Total pages in book: 47
Estimated words: 43071 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 215(@200wpm)___ 172(@250wpm)___ 144(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 43071 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 215(@200wpm)___ 172(@250wpm)___ 144(@300wpm)
He gestured toward the chairs in front of his desk. “Please sit, Poppy. And as I’ve told you many times, there’s no need to be so formal. Call me Fred.”
“Yes, sorry,” I murmured, moving forward to press my palms against the back of the chair nearest to me. “I only need a moment.”
“What can I do for you?”
“I was hoping it would be okay if I worked through my lunch today and left an hour early.” At his quirked brow, I hurried to add, “I’ll make sure all my tasks are completed first.”
He nodded. “That’s fine, Poppy.”
“Thank you.”
I bit my lip to hide the smile that wanted to take over my entire face as I left his office. With an extra hour to prepare, I’d be as ready as I could when Ace showed up at my door tonight. Maybe I’d get lucky, and Clara could come over and help. I’d take every advantage I could get with the sexy man who didn’t even need my address to come pick me up for our date.
4
ACE
It was still warm outside as I pulled the SUV smoothly to a stop in front of Poppy’s apartment building. I idled for a moment, gathering the tattered remains of my patience before stepping out of the vehicle.
Poppy emerged from her building as I rounded the hood of the SUV, and the world went still around me, my breath catching hard in my chest. Soft waves of honey-blond hair cascaded past her shoulders, catching the fading sunlight and glowing like polished amber. Her lips curved in a shy smile, and her cheeks tinged with color as our eyes met. The little diamond stud in her nose flashed, drawing my gaze to the slight pout of her lush red lips.
I opened the passenger door for her, savoring the way her eyes widened in surprise, and a smile played at the corner of her lips as she accepted my hand. Her palm slid against mine, soft and delicate, and my fingers tightened automatically, needing just another moment of her warmth. I helped her climb into the seat, my gaze slipping briefly down her body as her dress rode up slightly, revealing smooth thighs that made my pulse spike sharply.
Once inside, she smoothed her dress nervously and glanced up at me, offering a hesitant smile.
“Thanks for picking me up.” Her voice was barely audible over the quiet rumble of the engine. “You didn’t have to do that.”
I held her gaze, feeling the heat build between us as I leaned in closer. “I wanted to.”
Her lips parted gently, and her cheeks flushed brighter. I stepped back reluctantly, closing the door carefully before rounding to the driver’s side. The tension between us was palpable, wrapping around me like a physical thing as I slipped into the SUV and pulled smoothly away from the curb.
The drive to Brimstone Steakhouse was heavy with silence. Not uncomfortable, but thick with anticipation and something heated and unspoken, leaving the air between us crackling. I was painfully aware of her presence—the subtle rise and fall of her chest, the quickening pace of her breathing, and the way her fingers twisted nervously in her lap.
The slightly upscale restaurant a few blocks east of Main Street glowed warmly against the evening sky as I pulled into a spot near the entrance. Warm brick and dark timbers defined the building, while low lighting from inside beckoned, hinting at intimate dinners and private conversations. As we entered, the rich scent of grilled steak and woodsmoke wrapped around us, enhancing the already palpable tension.
The hostess led us to a secluded booth at the back, away from the hum of conversation and gentle clinking of silverware. Poppy slid in gracefully across from me, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and nerves as they flickered over the elegant decor.
“You own this place, don’t you?” she asked quietly, a knowing smile playing on her lips.
I relaxed against the leather seat, allowing a slight smirk. “The club does. Well, they co-own it with our tail gunner, Havoc.”
She laughed, shaking her head. “Of course. Is there anything you guys don’t own around here?”
I arched a brow, my lips curling slightly. “Not much. Does that bother you?”
“No,” she replied quickly, flushing a delightful shade of pink. “I think it’s impressive. It’s just—you’re full of surprises.”
“You have no idea, baby.” My voice came out lower than I intended, thick with meaning, and her blush deepened. That delicious shade of pink made my dick ache and pulse race. One of these times, it was either going to kill me or make me lose control. And the fact that she was so sweet only made my desire for her burn hotter. I couldn’t wait to strip away all that innocence, piece by piece, until I was the only thing she could think about.