Chapter 6 One Time
ONE TIME
Poppy
Having Matt here has been a relief. It’s not only saved me from any more encounters with Suits, but it’s been nice having another familiar face around.
Also, he was the perfect distraction after Braden’s final words before walking away.
Fricking A, how am I supposed to stop thinking about that kiss?
The subtle extra touches he snuck in throughout pictures didn’t help.
Whenever we were near enough, he would take the liberty of placing his hand on my back to guide me.
And when we were next to each other for a photo, he wouldn’t only have his arm around me but gently caress my skin with his thumb, causing flutters of desire.
Talk about sexual tension. Ugh. I’m not even interested in the guy.
Okay, that could be a lie. But sometimes a lie is the truth you want to believe.
And I’m trying desperately to believe it.
The truth? I’m so insanely turned on by his advances and dirty words that I’m fairly certain I’ve been damp since walking down the aisle.
Lily brought Jordan over and introduced us, but we only had a moment to chat before the toasts began.
He was sweet, offering to refill my champagne while I listened to everyone, and he’s definitely easy on the eyes.
It would be a great match if some other guy wasn’t taking up all the space in my head.
Consequently, I ended up comparing their features, musing over who had more appeal.
To make matters worse, Braden kept staring at me during the other speeches. I tried not to make eye contact, but it was too tempting to keep peeking, wondering if he was still looking at me. He was… every single time. He winked at one point, and heat rose to my cheeks.
Then he made his speech, and I was mesmerized. Not just the speech itself, but his voice, the confidence, and most of all, his charisma. I’m sure all the women in attendance were smitten by the time he was finished.
Now the four newlyweds are taking their first dance. After watching for a few minutes, Jordan resumes our conversation.
“You said you’re leaving tomorrow and coming back after the baby’s born?” he asks to kick us off.
“Yeah, I can’t wait. I was there every step of the way until she moved.”
“Nice. And are you staying here tonight?” Jordan asks, sounding hopeful.
“I am. I’m sharing a room with a friend who flew in today. That’s Matt over there.” I point in his direction.
He’s been flirting with one of Cici’s college girlfriends since Jordan was brought over and he took the opportunity to leave me.
I’d been insisting he stay by my side all evening, fearing what would happen if he left me alone.
The alcohol is weakening my resolve, and that damn kiss has me wanting things I shouldn’t.
“Are you two together, together?” he asks, raising his brows.
“No. Just friends.” I can tell Jordan’s relieved at the answer.
“Well, in that case, may I have this dance?” He bows slightly, making me giggle—the champagne effect.
“Sure.” Setting my glass down, I place my hand in his, and he leads me to the floor.
I catch sight of Cici and Lily beaming conspiratorially. Little do they know, I may be with Jordan, but my mind is elsewhere. Seconds later, however, the dance takes over any thoughts as Jordan leads me into a full-blown formal number.
“Uhm, wow. You really know what you’re doing.”
“I do. My mom’s a traditional Southern belle and had me dancing from when I could walk. Made me take lessons and all,” he says with a chuckle.
“How often do you use your skills?”
“Often enough. Weddings. Fundraisers. Parties my parents host.”
“What kind of parties?”
“Wouldn’t you like to know?” he asks, wiggling his brows.
My eyes go wide, wondering if he’s implying what it sounds like.
He laughs. “I’m kidding. They’re high society and enjoy hosting various social events: political fundraisers, holiday parties—pretty much any reason for a gathering. I go for the free booze and food, dancing with my mom as payment. She enjoys it, and I’ll do anything to make her happy.”
“That’s sweet.” And so perfect it hurts not to be as attracted to him as Braden. What is wrong with me?
“I’m lucky to have such amazing parents. How about you? Are you close to yours?”
See? Here’s a guy who can carry on a conversation and isn’t solely focused on sex.
So why am I not responding to him like I do with Suits?
It’s like the man can hear my thoughts, because at that exact moment, Suits makes eye contact, conveying everything without words.
My heart skips a beat before I give myself a mental shake, returning my attention to Jordan.
“I am. We live close by and have dinner together every Sunday.”
He nods in acknowledgement and finishes the dance with vigor, gracefully leading us while twirling me around. When the song ends, my winded smile matches Jordan’s.
“That was fun. Thank you,” I say genuinely.
“My pleasure. Drink?”
“Absolutely,” I reply, ready for a break.
“Come on, let’s get a fresh one.”
He takes my hand, pulling me through the crowd toward the bar. A minute later, we make our way to a table.
“When Lily told me she planned to introduce us, she never mentioned how gorgeous you are.”
I smile and dip my head, embarrassed by the compliment. I take a sip of champagne for something to do other than reply.
He continues, “I wish she’d found me sooner so we could have had more time.”
I’m not sure what to say. He’s handsome, sweet, can dance like a pro, is obviously into me, and seems interested in messing around.
Yet here I am still thinking about that kiss from Braden earlier.
But I haven’t really given this guy a chance.
Who knows? Maybe kissing Jordan would be just as good.
Should I make the first move to find out?
Deciding that’s exactly what I should do, I take a deep breath. Here goes nothing. “Do you want to take a walk?”
“I’d love to. Lead the way.” We stand, and his arm goes to my back as we weave through the tables.
OMG. What am I doing? I’ve never been so forward in my life. It’s all Braden’s fault. He’s putting ideas in my head. Things I can’t seem to shake off.
We’re nearing the edge of the party area when I hear my name being called. I turn around to see Braden coming in hot, a man on a mission.
“Poppy. Hey, it’s almost time for dessert, and Cici needs you to grab something from the bridal suite.”
“Oh. Okay. What is it?”
“I’ll explain on the way.” He moves toward me and takes my hand, practically yanking me from Jordan’s arm.
I look over apologetically. “I’m sorry. Can you give me a few minutes before we take a walk?”
“Definitely. Do what you need and come find me.”
“Thank you. I won’t be long.”
As Braden pulls me along, I swear he mutters something that sounds a lot like ‘Don’t hold your breath.’
“Excuse me?” I ask, snatching my hand back.
When we round the corner, he stops dead in his tracks and turns around, causing me to crash into him.
He grips my arms to steady me. “Were you seriously on your way to make out with someone who won’t even come close to satisfying the need I filled you with?”
I cross my arms defiantly, but he doesn’t release me. “You have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Oh sugar, I’ve been watching you all fucking night.
I know exactly what I’m talking about. I know you’re not attracted to him, the same way I can tell you want me like I’m your favorite dessert.
I know every time you think about that kiss because your face says so, and your body tells me the rest. Like how your legs squeeze together to ease the ache…
” One hand slides down to slip under the high slit of my dress and is suddenly at my core. “Right here.”
My mouth opens in a gasp when his other hand draws my head forward as our lips crash. I’m instantly craving more and ready to let him do anything he wants. I clutch his jacket to pull him closer. I’ve never responded this way to anyone. How is that possible?
“Are you done denying this?” he asks, breaking the kiss. “Admit you want me as much as I want you. Come on, Mouse. I’ll satisfy that ache so good.” He presses harder against my clit, and I melt, dropping my head to his chest and whimpering.
Leaning into my ear, he whispers, “Surrender yourself. Give me permission to fuck you and I promise you won’t regret it. Say the word and we’ll go to my room right now.” His finger continues the assault on my clit.
“Come on, baby. I’ll fuck you so hard and have you back before anyone notices we’re gone.”
I want it so badly. And while I have no idea what I’m doing, that’s what’s so appealing. I don’t have to think about anything because he’s controlling enough to take care of it all for me. He’s perfect for my first time, and I bet he’ll make it good.
Decision firmly made, the answer comes out in a whisper. “Okay.”
His sigh of relief matches mine. “Thank fuck.” He kisses the top of my head. “I’m not sure I could’ve survived if you said no. Goddamn, do I need to be inside you.” He extracts himself, pulling me toward the parking lot. “Follow me.”
“Wait. What about what Cici needed?” I remind him, tugging his hand to stop.
He turns and smirks. “I just made that up to get you alone. I was waiting for an opportunity all night, but your friend and that other guy didn’t give me a chance. I wasn’t about to stand by and let you sneak off with another man.”
My jaw drops.
He continues on, talking over his shoulder as he drags me along. “Poppy, one thing you should know about me is that I’m used to getting what I want, and I’ve wanted you since I spotted you at the gate.”
We make it to the cart, and I’m not sure why, probably nerves, but I decide to call him on his shit.
“Is this how you always treat women? Picking one out at random and chasing them until they give in?”