Chapter 8 Never Say Never
NEVER SAY NEVER
Poppy
“Congratulations, Cici. I’m so glad you answered, but I bet you’re exhausted,” I tell Cici over the phone.
I’m in my office with the door shut. She gave birth the night before, and I didn’t want to call too early, knowing she’d need her rest. Lily texted me updates all night, until Abigail Lily Dubree finally made her debut a week after she was supposed to arrive.
“No. I’m actually doing okay, and I’m so relieved it’s over. Plus, there’s no time to be tired since we have a room full of visitors. My parents, Braden, Jackson, and Mia are all here. And of course, Lily hasn’t left since they let her in.” She laughs on the other end. It’s nice to hear.
What’s not good to hear is that Braden is in the background.
His name is all it takes for the guilt to set in about not telling Cici what happened.
I always figured she’d be the first one I’d spill to about losing my virginity, but I can’t bring myself to do it.
It was during her reception, no less. I feel like a terrible friend.
“So everything went well?”
“It did. Epidurals are magic. I didn’t feel any pain,” Cici says excitedly.
“That’s amazing. Ah, I can’t wait to see her.”
“Me too. I wish you were here. When are you coming? Have you booked your ticket yet?”
We’d already discussed waiting until a couple of weeks had passed.
I didn’t want to intrude right away, so they could adapt to being parents without a houseguest. I’m sure they’ll be busy enough with all the family and friends around.
But at least they don’t share space with them, unlike when I visit.
“I’ll come in two weeks. That’ll give you some time to have Abby to yourselves first.”
“Fine, but no later than that.”
I laugh. “Depends on when the best price is, but I’ll text you the details as soon as it’s booked.”
“Eli already said he’s paying for your ticket. He said it’s the least he can do since you took care of me during most of the pregnancy.”
“Tell him he doesn’t need to. I can afford a plane ticket.”
“That’s not the point.”
“I know, but I’ve got it.”
“Well, you two can argue about it later. Now take my video call so you can see Abby.”
I pull the phone away from my ear to the request coming through and hit accept. The first thing that greets me is Cici’s smiling face, which is as beautiful as ever. Only Cici could look like a million bucks after giving birth.
“How do you look that good after nine hours of labor?”
“Yeah right, I look like I ran a marathon yesterday, which I sort of feel like, actually. But it was worth it. Are you ready?” Cici asks while beaming.
The camera turns to reveal Abby, who Lily is holding. “Oh, Cici, she’s adorable. You guys made the perfect angel. Hello, little Abby. You’re such a pretty girl, aren’t you?” I ask in baby talk.
“She is, isn’t she?” Cici asks, turning the camera around to face her again.
It was only half a second, but the sight of Braden in the background makes my heart flutter.
“Can you believe it?” she continues, “All those months, and she’s finally here. Thank you for helping me through everything. I couldn’t have done it without you.” Tears cloud her eyes as she declares her heartfelt appreciation, causing my own tears to gather.
“No thanks needed. I loved it and I can’t wait to be there. I’ll let you go since you have visitors and send a text when I’m booked. Love you, Cici. Congratulations to you and Eli.”
“Thanks, Poppy,” Eli shouts from the background.
“Let’s talk soon, and if I don’t have your flight details by the end of the day, I’ll make Eli book a ticket for you,” she threatens.
I smile at her persistence. “I’ll do it right now. I promise. Bye.” I wave and hang up, slumping in my chair as I sigh.
My mind is stuck on Braden and the fact that he was in the room. It only took one glimpse to realize I’m just as attracted to him as before. The sad truth is, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about what we did, and if given the chance for a repeat, I’m scared I’ll shamefully accept.
Seconds later, my phone buzzes with a text. I click on the notification to a picture from Cici. It’s Abby… cradled in Braden’s arms for the photo. No doubt he did it intentionally. His favorite thing to do is get under my skin, and I’m sure he knew that would do the trick.
Only this time, it’s not because I can’t stand the sight of him, but because the sight of him makes me yearn for something I shouldn’t.
After a quick knock on the door, Matt peeks his head in, stopping me from delving deeper into that thought.
“Hey, it was quiet, so I figured you were off the phone. How’s Cici doing?” he asks, walking in and taking a seat.
“She’s so happy. Here, want to see baby Abby?” I show him the only picture I have so far.
“Wow, she’s cute, but why is Braden holding her?” he asks, annoyance lacing his voice.
“He’s visiting with Jackson and Mia. I’m positive he suggested it on purpose to annoy me.”
“Or he did it because he’s hoping for a repeat when you visit.”
Matt called me out about disappearing with Braden during the reception when we were on the flight home.
I figured since I couldn’t talk to Cici about my indiscretion, Matt was the next best thing.
It was a relief to have it off my chest, but it didn’t do much to sort my feelings on the matter—not that I had any, other than wondering what the hell I was thinking.
Braden didn’t make a great impression on Matt due to scowling at him most of the night, so Matt wasn’t excited to hear that I’d given in to him.
He wasn’t rude about it, but he didn’t high-five me, that’s for sure.
Thank God he didn’t know it was my first time, or his reaction would have been much worse.
“He does have a one-track mind,” I concede.
“I’d say it’s working since he lured you in with it. And I bet you won’t be able to withstand his charm any better next time.”
“You don’t know that. I’ve already decided I’m not giving in again.”
“So you’d turn him down if he showed up tomorrow?” Matt asks knowingly, with raised brows.
I drop my head in my hands and groan.
“Just be careful. There’s nothing wrong with having fun, but he doesn’t seem like a relationship guy.”
“I’m aware, trust me. But something about him drives me crazy—in a good and bad way.”
“Yeah, it’s called a dick. He has one, and he is one. It’s guys like that you should be cautious with. I just don’t want you to get hurt.”
“I won’t. I’m not stupid. I know exactly what type he is. My older brother has schooled me on dirtbags, and Braden undoubtedly falls into that category.” I might be trying to convince myself simultaneously.
“Don’t forget that when he says all the right things next time,” Matt scolds.
“Okay, Dad.” I give him the stink eye.
He laughs. “You’re such a brat. When are you leaving? Did you get your ticket yet?”
“Shoot. No, I’m doing it now. It won’t be for a couple of weeks, but I’ll let you know the exact dates and leave plenty of notes for any files I need help with.”
“Perfect. I’ll give Cici’s guests a little more time before I call to congratulate her.”
“Good idea, and thanks for the lecture.”
“Anytime. Not that it’ll change anything.” Matt shakes his head, smiling as he heads out the door.
Braden
I’ve decided to bite the bullet and make the call. What’s the worst that can happen? If he realizes my obsession and shuts me down, so be it. It’ll be the sign I need to let this go.
Eli picks up after the second ring. “Hey, Braden. How’s it going?”
“Good. Really good. How about you? How’s parenthood?”
“Crazy. I couldn’t imagine life without Abby now that she’s here, but man am I exhausted.”
I laugh in response. That’s exactly what I was hoping to hear to make my offer seem more plausible.
“I bet. Anything I can do to help?”
“Not unless you want to take night shifts.”
“Dude, you’re a billionaire. Hire a nanny.”
He laughs. “Try talking Cici into that and tell me how it goes.”
“Ahhh. Maybe she’ll change her mind after a few more sleepless nights. Other than that, how’s life? Are you guys finally slowing down on visitors?”
“Yeah. Lily’s here every day, which I expect will be the norm, but Cici’s parents have slowed down. Poppy’s coming for a week starting tomorrow, so I’ll work a bit more while she’s here. It’ll give me time to catch up on some things.”
“Damn. It’s crazy you’re a dad now.”
“No kidding. I literally couldn’t imagine life without her, but a word from the wise, bag it up or you’ll be in for a surprise.”
A chuckle precedes the wistful memory of the last time I didn’t.
“No worries in that department, but thanks. Hey, would it help if I picked up Poppy tomorrow? I could pick her up from the airport and have an excuse to stop by and visit. I’m sure she’d rather be greeted by a familiar face over your driver.
” Fuck. That was smooth, if I do say so myself.
“That would be great, if you have time.”
“Yeah, just text me her flight info.”
“Thanks, man, I appreciate it,” Eli says genuinely, prompting the slightest guilty conscience from ulterior motives.
“You bet. I was thinking I could also take her off your hands and show her a bit of San Diego if you want. We could go to the club since Cici’s probably not up for that kind of entertaining yet.”
“That’s not a bad idea. I’ll talk to Cici about it. I bet Justin and Lucy would go since she and Poppy hit it off.”
“Perfect. I’ll ask him. All right, send over the info, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I hang up with a satisfied smile. Mission accomplished. Minutes later, a text containing Poppy’s flight appears with a message saying Cici wasn’t happy to hear the plan and to behave. Now where’s the fun in that?
After tossing and turning all night, playing out various scenarios about how her visit will go, I’ve come to the conclusion that I need to fuck her out of my system.
I won’t be free of her until I do. One time wasn’t nearly enough to satisfy me and fulfill all the wicked fantasies she stars in. The anticipation is killing me.
I’m counting down the hours, and my concentration is total shit, which doesn’t escape Warren.
“Does the blackout on your calendar starting at two today have anything to do with why you’re distracted as hell?”
“It could be.”
“And?”
I run my hand through my hair and sigh. I figured I’d have to fess up to Warren eventually. He practically runs my schedule, and there’s no way he won’t put it together, since he knows Poppy is coming back to visit.
“I’m picking up Poppy at the airport this afternoon.”
“And you were going to tell me this when?”
“I’m telling you now.”
“Fucker. Is this why you’ve been dodging drinks after work? Have you been saving your stamina?”
“Screw off. We’ve been slammed. I’m tired by the end of the day.”
He coughs bullshit. “You’re more hung up on this chick than you’ll admit. She must have a magic pussy.”
Hearing him talk about her like that makes me wince, although I’ve not been much better, but it’s different coming from him and I don’t like it.
I shrug nonchalantly. “It’s probably the chase.
It’s refreshing to work for it. She’s not easy like the women we usually fuck.
I think I just need to get her out of my system.
Once she stops resisting, I’ll be done with her. ”
“Riiight. Keep me posted on that. You gonna hit her up on letting me tag in?”
“I’m not sure. I’m taking her to the club this week, so maybe you can show up and we’ll play it by ear.”
“I’m pretty convincing. I’ll have her eating out of my hand.”
That’s what I’m afraid of.
The following two hours pass in a blur, and before I know it, I’m outside of arrivals waiting to catch a glimpse of my redhead.
The minute she appears, it becomes clear that I’m not imagining this attraction or blowing it out of proportion; I’m unequivocally infatuated.
Her hair is partially up but still full and wavy.
She’s in tight black leggings and a sweatshirt, which makes her look young and innocent—only I know she’s not.
I’m surprised she’s shocked to see me since I figured they would have told her I was picking her up, but the scowl on her face makes it obvious she had no idea.
“Why are you here?” she asks immediately, confirming my analysis.
I feign hurt with my hand over my chest. “Is that any way to greet your lover?”
She coughs incredulously. “Lover? Try again. How about my mistake?”
“Oh, Little Mouse, the only mistake was not doing it again.”
“Which will never happen.”
I lean down to whisper in her ear. “Never say never. I’ve been rubbing off every night to visions of your sweet pussy wrapped around my cock. And he missed out on so much more. Your mouth, your ass—”
She jerks back quickly and shoves me, making me chuckle. I had her until the word ass.
“Why are you here again?” she asks petulantly.
“Didn’t Cici tell you I was picking you up?”
“No,” she growls. “She probably knew I’d insist on an Uber instead. Why didn’t they just send their driver?”
I grind my jaw. Her obstinance is beginning to irritate me. “Because I offered. Now let’s go.”
She has no choice but to follow when I grab the suitcase handle out of her grasp and start walking.
We’re silent as we head to the car. I’ve been semi-hard since she came through the doors, and having her next to me, within reaching distance, isn’t going to make it any easier on the way to Eli’s.
I need to get her under me, so I can get over her—and move the hell on.
Then maybe I can scrape together some semblance of the life I had before this meek little mouse invaded it.
After loading her bag into the trunk, I can’t help but stare at her perky ass in those pants and how badly I want to squeeze the hell out of it as she walks to the passenger door.
“Did you miss me?” I ask cheekily as I back out of the spot.
“I haven’t even thought about you.”
“That hurts. At least it would if I believed you. Tell me, is it my tongue or dick that takes the stage most nights?”
She scoffs and rolls her eyes. “Neither.”
“So it’s my hand you like the best, huh? I can work with that.” I reach across the console and grab her leg, sliding up, but she flings it away before I even make it an inch.
“Hands off. What happened was a one-time thing and doesn’t give you the right to touch me.”
I tsk. “Oh, Little Mouse, I’ll leave you alone for now, but be prepared to beg when you’re ready for seconds.”
“In your dreams.”
“Damn straight, it is. It’s all I’ve been dreaming about, and if you were being honest, you’d admit you have too.”