Chapter 4 Truce
TRUCE
Poppy
Is it possible I’m still asleep and this is all a dream?
If only. The sad reality is that I have to deal with this guy for the entire weekend.
Even worse is that if he had an ounce of class and acted like a decent human being, I’d probably have been into him.
He’s hot as hell, no doubt about that, but damn—when Suits opens his mouth, his words overshadow his looks.
I’ll have to tell Lily to introduce me to that Jordan guy right away.
In the meantime, it’ll take all my willpower to stay calm and make it through the next day and a half.
Shoot, I wonder if they did a seating chart for dinner.
If so, I hope we’re at opposite ends. I’ll be finding out soon since we’re almost finished here. Until then—I’ve got this.
Annoyingly, Suits did star in my fantasies last night. Damn him and his filthy mouth. And double damn him for how he makes me feel, because the biggest problem of all is that my body is a traitor and can’t be trusted, given its reaction to that filthiness.
I’ve held my own so far, thank God. And who knows, he may give up soon, though it’s doubtful considering his profession. His persistence makes sense, that’s for sure. And coincidentally, so does the nickname I gave him.
I can’t believe none of this came up on the way here. I could have at least braced myself. Regrets won’t do any good, though, so I’ll grin and bear it for Cici’s sake. Starting now.
With a smile in place, Braden and I meet in the middle when it’s our turn to exit down the aisle. My hand finds the crook of his arm, and he covers it with his. The feel of his touch makes my heart flutter, annoyingly so.
“Listen, let’s rewind. How about you pretend I didn’t say any of those things that offended you so much, and I’ll pretend I don’t want in your pants.
” I growl low, but he ignores me and continues, “We might as well attempt to get along, or it’s going to be a frustrating few days. What do you say, Poppy? Truce?”
He’s smooth when he wants to be, and hearing my name on his lips for the first time is… something I want to hear again.
“I think that’s the most mature thing I’ve heard from you yet. But are you capable of watching your tongue?”
He shakes his head and chuckles. “Oh, Mouse, I’m not responsible for what comes out of my mouth when you talk like that.”
Groaning, I elbow him, prompting a chuckle.
“You’re hopeless. This truce of yours is probably a lost cause, but I’ll give it a try,” I agree for Cici’s sake.
“That’s the spirit.” He nudges me with his shoulder, making me smile. Maybe everything will work out after all.
I wasn’t as upset as I would have been without our chat when I found out that there is, in fact, a seating chart.
Fourteen of us are seated at one long table, seven on each side.
The parents and Walker are at one end, the two sets of brides and grooms are in the middle, and the rest of us are at the other end.
Luckily, Braden and I are seated across from each other rather than side by side.
Way to look at the positive, Poppy. Score one for me. And while I’m at it, I might as well attempt to play nice. Multiple conversations are happening at once, so I seize the opportunity.
“So, Braden, what were you doing in Bozeman?” I ask. He may not know how to have a normal conversation with a woman, but I’ll help him out.
His head swivels in surprise, as if he didn’t expect me to engage, but he recovers quickly. “I was interviewing a potential client in Big Sky.”
That seems odd. “Why would you go to him and not the other way around, since he’s the one hiring you? And shouldn’t he be doing the interviewing to see if you’re the right fit?” I’m genuinely curious.
“I’m a hot commodity, and I don’t accept everyone who requests my services.
I don’t represent addicts, the unfaithful, or abusive assholes.
The divorce has to be amicable or a result of the other spouse’s fuckups.
” He shrugs. “And he chose to fly me over on his dime, including travel time. My clients are wealthy and generally get what they want.”
“So did you take him as a client?”
“I did. His wife was having an affair.”
“Is that common?”
“More than you can imagine.”
“Now what happens?” I’m fascinated by the side of him that can actually converse and appears to be an upstanding guy.
“What do you mean? We sign a contract, and I handle the case.”
“I mean, what do you do next—draw up papers to split everything?”
He chuckles. “If it were that easy, people wouldn’t need lawyers.
First, we review their assets and ensure everything’s accounted for—on both sides.
Just because my client isn’t at fault doesn’t guarantee he’s not hiding things.
We also have to make sure we have enough proof of the infidelity to hold up in court.
Those two things alone take the most time.
Then we begin negotiations, which may result in a court battle, typical of high-asset divorces. ”
Okaaay, so there is more to the guy than meets the eye. I should stop engaging in case I end up liking him. It might be best to stay in the dark. But before I redirect my attention elsewhere, he turns the tables.
“What about you? What do you do other than read romance?”
I can’t tell if that was a dig or not, but at least it wasn’t another sleazy pickup line, so I’ll let it slide. “I’m a real estate agent like Cici. We were at the same office in Bozeman.”
“Damn, you ruined my fantasy. I was hoping for the teacher.”
He winks, and I shake my head.
“You just couldn’t resist, could you?” I ask, making him laugh.
“No, I really couldn’t. You’re too easy,” he says, smiling.
“You wish.”
The rest of the evening goes better than expected. We all laugh, tell stories, learn more about each other, and by the end of the night, I forget all about being irritated with a certain someone.
Dinner is over, and we’re wrapping up, ready to head to our rooms. Since tomorrow’s the big day, we’re calling it an early night. That’s when I find out Suits is staying next to me.
“I saw you walking to your room last night, and you’re right next door. Why don’t I give you a ride?” Braden asks as we all make our way to the parking area.
“Uh… sure.” Except I’m not sure—at all.
The girls all hug each other goodnight, and Lily whispers in my ear before she lets me go, “Hey, are you okay going with Braden?”
“It’s fine. He’s been better tonight,” I respond.
“Well, let me know if he gives you any trouble.”
“Don’t worry. I can handle him.” I assure her.
We all pile into our carts, and once we’re alone, neither one of us speaks, creating an uncomfortable silence. But since I began the last conversation, I’m leaving it up to him this time. Seconds later, my patience is rewarded.
“Are you ready to call it a night, or do you want to go for a soak in the hot tub?” Braden asks as he parks the cart in front of his building.
“With you?” The shock in my voice is evident.
“Yeah, with me.”
“Can you behave?” I ask teasingly.
“That depends on whether you want me to.” He side-eyes me from the driver’s seat.
“I think I’ve been crystal clear on that,” I say, stepping out of the cart and facing him.
“I don’t know… there’s always room for interpretation.”
My hand goes to my jutted hip. “I beg to differ. What part of stop hitting on me did you not understand?”
The infuriating man chuckles. “The part where your body reacts every time I do.”
“It does not, and if it looks that way, it’s because I’m repulsed.”
We walk around the cart and meet on the sidewalk.
“I’ll let you pretend for now. So are you joining me or what?” He holds his hand up, halting my reply. “And before you answer—yes, I’ll behave… until you’re ready for otherwise.”
I roll my eyes. “Fine. Against my better judgment, I’ll meet you out there.” I give in, walking away before he utters more nonsense.
The question on repeat as I change into my swimsuit is: Why did I agree to this? I continue second-guessing myself while putting my hair up and checking my makeup because whether I’m interested in the guy or not doesn’t change the fact that I’m still female and want to look my best.
I’m a nervous wreck on the way out, and I shouldn’t be. It’s not like this is a date or anything. We’re simply two guests at a wedding who aren’t ready to call it a night. No big deal. It means absolutely nothing. It definitely doesn’t mean I’m into him.
I’ll need to keep repeating this because when I make it to the hot tub, I’m instantly regretting my decision. This was a bad idea. His chest is above the waterline, and holy hell, is he ripped. Not only is he an Adonis from the neck up, but he has a body to match.
Shit. I’m in trouble.
Braden
I’m making progress. That she even considered joining me in the hot tub was a surprise, and when she finally said yes, I about fell over. Now it’s just a matter of playing my cards right. Regardless of what she says, I think she enjoys my dirty suggestions. Her body gives away what her words don’t.
However, it’ll still take some finesse to win her over. The right amount of naughty and nice should do the trick. I’ll start with nice tonight and move on to the naughty tomorrow.
Thankfully, I’m already in the water by the time she makes her way out because when she steps shyly around the corner, appearing as if she’s wearing nothing but the towel, my swim trunks immediately tent. And then when she drops it, holy shit, I could’ve busted a nut.
The strapless bikini leaves little to the imagination. A thin scrap of material barely covers her perky little tits, her nipples pebbling from the cool night air. Too bad she’s facing me and not giving me a view of that ass.
“Hi,” she says timidly, slinking into the water as far from me as possible.
“I was starting to think you ditched me.”
“Nope. I just wasn’t in a hurry. And don’t forget, no funny business, I’m only here because I love hot tubs and the sound of the ocean.”