Chapter 48

Chapter 48

Julian

The morning sun casts a hard light across the landscape, turning the horizon into a stark contrast of shadows and brilliance. The sunrise, once vibrant, now yields to the clear, commanding blue of the sky. I take a deep breath, feeling unusually detached from the world around me. This isn't just because of the commanding view of Lake Tahoe stretching out below. It's more than that - it's what happened last night with Poppy. It wasn't just sex. We made love. Now I understand the meaning of that term.

It was clear to me that it was both Poppy's and my first time making love. Connecting on a level I would have thought was just romantic bullshit in the past. It was an eye-opener, a far cry from the superficial encounters of the past.

No woman compares to her.

I was trying to erase her past experiences with men, but little did I know she erased my past relationships, too.

I shift my stance, the deck's wood groaning slightly under my boots. Leaning forward, elbows resting on the railing, I hold my coffee like a lifeline. The scent of vanilla from the steam mixes with the earthy aroma of the lake's water and pine, grounding me.

We have to catch our plane in two hours, snapping us back to reality. Poppy was taking her time in the shower, so I stepped out for some air. There's this tightness in my chest when I think about her calling me her 'ten.' It's a mix of pride and a primal, possessive instinct. The thought of anyone else touching her kept me awake, so I held her close all night.

If I had a ring, I'd probably force it on her finger, making a clear statement to anyone who'd dare look her way.See that ring? That means back the fuck away or die motherfucker!

I said I felt primal, didn't I?

I've never been obsessed with anything. I'm a controlled man, but having Poppy in my bed, her auburn hair – a rich, warm blend of dark red and brown hues – laid out on my sheets, her body warm, soft, and wet, ready for me... well, that would make a saint a sinner.

Once we land, there is no way she's going to her apartment to sleep in her bed alone. A smug smile finds its way to my lips. Poppy will never sleep alone again. She'll either be in my bed or me in hers.

I've got everything now—the woman of my dreams, a firm grip on the CEO role, and no threats looming over my family or business. The challenge is to keep everything in line. I just need to keep it that way.

"You'd like her," I murmur to the wind, my voice barely more than a breath. "I wish you could meet her, Mom. Experience the warmth of her smile." I let out a heavy sigh, the weight of my words sinking into the air.

"I'm trying to hold down the fort, Mom, but it's a challenge, especially with Kent being Kent." The corners of my mouth twitch upwards in a bittersweet smile, and a chuckle escapes me, a fleeting sound in the stillness.

"I miss you so much." My fingers graze the railing, tracing the weathered wood as my gaze lingers on the water, where memories ripple like gentle waves. I learned how to swim in this lake. I remember Mom sunbathing as Dad kept shouting at Theo and me to kick our legs harder.

"I'll come back here soon. Love you." I nod to myself, a silent promise hanging in the air. I touch the railing briefly, give a silent salute, and then turn back. Time to go find Poppy, the only other woman to whom I've ever said, "I love you."