Ryanne’s grin slips and her expression turns thoughtful. “She told me you know about her family.”
“Those assholes aren’t worthy enough to be called her family.”
“She also told me you know everything.”
An uneasy feeling rolls in my gut. “Ryanne, I don’t think—”
“She said you think it’s beautiful.”
“I didn’t lie.”
“She has the most untarnished soul of anyone I’ve known. Her entitled family will never know the magnificence they let go. Poppy is a dreamer, but never underestimate her strength.”
“Never.”
“I’ve been waiting a long time for Pips to find someone worthy. Dante, too. He and I have both dated enough fucksticks to know it would take a special man to understand and appreciate all that is Poppy. Her beauty on the outside is nothing compared to the woman on the inside.”
Irritation sparks and slowly burns through me at the implication. “Jesus, Ryanne. You don’t know me well, but I’m not the type of man that needs to fly across the country to get a gorgeous piece of ass.”
“Good answer. Poppy has shared a lot about you. Your family, friends, job, the clingy skank that was chasing you down. She loves and gives with everything she has. Since you came into her life, that love is bursting wide. It’s disgusting and brilliant at the same time. It also makes me want to believe that love at first sight exists. Be the man that lets her chase her rainbows and has her back.”
“Goes without saying,” I grumble, tired of this conversation. “When Dante sandbagged me a few weeks ago, this was new but no less serious in my mind. You both have every right to your curiosity and grilling, so I’ll lay it out. What Poppy and I share is real. As real as it can be. My feelings run deep. So fucking deep I can picture a future that was never in my plans. Our situation isn’t ideal, but we’ll work through it. She’s trusting me to figure out a way to make this work. You’re right. That family she kicked to the curb will never understand the magnificence they let slip through their greedy fingers. With me, she’ll never feel that. I appreciate everything that makes her who she is. My job isn’t only to have her back, it’s to support her dreams and let her chase them. In return, I get all the wonder and amazement of sharing it.”
Her gaze flickers with satisfaction. “Glad we set that straight.”
“Now, at the risk of sounding like a dick, this conversation is over. I’ve spent almost twelve hours getting here. The woman I’m crazy about is across the house in bed. A bed I’m ready to be in with her.”
“Glad you’re not a fuckstick.” She waves me off, turning to her room. “Goodnight.”
I lay my suitcase in the hall outside of Poppy’s door, grab what I need, and go straight to the bathroom. The instant the door closes, a sense of familiarity washes over me. Her things are scattered around, her scent lingers in the air, and her crown with wilting flowers hangs on the corner of her mirror. I rush through my routine at record speed, with my mind on one thing.
I slip quietly into her room, dumping my clothes in the corner. It takes a few seconds for my eyes to adjust to the darkness and land on her sleeping form. She’s tucked in a ball, clutching her pillows, just as I picture her every night.
My body folds around her, inhaling deep and kissing the side of her neck. The stress of the day and the last two weeks seeps away listening to her shallow breaths. Her pulse picks up speed against my lips and she tenses.
“Evin?”
“Yeah, baby. I’m here.”
Jabbing pain slices across my ribs and I grunt as she scrambles away. Her lamp clicks on.
“Evin!” Her cry pierces through the air.
“Hell, babe, your elbow is sharp.”
She reaches over and pinches my chest before doing the same to her arm.
“Shit.” I rub the sting, propping up. “What was that for?”
“I had to make sure I’m not dreaming.”
“I’ll have the bruises to prove this isn’t a dream.”
She launches into me, her arms and legs wrapping tight as her lips crash down. Her tongue sweeps through before tangling with mine and taking over. I grip her ribcage, pulling her closer. She doesn’t let up, kissing me with everything she has. My cock strains against my shorts and she grinds down, whimpering. Wetness falls on my cheeks and I slow the kiss, breaking away.
“Gorgeous, why are you crying?”
“Because you’re here, in my bed, and I’m happier than I’ve ever been. I really, really missed you.”
My chest tightens, and I know at that moment. I’m more than in love with this woman.
I’m gone.
Thirty-five years of waiting was worth every second to have this.
She swipes at the tears trailing down her cheeks and sniffs a few times. “When I didn’t hear from you tonight, I worried.”