Chapter 9 Poppy
I ’m trying to keep my cool, but the room has started to spin ever so slightly and the man in front of me has the most gorgeous eyes. How did I not notice them on the stairs before? God, could they be a richer shade of brown?
What did he just say?
Looking squarely back at him jogs my memory. He’s Owen and I’m Poppy, and we can be anyone . I’d like to be anyone tonight. The questions and stares have me already second-guessing if coming home was the right idea. “Would you like to get away for a little bit?” I ask.
“Away? Like from the tables or what do you mean?” His brow furrows most adorably and it’s all I can do to keep from reaching out and touching the small wrinkles on his forehead. Nope, that’s not a normal thing to do. Nodding, he motions for me to lead the way and I start walking towards the edge of the table area, where the lawn meets the stone walkway. Slipping off my heels, I saunter out into the grass, holding tight to my pink and bubbly champagne flute.
He moves to stand next to me and I feel him more than see him. He’s tall, not towering, but a good amount of tall. And god help me, he smells amazing—like a summer breeze with a hint of cedar. I’ve been at peace with avoiding men for the time being, but if this is Brandon’s cousin, there’s not much chance he will be back in Honey Cove anytime soon. This being anyone is sounding more and more promising.
He meets my gaze for a moment before his attention flicks down towards my lips and I find myself moving towards him before noticing the hundreds of stars that have come out. My breath catches as I take it all in. The feel of the grass against my bare feet, the smell of bonfires in the distance, the cool breeze on my skin, and the gorgeous sky surrounding us have me taking a deep breath to steady myself.
“I’ve been gone for a while. Everywhere I’ve been has been in a city and I couldn’t see anything like this. I don’t think I realized how much I missed this until right this moment.” Owen smiles back at me and I wrap my arms around myself, conscious of how odd I’m acting right now. He must think I’m a crazy person.
“They are beautiful.” Moving towards me again, he gives me the slightest grin and his eyes grow heated, but before he can say anything else, he backs away quickly in an awkward, sudden movement which startles me. I stumble backwards, landing in the grass, as I try to discern what is going on. He’s suddenly started making frantic noises and dare I say squawking? Andi had a parakeet when we were little and he actually is doing a great impression. Who’s the crazy person now, eh?
“It stung me,” he yelps.
“What happened?” Standing up, I venture towards him, but the flapping continues and it’s difficult to get too close. Glancing around, I see that other guests have started looking over at us as well. I try to smile and wave that we’re fine. No more attention, please.
“A bee, damnit.” The jerking movements have stopped, thank god , and he’s now cradling the side of his neck and looking quite embarrassed. “You know, I was going to be romantic just then. God, that hurts.”
“Romantic, huh?” A laugh escapes my lips, which only adds to the dejected and ashamed look he’s wearing. Although he brightens slightly at my jab. “Are you allergic?”
“No, I’m not allergic. It just took me by surprise. I didn’t realize they were still active at night. I haven’t been stung since I was a kid,” he stammers out, still cradling his neck.
I give him a small smile, stepping closer to him. “Can I take a look?” Peeking at the sting as he tilts his neck towards me, the swelling is already obvious. “I think we should get something on this.”
The look of alarm is instantaneous. “Does it look bad? What is it?”
“It’s just a little swelling, but nothing a little ice can’t help. Wait here.” Stepping back onto the stones and into my heels, I walk over to the makeshift bar to ask for a cup of ice. Once I’m back in the grass, I hand him the cup. He winces when he presses it against his neck.
This close to him, I can see his freckles, the small scar across his chin, and the softest hint of gold to his irises. That warmth starts up in my core again and in this moment, I make a decision. I told him I’d be anyone tonight and I think that’s just what I’ll be. I haven’t felt this comfortable with someone since being back and I’m thankful for the opportunity to just be, no matter what that means. And I don’t think a one night stand is technically breaking my promise to myself, so I’m going with it.
“It’s not often a guy can get rescued from a bee by a beautiful woman.” Owen grins at me over the cup.
“Trying to be romantic again are you?”
“I had to try to salvage something here. After I’m done with this ice, can I ask you to dance or have I completely ruined the moment?”
Looking up through my lashes, I nod, ever so slightly and give him the most sexy grin I can muster given the situation. Maybe this will be a mistake, but maybe it’s exactly what I need to shake Steven out of my life for good. And Owen couldn’t be more attractive.