5. Poppy

FIVE

POPPY

I've helped Marigold and Logan close up the shop for the evening. They're working overtime because of the season, baking pie after pie for Thanksgiving next week. Marigold's been putting me to work, too and I'm happy to have something to do. I'm so proud of her for starting over and finding joy, plus a man.

I'm hoping I can do the same.

I've always been the wild one of the family. I never did anything wrong, I just liked to take chances, speak my mind and do what I wanted, not necessarily what's expected of me. Unfortunately, my wild character gives people the wrong idea about me which makes dating very difficult. Most guys take wild to mean easy and it's difficult to find a man who is sincere. I'm the furthest thing from easy, in fact, most call me difficult, but I'm loyal to a fault.

Marigold and I were inseparable growing up. She's four years younger than I am and I always looked out for her. So once she moved away, I knew I had to leave as well. There was nothing left here for me, especially after my little infraction .

I took my role as older cousin very seriously, I still do.

So when her boyfriend cheated on her, I made sure to make him see the error of his ways.

I guess I got a little carried away...

But being in a new town, I have a chance to start over. I loved baking with Marigold and our grandma when we were younger, it still brings me joy but I also don't want to expect my cousin to give me a job just because we're family. She's been super gracious to me already, helping me find a place to rent that's affordable and allowing me to work with her for now. I won't keep taking from her, but I'm forever grateful for the boost it's given me.

Needing to clear my mind, I decide to stop in at Love Beach Brews, get a drink and a quick bite before heading home. But when I enter and see Jace sitting at the end of the bar, I realize my night just got a whole hell of a lot better.

Like a beacon, his eyes find mine when I walk through the door. They track me until I'm standing next to him. He pushes the stool out next to him as I tease, "Are you sure you're old enough to drink in here?"

Isaac chooses that moment to come by. "Don't worry, I checked his ID when he ordered." He winks at me and smirks at Jace. "Whatcha having, Poppy?"

I nod to Jace's beer. "I'll have what he's having." I climb onto the seat next to him and breathe him in. "I take it you're off shift now?"

"Yeah, I've been on for the last forty eight so I was just stopping here for a quick bite and then home to bed."

"How was it?"

"Uneventful. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to see the town burn to the ground but I need a little excitement too."

His hands grip his bottle a bit tighter, no doubt he realizes what he just said. I hum the chorus to I'm so excited by the Pointer Sisters and I hear him huff a laugh. Sitting next to Jace is overwhelming—he's big. His forearms and thighs are thick and he smells like a man. A hint of sweat and smoke but sexy all the same.

"Did you eat yet?"

"No, I just ordered."

"Oh, good. I'll join you. It seems every time I'm in the same room you find a reason to leave. Are you trying to avoid me?"

He shrugs. "The guys at the station seem to occupy your time. Figured if you really wanted to talk to me, you would find me on your own."

"I'm here aren't I?"

"Just by chance." He eyes me. "Or did you follow me here?" he jokes.

"No, I didn't follow you. That would just be crazy." I wave my hands around. "But the stars must be shining down on me for leading me to you."

He smiles and we sit quietly for a moment. Isaac drops off my beer and I pick it up, tap it quickly to Jace's and take a sip. "Does it bother you that I'm older?"

"Does it bother you that I'm younger?" he counters.

"I wouldn't be sitting with you if it did."

We fall into silence again until he breaks it. "True. Well, to answer your question, no it doesn't bother me but I'm not your average twenty-one year old."

"I've noticed."

"Wouldn't you rather Brian from the station?" His jaw ticks when he says it.

"Why him?"

"I don't know, he seems more your type."

"This ought to be good. What's my type, Jace Sullivan?" I turn to face him, propping my foot on the bottom rung of his stool.

"He's loud and outgoing."

"Are you calling me loud?" I yell out .

"No, I'm just saying he's not shy and is already a firefighter." He doesn't even flinch at my outburst, just answers my questions.

"Aren't you a firefighter?"

"I'm still the new guy."

"Yeah, probie . I heard all about you," I taunt him and he drinks from his beer again shaking his head. "Maybe you're my type. I like shy guys." His eyes dart my way then back to the television with the game on. I've a feeling he's not absorbing any bit of the game though. "I bet you're not really shy though, are you?"

He shrugs again. "I wouldn't say shy. Just observant. I like to watch people. I find you can learn a lot about them when you're silent and let them do the talking."

"Then you should already know what my type is."

Isaac walks over placing a burger and fries in front of Jace.

"Hey man, can you get me a second plate?" Jace turns to me. "Would you like half of my burger?"

I smile and shake my head. "I need more than half, Jace."

Isaac snickers. "I'll double this order, Poppy. Give me five minutes."

"Thanks, Isaac." I steal a fry from his plate. "Eat while it's hot. Don't wait on me."

"I was raised better and if my momma walked in now and saw me eating while you had nothing in front of you, she'd never let me live it down."

"Sexy and smart, with manners to boot? Looks like I found a unicorn."