“That was intense.” Poppy finally breaks the kiss and speaks, her bare chest rising and falling. I’m tempted to fondle her breasts again, but I don’t know if I’ll have the self-control to stop myself if we continue.
“You’re stunning.” I brush loose strands from her face and kiss her collarbone.
“I probably look like a mess—wild hair, topless.” She looks down at her chest and back into my eyes.
“I like you this way,” I admit.
Poppy reaches for my hands and places them on her tits. “I like feeling you touch me,” she confesses with a shy smile.
I groan and drop my head back on the couch. I close my eyes and give her tits a squeeze. “I like touching you way too much.” When I look at her again, she’s chewing her lip with a slight furrow. “What’s wrong?”
Poppy shrugs. “I feel bad.”
“Why?” I sit taller, holding her waist and bringing her up with me.
“‘Cause you didn’t,” she nods her head.
“I didn’t what?” I tease her.
“You know.” Poppy widens her eyes.
“I’m not sure I do.” I shake my head and hold back my smile.
“Harris,” she warns.
“What didn’t I do, Poppy?” I whisper, my voice growing deeper.
“Orgasm,” she lowers her voice.
“Babe,” I shake my head. “Don’t think like that. I wanted to make you feel good.”
“I could’ve made you feel good, too, if you’d let me touch you.”
I link my fingers with hers, holding both her hands and lifting them up and around my neck and wrap mine around her waist. “You do make me feel good, really good. I took it a little further than we planned, but that doesn’t mean I expect you to return the favor. This isn’t about favors, it’s about us being intimate. I don’t want you to think this is a competition to see who has more orgasms or feel the need to give me one because I gave you one. We’ll get there when Aunt Flo leaves, and the time is right.”
I move forward to peck her lips.
“I wish Aunt Flo weren’t here.”
I chuckle at her confession and nod. “Me too, but I like this.” I motion between us. “Besides, we had to finish what we started on hump day,” I wink.
Poppy sighs and hugs me. Having her in my arms gives me a sense of completion. I want nothing more than to stay like this for as long as she’ll let me, inhaling her flowery perfume and tasting her sweet skin.
Poppy
“Tell me again why you’re doing this yourself?” I grip the smashed up bathroom vanity and look at Averly.
“I told you, it’s cheaper if I remove the old furniture myself, and every penny counts right now.” Averly adjusts her work gloves and holds the other side of the vanity. “On the count of three. One, two, three.”
“Ooff…” I call out as I use every muscle in my body to rip the wooden furniture from the wall. I stumble backward, and Averly grabs my arm before I join the pile of wood on the floor.
“Why didn’t you ask your brother for help? Don’t get me wrong, I’m all about helping you, but if he were here, we’d be further along.” I blow loose strands of hair from my face and push them back with my forearms, so the dirt on my gloves doesn’t stick to my skin.
“Because you know that Finn is unreliable, and he said something about a date in Rock Springs.”
“Rock Springs? That’s like three and a half hours away.” I look over at Averly in disbelief.
“Exactly, so chances are he’ll be gone all weekend, and this bathroom is next to fix come Monday.”
I look around at the mess and shake my head. “We better get to it.”
“Thanks, Poppy.” Averly smiles at me.
“You know I always have your back.” I shrug.
“Yeah, but I stole you away from a weekend you can be spending with Harris,” her smile grows.
The memory of last weekend at my apartment has haunted me every night this week. Harris and I have seen each other a couple of times, but nothing more than dinner or coffee.
“Are you thinking about…” Averly mocks me by thrusting her hips.
“You’re a pain.”
“But you’re blushing,” she teases.
I grab a towel hanging from the mess behind me and fling it at her.
“Hey!” She grabs it and looks at it. “Ewww.” She drops the towel as if it were on fire. “That’s not mine.” She shakes her head as if germs were latching on to her skin. I laugh as I pick up the towel from a corner, thankful I’m wearing gloves.
“Well, it was here.” I look at it and notice it has some yellow stains.
“It must’ve belonged to the previous owners.”
My fingers open and let the towel drop, my face screwing up in disgust.
“Yeah, and you threw it at my face.” Averly points at me when I stare at the piece of fabric with my nose scrunched up.
“I thought it was yours. Besides, that’s what you get for making fun of me.”
“What is your boyfriend doing today?” Averly grabs pieces of wood she broke with a hammer before we tore out what was left of the vanity. I help her gather it up and follow her out to the dumpster the construction company left here.
“He was going to do a few things around town and hang out with Knox and Axel.”
“Man, did you ever think you’d be hanging out with Knox Bentley?” Averly shakes her head as she wipes her hands together.
“No way.” Knox is a few years older than us, and he never coincided with us in high school, but everyone knew who he was. After he became a famous musician, the entire town took pride in being a part of his hometown.
Averly tilts her head and looks at me. Her lips are a straight line and her eyes are narrowed as if she’s deep in thought.
I shift from one leg to another. “So…”
“You really like Harris, don’t you?” She finally speaks.
“What?” I clear my throat.
“You really like him,” she nods.
“Yeah,” I sigh, knowing I can tell my best friend anything.
“Are you falling in love with him?” The corners of her lips tilt upward.
“Huh?” I stare at her wide-eyed.
“You are.” She claps her hands and gives me a full smile now. “I think it’s great.” Averly pulls me into a hug.
“I don’t… I’m not…” I stutter. I do feel a lot for him. He’s more than just a crush or someone I want to date casually, but I’ve been trying to keep my feelings under control because I’ve never been in this situation. The way we even started our relationship is unconventional, and I question if Harris would have ever noticed me had I not approached him that day in the grocery store.
“Don’t stress about it,” Averly tries to calm me. “This doesn’t change anything. You two are still together, happy, and honestly, I have a suspicion he may feel the same way.”
“Really?” I glance at her.
“The way he looks at you when you’re not watching him is pretty obvious.”
I bite down on my lip and smile. Warmth swims inside of me as I think about Harris.
“Okay, let’s get to work before you go off and daydream for hours about your hot boyfriend,” Averly teases. I nod and continue working on clearing out all the scraps of wood and garbage from the bathroom.
It takes hours to finish clearing up the bathroom. I admire Averly for sticking to a dream she’s had for so long and working hard to achieve it. I know how stressful this transition has been for her, especially that she’s doing it all on her own, taking out her own loans, designing it. For as long as I can remember, Averly has had a bed and breakfast fund. Every extra cent she had, she’d put toward this dream.
I look around the big space, under construction, and smile. “You’re really doing this.” I wrap my arm around her shoulder.
“I’m scared,” she confesses.
“Why?” I look at her, my eyebrows pinching together.
“Wh
at if it doesn’t work? What if not enough people visit Everton for me to book this place? You know people love Oaks Resort. They have the ski trails, a huge fireplace, the gondolas. A bed and breakfast falls short.” She shakes her head with a frown.
“You’ve worked so hard for this. Your career, work experience, everything has been preparing you for this day. People will love staying here. Not everyone wants to stay in a crowded resort. Besides, Oaks is close enough for those people who want the skiing experience, and yet want a quiet night and to visit Everton,” I soothe her.
“I know, but all these doubts and insecurities start to seep in.”
“Averly, this is going to be a success. Everything you do is perfect. Honestly, I don’t know anyone else who accomplishes everything they set their mind to with such ease.”
I hug my best friend. “Thank you,” she murmurs against my shoulder. “It’s just scary, you know?”
“I know,” I nod. I can’t imagine starting my own business. I’m not a dummy, but running a business is something only a special kind of person can do. The house Averly bought to transform into her bed and breakfast is gorgeous, the land that surrounds it is stunning, and guests can easily take the trails around the property to go on hikes and nature walks.
“How about we order pizza? My treat for helping me.”
I shake my head. “It’s my treat. We’ll call it a housewarming meal.”
“Poppy,” she whines.
I lift my hand and shake my head. “It’s on me, really. Save your money for this place.”
“Fine,” she rolls her eyes and crosses her arms. “But, we’ll open the bottle of wine I brought.”
“Deal.”
We order the pizza and sit on the floor in the living room area. Averly looks around the house.
“I can’t wait to see it finished.”
“It’s going to be beautiful.” I take a sip of wine from the plastic cups Averly brought.
“Thanks.” She smiles at me. “You really are the best friend a girl could have.”
“I know,” I lift a shoulder and smile.
“Humble,” she murmurs in a teasing manner.
“You love me anyway,” I quip.
“Yup.” Averly smiles. “Pizza’s here.” She jumps to her feet when a knock sounds on the door and opens the front door. I meet her there, paying the delivery guy.
As we eat, Averly tells me about the ideas she has for the space, the paint colors she wants to use, and the themes for the bedrooms. Everything is well thought out and planned, just like Averly.
It’s dark by the time I get home, the only downfall to fall and winter. Heading straight for the shower, I wash the day’s work from my body and let the warm water relax my muscles. I used muscles today I haven’t used in years.
I’m ready to spend the evening on the couch, watching mindless television until I fall asleep. Then, I’ll dream about Harris like I have the last few nights.
Poppy
When Harris called me this morning to ask if I was free for lunch, I knew of the perfect place to take him. Now, he’s arguing as to why I’m driving him on our date.
“You really need to get over this macho idea that only the man can drive the woman around. I’m not a helpless maiden-in-distress.” I roll my eyes.
“I know you’re not, but I like driving you.” His hand reaches for my thigh, and I’m glad I’m wearing jeans, so his skin doesn’t burn mine with desire. His touch, even through clothes, affects me as it is. Case in point: dry-humping orgasm.
“And I like that you’re a gentleman, but be realistic. I wanted to drive so I could surprise you. If I gave you the directions, then you’d know where we’re going, and it wouldn’t be a surprise.” I flick on the turn signal and get in the right lane.
“Can you at least tell me if we’re staying in Everton.” I flick my eyes to him quickly.
“Yeah,” I nod.
“Can I guess?”
“You can try, but I won’t respond.”
“Tease.”
“Pot meet kettle,” I wink in his direction.
Harris grips my thigh, the tips of his fingers so close to where I want to feel him.
“Trying to drive here,” I choke out my words.
“Oh, was that teasing you?”
I stop at the red light and look at him. “Would my palm near your dick tease you?” I deadpan and lift my brows
Harris clears his throat and shifts in the seat, pulling the seatbelt from his chest a bit.
“I thought so,” I throw out.
“Who’s the tease now?”
I lift one side of my lips. “Two can play this game and play it well.” I wink and begin driving when the light turns green.
“You’re beautiful.” His voice becomes softer.
“Are you sucking up to me? Shall I remind you I teach children and can smell a suck-up from a mile away.” Harris chuckles and tugs my braid.
“I’m not sucking up, promise. You really are beautiful. There are perks to you driving, actually. I can stare at you all I want without you watching me.”
“Creepy.” I pretend to shudder.
Harris chuckles beside me as I pull into the parking lot of a shopping plaza.
“Barbecue, I approve.” He looks at the restaurant in front of us.
“Not just any barbecue, the best in the entire county.” The Meat Market has been around for decades. It’s a certified organic, family-owned business that prides itself on fresh products and locally-grown beef and poultry.
“I’ll be the judge of that.” Harris steps out of my car and opens my door. He reaches for my hand, and we walk into the restaurant full of people having their Sunday lunch.
After we take a seat, Harris asks me about Averly’s bed and breakfast.
“It’s coming along. I helped her clear out the bathroom yesterday. It was exhausting. I haven’t been this sore in years.” I notice the quirk in Harris’s lips, but he remains quiet. “Did you have fun with Knox and Axel?”
“Huh? Oh, yeah.” His eyes wander around the restaurant, avoiding mine. I furrow my eyebrows.
“What did you guys do?”
“We just had a few beers, nothing crazy.” Harris looks down at the menu and changes the subject. His behavior switched faster than a lightning bolt. “What do you recommend?”
I don’t want to push him, so instead, I tell him what I normally get. “The smoked brisket’s really good, and so are the ribs. I usually get the smoked brisket with coleslaw and mashed potatoes. The cornbread’s a must here.”
“It smells good.” He looks around again, finally landing his gaze in my direction.
His shoulders drop a bit, releasing some of the tension. I’m not sure what got him so strung-out, but I hope it’s nothing serious. Harris is usually happy-go-lucky, so to see him avoid my question makes the pit of my stomach turn with nerves.
“Like I said, the best barbecue in all the county.”
“Are you going to have the brisket?” he asks.
“Yup.”
“If I get the ribs, do you want to share?” He wiggles his eyebrows and gives me that crooked smile I fall for.
“Yeah,” I sigh. “But then you have to order the mac n cheese so I can have double the carbs.”
“I thought the cornbread was your second carb.” He arches a brow.
“Fine, triple the carbs,” I shrug and smile.
“Deal,” he nods and places the menu on the table. “Thank you for bringing me here. I hadn’t heard of this restaurant.” He draws circles over my hand, and I shiver.
“That’s because you’re too busy buying all the jerky at the grocery store,” I tease.
“Hey, don’t make fun of my love for jerky. It’s the real deal over here.”
I giggle and shake my head. “I’ve never met anyone who likes jerky that much.”
“That makes me special,” he grins.
“You’re definitely special, Harris Miller.” I look into his light eyes, som
ething swirling inside of them that I can’t quite pinpoint.
“I sure hope so,” he mumbles.
As if on cue, the waiter comes to take our order before I can ask Harris what he meant by that comment. Then, we switch gears, talking about work, fall activities around town, and Halloween.
“You were right, this place is amazing.” Harris wipes his hands with the hundredth napkin after finishing off his final rib. I finished eating a while ago, after pushing myself beyond full and all the way to stuffed-like-a-turkey-on-Thanksgiving full.
“Told ya. I’m going to go wash my hands.” I stand and make my way to the bathroom, smiling at a few people who wave as I pass their tables.
When I walk into the bathroom, Jessica is standing there, staring at herself in the mirror. A malicious smile spreads across her face, and I do my best to ignore her. Wash hands, and get out. That’s the plan.
“Well, hello, Poppy.” Her greeting is as fake as saccharin.
“Jessica,” I say and wash my hands.
“You know, I heard the most interesting thing last night.” She applies lipgloss and makes an annoying smacking sound.
“I really don’t care.” I shake my head and grab paper towels to dry my hands.
“I think this would interest you.” Her eyebrows lift in her reflection. “Harris met with Patrick last night.” I freeze, holding the paper in my grip. Jessica’s Cheshire smile makes me want to puke.
“Apparently, your boyfriend wants in on that little bet all the men have going. I really don’t get the obsession with you, personally.” She eyes me up and down, her nose and lips screwed as if she tasted something awful.
“Jessica, it’s really sad that you have to make up things because you’re so unhappy with your life. Maybe if you stopped trying to ruin other people’s lives, you’d find a semblance of peace in yours.”
“Oh, sweetie, I couldn’t care less about your life.”
I snort and roll my eyes. “Right.” I toss the paper in the garbage and head to the bathroom door.
“If you don’t believe me, ask Harris about his meeting with Patrick. I overheard the conversation. Patrick wanted a witness in case Harris decided to go back on his word.”
Pretend You're Mine Page 14
