Thank God I don’t have to pull his credentials.” Scottie refills his glass and does the same for Megan, Stephanie, and Billy. “Possessive bedroom positions are important.”
“He did kinda flip this morning when he found out I paid for a room. He took my key when I was asleep, and my things were there when I woke.”
“Heard about that room. I’m working on a full refund. They are being a little weird since it was a package, but you may get another spa day soon.”
I bolt up, squealing, “What?”
“Evin didn’t want you to be out the money. I’m getting you either a refund or a credit.”
“But why?”
“Oh lord, she’s gonna blow,” Stephanie assesses calmly. “Someone may want to fill her in.”
“Gladly. Evin will not let you pay for an unused room. That’s a ridiculous use of your money.”
“If I hadn’t met him, I’d have stayed there.”
“It’s a moot point now.”
“Can you apply it toward his extended stay?”
Darby strolls to her chair, shaking her head. “You want to set Evin off, that’s a way to do it. I missed it last night because I was in post-sex afterglow and then post-show adoration, but this morning it clicked. Don’t try it. He’s a man, Poppy. Let him do this.”
I fall back, chewing the inside of my cheek to figure out how to do something for him.
“Babe, don’t know what men you’ve been dating, but this is the MO for this crowd,” Stephanie informs me.
“Actually, I’m not used to dating much. My last bonafide boyfriend was in college. Our ending was ugly. That was over seven years ago.” My mouth has a mind of its own, spouting my personal business.
All their expressions take on a shocked look, and Billy is the only one who speaks. “Sick, no wonder she’s freaking. She’s used to dating boys.”
“I’m not freaking. I’m cautious and realistic.”
“Oh lord, this will be explosive. I may need to take a few days and stay behind to witness the greatest of all.”
“Scottie, I’d give you a kidney, but you try to bail on me now, I’ll kill you. Four weeks until I’m married and our moms are off our backs, you’ll get a very nice vacation. Todd promises.”
“I can work virtual, keep you from going down in flames, and watch the budding romance.” He says it with such seriousness, I’m a little sick. It takes a full minute for Darby to burst into giggles.
“You’re safe, Poppy. This is as much Scottie’s wedding as Stephanie’s.”
“Changing the subject, can we talk about that fabulous ring on your finger?” Ashlyn comes to sit on the side of my chair, taking my hand. “This is totally you.”
The metal and diamond sparkle magnificently in the sun. My stomach dips and flutters with giddiness. “It was a present.”
“Perfect present from a businessman to a bohemian goddess,” she whispers.
Those words sink in, all the anxiety seeping away.
That wasn’t so bad after all.
Chapter 5
Evin
“Shouldn’t you be packing to go home? Your wake-up call is early.” I open the door to Darby and Pierce.
“Yes, she should, but she’s stubborn,” Pierce grumbles.
“I need to talk to you.” Darby passes on her way to the bar, pouring two drinks.
“We left dinner less than an hour ago.”
“This is between family.”
“Meaning you want to talk about Poppy.”
She nods, bringing us the glasses and perching on the arm of the sofa. “I like her.”
“Me too.”
“I really like her.”
“Is there a point here?”
She wrings her hands together. “I’m worried.”
“About what?”
“Well, there’s the fact that, for the first time in forever, you’re showing interest in a woman that performs in Vegas for a living.”
I take a sip of the bourbon to tamper down the spark of irritation at her implication. “Is that a problem?”
“Oh! Not that she’s a performer, but her life is here. What does that mean for a future?”
“Fuck, Darby, it’s not ideal, but I’m not walking away because of shitty location.”
“Pierce shared what he saw this morning. After spending the day with her, I know she’s not the type of woman who falls into bed with every high-balling businessman that comes around.”
A throaty growl rumbles low, and I swallow the rest of the liquid in one gulp. “Careful.”
“Baby, you should get to the point and not mention her falling into bed with other men,” Pierce pushes.
“Sorry, I’m saying she lives across the country, so what can come out of this?”
“Poppy told me about your day. You know this isn’t a sex thing,”
