Chapter 14 Book Club
BOOK CLUB
Poppy
I woke up with a smile on my face this morning.
Talking to Owen last night wasn’t as awkward as I thought it would be with no rules to follow.
We learned a lot about each other and elaborated on things more than the night before, which was nice.
My first impression is that he’s a good guy, but we’ve only scratched the surface.
I’m feeling hopeful after two long chats, along with all the information in our profiles. That’s two of the five conversations we need to exchange pictures. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about that part—and not just because of what he looks like but also because of what he’ll think of me.
Braden: Good morning, Mouse. Sleep well?
Poppy: I did. Plus, I’m still in bed.
Braden: That’s a great place to be.
I don’t know if I’m ready for Braden yet.
He confuses me, and I’m not sure how to handle him.
Should I go along with this crazy book club idea or let it go and stop talking to him?
It wouldn’t be smart to indulge him at this point, considering A, he doesn’t live here, and B, he’s not at the same stage as I am, as in wanting a relationship.
He’s only after sex, and in hindsight, I probably messed up by making him think I was a no-strings-attached type of girl. I may have started with that, but it doesn’t mean I’ll continue down that path. It’s simply not in my DNA. But then, like I said, it could be good practice for the real thing.
I’d be opening the door for heartbreak if I go down this road with him, though, and it’s certainly not his heart that’ll be on the line.
I’ve no doubt this book club idea is only to get what he wants, even though we’re miles apart.
He already tried once for phone sex, and I’m sure he won’t give up, especially during the spicy scenes.
Braden: So tell me, sleepyhead, are you planning to stay in bed all day? We could read a book together.
Poppy: Since I cleaned the house yesterday, that was the plan, but you weren’t part of it.
Braden: It’s a perfect day to kick off our book club.
Poppy: Did you miss the bit where I said you’re not part of it? Besides, don’t you have anything better to do?
Braden: Not that I can think of. Well, there is, but it would require teleportation. Damn that it’s not invented yet.
Okay, so he’s fun… and somewhat growing on me. But I’m not equipped to handle a guy like him. I don’t know how long I’ll be able to ward off his advances until I crack. And then what? If I’m already feeling guilty for simply talking to two guys, how will I feel if something inappropriate happens?
Poppy: I need caffeine to deal with you and your innuendos.
Braden: Get some coffee and sustenance and come back to bed with a book picked out. No cheating. You can’t start it until I’m ready.
Poppy: When did I agree to this?
Braden: Baby, you agreed the instant you responded to my text this morning. Don’t deny it. Now go get your coffee. Eat. Send me the book title. And we’ll talk in a bit.
He’s so bossy. And infuriating. And deviant. And apparently, I’m drawn to those characteristics because I’m strangely giddy at the prospect of spending the day reading together. I’m in way over my head here.
I’m prolonging the inevitable by taking my time in the kitchen. I’m not a big breakfast eater, but I’ll do anything in the name of stalling. While the bread is toasting, I grab my phone to peruse my endless Kindle library.
I’m not sure what he’s expecting, but I want a book he’ll enjoy for more than just sex. I’m giggling at the irony. He liked what I was reading on the plane, but he came in during a spicy scene, so that made it easy to hook him.
I wonder if he’d want a sports romance or if sticking to fantasy is the way to go.
Better yet, I could find an office romance with lawyers.
However, that could backfire if he starts thinking about someone from his office.
Then again, that shouldn’t bother me, right?
Ugh, this man has me second-guessing myself at every turn.
Sitting at the table while eating my toast, I continue scrolling through options until finally settling on a mafia romance. Nothing too crazy, but something he won’t know about, so he won’t annoyingly comment on everything.
Texting him the book title, I leave my phone on the nightstand and go brush my teeth as slowly as possible. I could take a shower, but that might be overkill in the avoidance department since I don’t need one to sit in bed all day.
After running out of things to do, I climb under the covers and grab my phone to a message from Braden waiting for me.
Braden: Ready when you are, Mouse.
Poppy: So, how are we doing this?
Braden: Let’s just start at the same time and text each other if we need a break.
Poppy: What if you read a ton faster and are ten pages ahead when we stop? Would I have to stay after class to catch up?
Braden: Boy, do I like the sound of that. We’ll play out that teacher fantasy one of these days.
Poppy: You’re such a cad.
Braden: You know you like it.
Poppy: Moving on, what’s your solution?
Braden: How about we get started and see how it goes. Ready? Set…
Poppy: Go.
I dive right in, considering this was what I’d be doing with or without Braden, and I’m immediately sucked into the story.
It’s about a girl who’s been promised to a rival family’s son as a peace offering.
She’s innocent and beautiful, and of course, he’s attracted to her at first sight, but hates her father and thus hates her—typical enemies-to-lovers.
Twenty minutes later, I’m deep into their first encounter when my phone pings with a text.
Braden: When do we get to the good stuff?
Poppy: Seriously?
Braden: No. But I love riling you up. How far are you?
Poppy: Page 23. You?
Braden: I’m not telling.
Poppy: God, you’re annoying.
Braden: LOL, you’re just too easy. I’m on 25. Not too bad. What do you think of the book?
Poppy: So far, so good. You?
Braden: I’m digging it.
Poppy: Can we go back to reading now?
Braden: Already am. I’m multitasking.
Poppy: You drive me nuts.
Poppy: Pause, I need more coffee. I’m on page 29
Braden: Page 31, tell me when you catch up.
Poppy: Ready.
Braden: Let’s go.
Braden: I’m hungry. Should we break for lunch?
Poppy: Sure.
Braden: What do you feel like? It’s my treat.
Poppy: That’s okay, I’ve got it.
I end up losing the battle, and Braden orders Uber Eats.
He’s sooo stubborn. He said it was the least he could do for commandeering my Sunday.
We eat, chat, and then read some more until late in the afternoon, when we finally come to the first full-blown sex scene.
There was plenty of sexual buildup before that, but this is intense.
Naturally, I’m aroused, but knowing Braden is reading the same thing has me more worked up than usual.
Curiosity plagues my mind whether he’s thinking about me.
He hasn’t chimed in during the previous parts leading up to this, but I wonder if he will now.
I’m struggling to focus on the words as the anticipation builds.
My heart is hammering, and the familiar clench of my core increases as I picture the scene. I’m so tightly wound that I jump at the ping from my phone.
Braden: What page are you on?
Poppy: 143
Braden: How are you feeling, Mouse? Needy?
Poppy: I’m fine.
Braden: I’m not. I’m sitting here remembering how it felt to have your tight pussy wrapped around my cock.
Oh God. What do I say to that? I know where he’s going with this, and I don’t think I have the willpower to stop it. Mainly, because I’d really like it to happen.
Braden: What do you usually do during these scenes?
Poppy: Nothing.
Braden: Liar. Home alone, reading in bed, hot and horny, and you’re telling me you wouldn’t be sliding your hand inside your panties to relieve the ache between your legs?
Poppy: That’s none of your business.
Braden: Read another page, and then I’m making it my business.
Poppy: You can’t do that.
Braden: Read, Poppy.
So I do, and am even more turned on knowing what we’re about to do. I’m so keyed up that I barely refrain from reaching my hand down. I’m just about to, when his next message halts me in my tracks.
Braden: My cock is so hard for you. Each stroke reminds me how good you feel. Can you picture my hand gliding over my shaft while I think of you and your tight pussy?
Braden: Are you aching for it? Do you need to touch yourself as you imagine my cock, dripping for you?
Braden: Take your panties off and spread your legs for me, Mouse.
Each text comes through with a few seconds in between. Like he’s letting me soak in each one. I hesitate for the briefest moment before I follow his instructions, mainly because I want this just as badly as he does, if not more so.
Braden: Did you take them off?
Poppy: Yes.
Braden: Good girl. Now reach down and tell me if you’re wet for me.
Braden: How wet are you, Mouse?
Poppy: Really wet.
Braden: I bet you’re sopping, wishing my cock could fill you up.
Braden: Do you miss my cock, baby?
More than he could imagine.
Poppy: Yes.
Braden: Fuck, Poppy. Rub that cunt for me. Pretend it’s my tongue. Picture my head between your legs, eating you out.
Braden: I’d be balls deep by now. I bet I’d slide right in, wouldn’t I?
Poppy: Yes.
Braden: Are you taking care of that sweet pussy for me, since I can’t be there to fuck you hard, the way you like it?
Poppy: Yes.
Braden: Tell me what you’re thinking about.
Poppy: I’m pretending it’s you, that you’re the one touching me.
Braden: Good girl. I’m close, baby. I’m about to explode, all this cum could be yours if I were there. I’d fill you so full. Would you like that?
Poppy: Yes. I’m close.
Braden: Come with me, Poppy. Oh fuck, I’m coming.
Poppy: Me too.