“You have no idea, only the best.”
“Would it be weird for you if I hang out with them?”
“Why would it be?”
“I met them yesterday, and this morning I’m in your hotel room. Would it be strange for me to hang with your family and friends after our night together?”
“We haven’t actually had a night together, considering Scottie and Billy didn’t leave us alone until four a.m.”
“You know what I mean. They may assume things.”
A spark of irritation stirs in my stomach. “My life, my business. You want to go to the cabana with them, I’ll deliver you myself and they won’t say a fucking thing.”
“Evin,” she lowers her voice, skimming her hand up my chest and cupping my jaw. “I didn’t mean to upset you. I like your family and friends. They’re awesome, but Darby is your sister. Will she have a problem with this?”
“A problem with me meeting a woman I’m interested in? I highly doubt it. Being that she’s my twin, she’ll pick up on things quick. And in case her pregnancy brain is lagging, her husband and his brother know what’s up.”
“Is that why they were smirking all night?”
“They were smirking because they enjoy fucking with me.”
“Is that a guy-code thing?”
“It’s a first. There’s a lot of history there, but for over a decade, I despised Pierce Kendrick. Now, he’s family. Miller’s his brother, so that makes him family, too.”
Her jaw drops, and she squints in confusion. “You despised the man your sister married?”
“Like I said, a lot of back history.”
“Wow.”
I drop my neck and run my lips across hers. “Not something we talk about much. My guess is that after a few hours with them today, you’ll get the story.”
“Will you be with us?”
“It’s hot as fuck outside. Although the thought of you parading around in a bathing suit could sway my mind.”
She smiles brightly. “We could do something else if you’d rather?”
My dick lurches again, ready to speak up about exactly what we want to do with her. But the trace of vulnerability in her voice stops me.
“The selfish ass in me wants to keep you all for myself, but you should get the complete experience. Enjoy a few hours at the pool and I’ll make plans for us tonight.”
Her smile dies. “I work again tonight, both shows.”
“Then I’ll be waiting when you’re done.”
“I’d like that.”
“After your shows, you’re mine.”
“Okay.” She lays her cheek back to my shoulder, skating her fingers across my chest. “Tell me what you’d normally be doing on a Saturday morning in Charleston.”
“Most likely, I’d go to Darby’s and hang with my nephew, Devin. Maybe take all the kids to my parents’ farm for horseback riding. Occasionally, my buddy Jackson likes to surf early.”
“Darby showed me a few videos of Devin last night. He’s a cutie.”
“He’s not cute, he’s a badass.”
“Isn’t he eight-months-old?”
“There’s not an age limit on it. With a name like his, he was born to be a badass.”
“Devoted brother, proud uncle, successful business executive—not sure why you don’t have women lined up at your door.”
My fingers thread their way back to her scalp, and I tip her head to mine. “Because none of them have rainbow-colored hair, the face of an angel, and make my heart race with one look.”
Her lips part and eyes glimmer.
“Babe, if this is your kind of morning beast, I can handle it.”
“It’s different with you.”
We lay in silence, her words hanging in the air, until eventually, her breathing shallows as she drifts back to sleep.
Careful not to wake her, I reach for my phone. There’s a message from the concierge verifying my last request. Another message comes through from Darby confirming the cabana reservation for eleven and asking about my night.
For a second, I consider messaging her back but decide against it. It doesn’t take long for me to purchase a ticket for Poppy’s later show and get a premium seat.
A new text flashes on the screen from Scottie—
She better have gotten to her room safely.
Me—She’s safe.
He replies instantly. Will we see y’all at the pool?
I resist the urge to tell him to mind his own business, knowing I’m going to require his help.
She’ll be there, and I’ll need a few favors.
Scottie—Do these favors require working my magic? Because I’m planning on enjoying my day. He adds a martini emoji.
Me—Pretty sure you can work your magic with a drink in your hand. Also, I’d appreciate keeping it private.
Scottie— Anyone who paid attention last night knows you’re captivated by my flawless flower child.
Captivated? He has no idea.
Me—My business, Scottie.
Scottie—A series of hearts and flowers come through.
Jesus, what thirty-six-year-old law professional uses emojis? I don’t respond, placing the phone back on the nightstand and wrapping my arm around Poppy’s back.
“Am I dreaming again?” she mumbles sleepily.
“No, babe, but I need to run out. Where’s your room key?”
“In my dress's pocket with my phone. Should I get up?”
“No.” I skim my hand up and down her back until she’s asleep, then gently slide out from under her.
Ten minutes later, I stare at her sprawled out across the bed. My t-shirt swallows her slight frame, and a sense of possessiveness I’ve never known stirs in my gut.
For the first time in my life, I understand Pierce Kendrick’s obsessive nature.
Reluctantly, I leave her sleeping, ready to get this shit done.
The clock is ticking, and time isn’t on my side.
I don’t have to see the front of her to know that I’m paying for the whole fucking cabana today. Poppy mumbles to herself, rooting through her bag, giving me extra time to take in her multi-colored bikini molding perfectly to her ass.
“Here it is.” She whips something out. “Knew it was in here.”
When she faces me, my dick is instantly hard.
Every inch of her is sheer fucking perfection.
My eyes fall to the script slanting up her ribcage, disappearing under the top of her suit. There’s another design on her right hipbone. As if the tattoos aren’t enough, a large jeweled piercing is shining in her
