12. Poppy

TWELVE

POPPY

Jace did exactly what he said he would and I'm not surprised in the least. We drove Marigold and Maddox home and while they made out in the backseat like teenagers, my date held my hand on the console between us. This gentleman act is different from anything I've come across and even more surprising for a guy his age. But the respect he has for himself, me, and others around him is top notch and it's making me fall hard and quick for him.

The holiday season in Love Beach is wild and everyone has moved from pumpkin spice everything to eggnog and hot chocolate. I love that Cakeology is all the buzz around town and being here in the neighborhood leaves me feeling good. We've gone all out decorating the bakery with red and green bows, Christmas lights and miniature wrapped presents in the window.

I hear Marigold say good morning and begin to make small talk with one of the patrons.

"Have you met my cousin, Poppy?"

I turn when I hear my name and see Vienna standing in front of us. I assess her quickly but then extend my hand with a smile. "Hi, nice to meet you!"

I know who Vienna is. I've seen her around with Jace. They have a friendship and he's mentioned her once or twice.

"Hey, girl! Welcome to Love Beach!" Her over the top friendliness for this early in the morning has me questioning all my life's goals.

"Thank you. What can I get you?"

"I'll take two coffees and a Danish ring."

I pause. Jace loves the Danish rings we serve here. "Of course, give me two minutes." I quickly make her coffee debating for just one single moment about adding salt instead of sugar. In the end, I choose the high road and slide her coffees and a Danish ring in a bag across the counter.

Marigold rings her up and she's out before I can say another word.

"She's nice," I say curtly and Marigold side-eyes me.

"Don't even go there. They're friends. She's got something going on with Wells."

"The old guy from the bar?" I raise a brow. I remember seeing him down there with Isaac. He's the new brewmaster if I recall. And I'm pretty sure Vienna is about my age.

Marigold barks a laugh. "Who are you to question age?"

I stifle a smile. "Doesn't he have a kid?" Marigold is used to my nosiness.

"Yes, she's six. He's divorced and he's been banging Vienna all summer."

I bark a laugh. "Give me all the details, why don't you?"

"I'll invite her to our next girls night and you can hear it for yourself."

I wipe up the counter as the line dies down. We're nearing half past nine when everyone should settle into work and school giving us a much needed reprieve before the lunch rush hits .

"So what are you thinking? Are you looking to stay here in Love beach?"

Marigold's questions catch me off guard. I haven't given it too much thought but I did just move here. I'm definitely not looking to move again in the near few months. But when do you know if the town is really your forever spot?

"For right now, I'm happy here. As long as you want to employ me," I snicker and she shakes her head.

"You know I'll do anything you need Poppy. I love having you here."

"I'm happy to be here. I really missed you when you left. It was like you were my only tie to our town. And when you moved, I had nothing. There was no fun, no family. Sure, our parents are there. But I needed you ."

But I need more than just my cousin. I need to build a life for myself. Take a different route and start over. Jace has been a pleasant surprise and I'd love to know more. I'm just hoping he'll want to move forward once he hears about my past. He's definitely the guy who sticks to the straight and narrow and I have a feeling once he hears about my past indiscretions, he won't want to be tied down with me.

"Are you excited for the dance?" she asks.

My smile is immediate. "I am. I know he's younger but I have such a crush and I feel so different when I'm with him. It's like I can be myself and he doesn't care that I'm loud or wild."

"Poppy, loud and wild isn't a bad thing. It's just a personality difference. And honestly your loud and wild attitude complements his quiet, young stoic one."

Young.

I don't want to deter him from what he wants. I know he's finishing his fire school but I can't help but want to be near him.

"Get out of your head."

I look at Marigold. "I'm not in my head. "

"You are. I can see it. You think you're going to ruin him."

"Ruin him! Marigold!"

She laughs. "You want to work him over so good and blind him to anything but what Poppy has to offer," she replies smugly.

I purse my lips and raise a brow. "What I dream about doing to that boy in private has nothing to do with real life."

She laughs and so do I. "I can't wait to see you break him."

Tonight is the dance and to say I've been excited for it all week is an understatement. Marigold and I went shopping for dresses. She found a green form-fitting dress that falls to the floor. And I found a vibrant red cocktail dress with a long slit up the side that dips low in the back. He warned me our second date was going to be intense so I figured I'd up the ante.

My cousin did my hair in soft beach waves and my makeup is on point. To Maddox's dismay, we got ready at my house because Marigold wanted to surprise him. And he certainly looked shocked when he opened the door earlier to pick her up. I've never seen Maddox tongue tied before but if anyone can do it to him, Marigold can.

I sent Jace pictures of my dress but not the whole thing. I took a shot from the back, showing the dip but not enough to actually know how far it goes. I took a picture of my shoulder with the silky strap and sent that, too—just enough to lay the groundwork.

Because tonight? I want Jace. And I'm going to make him break for me.

I'm done tiptoeing around. For the short time I've been here, I've had him in my sights. And after our night out, I know he's receptive to me, I won't be playing the flirty game anymore. I want him to know I like him.

Except I do have to tell him about why I'm here. I'm hoping he'll see the misunderstanding I deem it is.

There is a knock on my little two bedroom ranch I'm renting here in Love Beach and my heart begins to flutter. I'm actually nervous about tonight because I want it to go well.

When I open the door I'm struck by the sight of him—perfectly styled hair dressed in a tux with a red tie that matches my dress. It fits him like it was sewn on around him. Broad shoulders and chest, strong legs, a tapered waist, he's everything that is perfect in life.

His eyes flare when he sees me and I've never felt more beautiful.

"Goddamn, Poppy. You look amazing." His eyes drift up and down my body and it feels like a physical caress. I do a little spin and his eyes darken.

"Thank you, Jace. You look pretty amazing too." We stand watching each other, goofy grins on both our faces.

"Oh, here. I have something for you." He holds out the small clear box and opens the top, pulling out a wrist corsage with a red rose. My heart flutters at the sight. Everything about him is just good.

"It's beautiful." I hold my arm out as he places the box on the table. He takes my hand running his hand up my arm slowly and softly before sliding the corsage onto my wrist. My goosebumps show instantly and I know he notices them.

"We better go before you make us late," he says.

"Before I make us late?" I laugh. "I'm ready!"

"Me too. That's why we need to go."