Her spine straightens, and she pastes on a grin. “If the star of the show extends an invitation, it’s rude to decline. I’d love to join your family to celebrate.”
“Cool. Let’s go.”
I pivot to find the area abandoned, except for Dante and Ryanne. Their faces are blank, waiting for my lead.
It’s all good, I mouth.
“Marco and Grady have one job at the bar, they better not fuck it up,” Evin grumbles.
“Marco and Grady rarely fuck up, especially recently when it comes to Poppy,” Karen adds from behind.
“Jesus, I know it. Counting the goddamned days until we leave for our honeymoon and these fuckers get out of our space.”
“Don’t count on it, Chris Hemsworth. Andrew and I will be joining at some point. We need a vacation,” Ryanne calls back.
I’m too busy holding in my laughter to realize he’s bent mid-step until an arm sweeps my knees off the ground. He jogs us down the stairs to the theatre entrance, holding me close.
“It’s a good thing I had the foresight to keep our location a secret. Ryanne’s going to be pissed when she shows in Hawaii and we’re halfway around the globe. Serves her right.”
At this, I lose the fight and howl.
Epilogue
Evin
Poppy drops her head, her hair tickling my thighs as she arches her chest. My thumb swipes across her nipple before running along the script below.
Her hips tilt, and she grinds down hard. “Oh, God,” she moans.
My stomach tightens when she cups my balls and rolls them between her fingers. “Get there, baby.”
“Not yet.”
I thrust upward, knowing I’ve hit the right spot when she screams into the room. Her body spasms as she comes apart, her muscles clenching my cock. She rocks back and forth, slowly lifting her head. The glittery blue of her eyes sears into my skin. My dick pulses inside her, ready to blow at the fiery hunger piercing into me. She smiles proudly, swiveling her hips.
She’s a fucking siren, taunting me, challenging me, seeing how far she can go. Warning bells ring in my brain, and with a swift move, she’s on her back.
My cock swells, driving into her hard, over and over until she’s writhing, chanting soft pleas. Her thighs flex around my waist, spurring me harder.
“Give it to me,” I demand.
“Too good,” she moans in pleasure, then yells, her muscles rippling impossibly tight.
“Shit.” Sweat rolls down my back at the electrifying sensations firing through me.
Our sex life was always explosive, but since the day we landed in Bora-Bora on our honeymoon, something changed. Her adventurous side came out, and I was introduced to a new side of my wife.
I’ve openly admitted wanting to live inside Poppy, and she’s taken me up on it. If we’re not working, or with family, we’re wrapped in each other. Every morning, I wake up ravenous for her, unable to get enough. Her body responds to the slightest touch, ready for me.
Like now, the desperation to possess her, worship her, claim her with each stroke consumes me. I slam into her again and again, watching my cock disappear with each stroke.
“So fucking sexy seeing you take me.”
“Yes…”
The desire in her voice bleeds through, telling me she wants more.
“You feeling needy this morning?”
“That first one is always for you,” she whimpers.
“Fuck yeah, it is.”
She may soak in the pleasure, but her first orgasm of the day always belongs to me. Giving me the satisfaction of seeing her shatter apart for me and only me. Forever.
My speed increases, pummeling harder until she’s thrashing again. My mouth goes to her tit, sucking hard, and she shatters again, this time almost bringing me with her. My dick now has a mind of its own, willpower be damned.
I find her clit and flick it over and over while she’s still coming. Her eyes fly open, fluttering a few times as she focuses. She knows what I want. Her hips ram up, titling at the last minute, and that’s all it takes.
“Jesus, fuck, fuck, fuck,” I chant. My dick pulses harder, shooting off into her.
She holds tight, mumbling incoherently and milking me tight.
When my eyes clear, they land on her smiling face as she sucks her bottom lip between her teeth.
“I knew putting a full bedroom in this apartment was a good idea,” she rasps.
“Fucking great idea.” My voice is throaty. “Shit, Poppy, I lost control.”
“Isn’t it awesome?”
Her smug expression has my cock lurching again. Her eyes grow wide and she giggles, running her hand through my hair. “You are insatiable.”
“I’m addicted.”
“Help me up?”
My arms round her back and I lift her, falling back onto the bed, keeping us connected. She nuzzles into my neck, her heart beating with mine. “It’s done, sweetie. We did it.”
“This was all you. The vision, the design, the layout.”
“I can’t take all the credit on that; Dante was a huge contributor.”
“Maybe, but the final product is yours.”
“Is it possible for the human heart and soul to explode from happiness?”
“Our future is filled with it.”
“Speaking of the future, I need your help.” She leans over the side of the bed. “Stay where you are.”
“Kinda hard to move when you’re riding my dick.”
“I’m not technically riding it, I’m sitting astride it.”
“We’re talking technicalities?”
She wiggles as she digs into something that sounds like a plastic bag. “Close your eyes. I need your help to pick out my outfit. There are two choices, and your initial reaction is the deciding factor.”
I do as she says, jerking when she lays several objects across my stomach.
“Those are accessories,” she clarifies.
“Baby, this is a family party. Are we going all out?”
“Yes, Evin! It’s not just a family party. It’s your and Darby’s birthday party.”
“It’s not that big a deal.”
“It is to me. Okay, you can open.”
My eyes go to the two hangers she’s holding up. Both are scraps of lace. “This fucking outfit better be only for me.”
She grins. “Of course, this is for our private celebration.”
My gaze drops to my stomach and my heart stops. Four pregnancy tests are laying there. I don’t have to see the window to know what they say.
“Happy Birthday, sweetie.”
I’m stunned silent, my heart hammering to the rhythm of the whooshing in my ears.
“The studio isn’t the only thing we did. The Honeymoon curse continues. So, do you prefer pink or blue?”
I look back to her shaking the lingerie and the shades register.
Pink and Blue.
My mind is screaming at me, but my mouth is sealed shut.
Poppy’s eyes fill with concern, her smile slipping. “Honey, is it too much? Your face is frozen.”
My tongue may be tied, but my body reacts, lurching up at warp speed and crushing her to me. In a twist, she’s on her back, the lingerie and tests clattering on the floor.
“Say it,” I demand, my voice more gruff than intended.
“Honey?”
“Baby, swear to God, nothing will make me happier to hear. But I have to hear it.”
“Evin, I’m pregnant.”
The words soak to the bottom of my soul, and my eyes close, burning behind the lids.
Invincible. That’s the only way to describe the way I’m feeling. My eyes go to hers and my chest seizes.
“So fucking beautiful. Every minute of every day, I know how lucky I am.”
“I feel the same about you.”
“You’re carrying my baby?”
“I believe so.”
“You know your body better than anyone.”
“Then yes, I�
��m pregnant.” Splotches crawl up her neck and cheeks, and the memory of the last few days hits me. Her unquenchable desire, the way she’s gone wild, greedy with need. My gaze travels down her body, stopping at her lower stomach, and my fingers sprawl across the skin.
“I want to see a doctor immediately.”
“We have an appointment in an hour.”
My eyes snap to hers. “An hour?”
“I couldn’t wait. But because of the 227 grapevine in this city, it was necessary to make it undercover. The nurse is sworn to secrecy.”
I smile, lowering to run my lips over her stomach. “Smart call.”
“I never got your reaction. Pink or blue?”
There’s no hesitation, my mind is made up. I move slowly up her body, covering the flesh with kisses, and get to eye level. “Both.”
Her scream is muffled when my mouth covers hers.
“Appreciate it, man.”
“No one else comes close to appreciating it as much as you. It wasn’t a hard decision. The papers will be ready tomorrow. Quick close and it’s yours in a few weeks.”
“Poppy will be thrilled.”
“Speaking of Poppy, Deni thinks… said she got this feeling…” Len trails off.
“Deni got a sixth sense?”
“Considering we have five children and eight grandchildren, yeah, I’d give her that power.”
“She’s good, but do me a favor and keep it tight. We confirmed yesterday and haven’t told anyone yet.”
“Secret's safe. Damn, Evin, can’t tell you how happy I am for you.”
“Whenever you decide to come visit from that fancy condo in Florida, there’s always a room for you.”
“Appreciate it, talk tomorrow.”
I disconnect and watch out over Miller and Ashlyn’s backyard. Poppy’s surrounded by Cole and his friends, participating in a water gun fight that has cleared the pool deck. Maya runs by squealing as her boyfriend—Chase? Clint? Whatever the fuck his name is—squirts her relentlessly while Pierce glares daggers at the boy.
Darby is at his side trying to distract him, which works when she leans up and whispers in his ear. He snaps to attention, yanking her to his arms and kissing her.
“Good call?” Dad asks.
“Yep.”
“Want to share?”
Instead of answering, I bring my fingers to my mouth, whistle loudly, and start walking. Poppy freezes, her smile splitting wide. She drops the water gun and takes off running. I brace as she leaps into my arms, wrapping her body around mine while screaming wildly.
She kisses all over my face, then twists to a confused audience. “We got the house!”
Cheers erupt and she dances in my arms.
Len and his wife are retiring to Florida and eager to sell. When he contacted me last week regarding interest in his property, we immediately jumped on the opportunity. Poppy loved the property, but she needed to love the house. Any concerns I had disappeared when she walked through the door.
Pierce met us the next day for a walk-through, and any changes Poppy mentioned went to the top of his schedule.
With the news of Poppy’s pregnancy confirmed, we made an offer last night.
“Congrats, man! Miller won’t have the only mansion in the family,” Pierce jokes, he and Darby joining us.
“I think those extra rooms will start filling up soon,” Darby notes with a knowing glint in her eyes.
“She knows, doesn’t she?” Poppy whispers, even though they are less than a foot away.
“Yeah, baby.”
“Of course. I felt it last night at dinner.”
“Y’all’s sense of ESP is so cool. I hope our babies inherit the trait.” Poppy realizes too late what she’s revealed. Her lips form a little ‘o’ before she giggles, “Oops.”
My sister sways, Pierce tags her around the waist to steady her. “Babies? Oh my God, Evin.”
“Congrats, man.” Pierce slaps me on the shoulder. “It’s about time you took my advice.”
“You ready to let the cat all the way out of the bag?” I ask, quirking an eyebrow.
“Only if you are.”
My whistle isn’t as loud but has the desired effect.
“Good lord, my eardrums are ringing. Why don’t you walk down here and talk to us like a civilized person? My children always have to be the center of attention,” Mom complains.
“Go for it, gorgeous. Make it big,” I encourage Poppy
She twists and yells, “And guess what else? We’re having a baby! Actually, we’re having two.”
A shocked silence settles on the crowd.
“Oh my God!” Ryanne screams, taking off toward us. Chaos erupts as we’re surrounded. I hold her protectively, scared she’ll be crushed by the waves of people. When the excitement dies down, Dante steps close and I place her on her feet.
He hugs her tight, his eyes locked with mine. There're no words, only silent understanding.
I shake my head. “Still not good enough for her.”
He pulls back, kissing her forehead. “My gypsy goddess is going to be a mom.”
“I know.” Her voice shakes. “Isn’t it crazy?”
“It’s perfect. Happy for you, Pips.”
“Me too.”
“We need a picture. Hop back on Chris Hemsworth.” Ryanne barges over with her phone raised.
Poppy rolls her eyes but leaps back in my arms and presses her cheek against mine. Ryanne snaps over and over until she’s satisfied.
“This calls for a celebration,” Mom announces.
“Hell yes, and since Popsy can’t drink, I’ll take her share. It’s time to party!”
Andrew flashes me a grateful smile that I know well. When Ryanne is in the mood to party, she gets crazy. He loves her brand of crazy.
“We have one more person to tell,” Poppy says low.
I walk us to the edge of the patio, fish my phone out, and facetime Marco. He answers on the first ring.
“We got the house,” she informs him.
“Great news, knew it would work out.”
“That’s not all.” She stalls for effect, glancing at me then back to the screen. “I’m pregnant, with twins.”
His face floods with emotion. “Wow, congratulations doesn’t seem appropriate.”
“Sure it is.”
“How far along?”
“Eight weeks, which is early to announce, but the doctor said things look healthy.”
“Twins, wow.”
“Double-dose of grandchildren have you stressed?” she teases.
His expression changes, realizing she’s inviting him to be a part of this. “Double-dose, triple-dose, however they come. No stress.”
“Is Karen around?”
There’s a slight flicker in his gaze and he shakes his head. “She and Natasha are at the women’s shelter today.”
“That’s cool. Will you let her know?”
“She’ll be thrilled. Should she call you later?”
“No,” I answer bluntly.
Since the night in Vegas, Karen has slowly been working her way toward reconciliation. She’s chipping away at Poppy’s resistance, but that doesn’t mean I’m ready to share any of this day with her. Especially if she’s spending time with Tasha.
Poppy may be indifferent to hearing her name, but Tasha Bindel got off too easy. Falling from grace, losing her reputation, her wealth, and her social standing was nothing compared to what she deserved.
“I’ll message her tomorrow,” Poppy offers.
“It goes without saying, but if you need anything, I’m here.”
“Thanks, Marco. The spring will be busy. Two babies and a recital. It’ll be all hands on deck.”
I want to argue that we don’t need his help, but my wife insists it will be crazy.
“Recitals, that’s a blast from the past. You can count on me. I take it the open house was a success.”
“It was.”
“She’s being modest. Success is an under
statement. She killed it,” I share with him.
He cocks an eyebrow. “Tell me more.”
“All classes filled up and we have a full waitlist. Dante and I scoped out talent in the area and have final interviews this week. We’re adding two teachers. And the best part is that Mrs. Canon is coming to visit and see the studio. I’m counting on her for advice.”
“Impressive, but not surprising.”
“It looks like I can pay my rent. Which is a good thing since we’re moving into a southern mansion,” she jokes, winking at me.
“Never a dull moment.” He turns his attention to me. “You ready for this? New house, new business adventure, two babies?”
“Can’t fucking wait.”
Poppy’s radiant glow brightens, and she leans in to kiss me. “Evin’s unshakable, nothing rattles him.”
“Let’s see how solid he is if you have twin girls.”
At Marco’s statement, my chest seizes and every muscle in my body strings tight. Poppy bursts out laughing, vibrating against me.
His smile widens. “My house hunting just took a new priority. Seems like I need to up my timeline.”
“No rush,” I mumble, still not thrilled about his relocation to Charleston.
“We’re hanging up now, but I wanted to share our news.”
“Poppy?” His tone is now serious. “It means the world to me you called. I’m not taking advantage this time around.”
Poppy gives a wave and disconnects, draping her arms around my shoulders. “He seemed happy.”
“That’s because you gave him permission to be in our kids’ lives.”
“He’s not your favorite person, but his decisions led me to you. I can’t hold a grudge.”
“I’d have found you.”
“On a stage in Vegas? Highly unlikely.”
“It’s a moot point now.”
“Do you want to put me down?”
“No.”
“Pretty soon, you won’t be able to hold me like this.”
“I’ll always be able to hold you.”
“Isn’t it crazy you’re holding three of us?”
“Makes it all the more important.”
She grins sweetly, pressing close. “I have one more birthday surprise.”
“Pretty sure you’ve hit your quota with surprises.”
“I had to get creative. You set the bar with my Christmas present.”
Evin's Fight (Southern Charmers Book 3) Page 45
