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“I’m not worried about that at all, your client relationships are solid. We’ll work with you any way we can.”
“Appreciate that.”
“She is truly thinking about giving up the stage for your bum ass?”
“If I thought it was solely because of me, I’d stop it. She’s convinced herself this is what she wants. My job is to make her happy, anyway that comes about.”
His shit-eating grin returns in a look I know well. “You’ve got a plan.”
“I sure as hell do.”
“Care to elaborate?”
“Nothing to share, yet. Moving to Charleston doesn’t have to mean the end of her dancing career. I’m meeting with Tony Sanchez this week to discuss an option.”
Understanding resisters on his features and he whistles through his teeth. Tony isn’t only a long-standing client of mine; he’s also one of the top real estate brokers in the area. “This should be interesting.”
“When there’s something to share, you’ll know.”
“Looking forward to it.”
“How long does this tour take?” I check my watch, noting it’s been over half an hour since Ashlyn whisked Poppy away to show her the house.
“My guess is they are in the nursery. Ashlyn is determined to get everyone’s opinion before she decides on furniture.” Miller hands me a beer.
“Now that you’re married, how are you feeling about the distance?”
“It’s inevitable, not much I can do.”
“Better man than me.”
“Hell, Miller, you weren’t ready to walk away from Ashlyn when you thought she lived in Chicago. Pierce and Darby lived apart for seven damn months. The distance sucks, but it lessens the sting now that she’s my wife.”
“Nice play, marrying her the day you took her virginity.”
“Jesus, do these women share everything?”
“Welcome to married life. And fair warning: Ashlyn, Darby, and Stephanie are ruthless. Poppy’s a part of that tribe now. Get ready to know way more than you ever wanted to about anything and everything.”
“I’ll talk to Poppy about that.”
A chorus of laughter echoes through the house, getting closer. “Thank fuck they’re done. Poppy gets on a plane in twenty-hours to go home. No offense, but there is only one place I want to be right now.”
His eyes light with understanding. “I’ll make sure we have dinner early and get you out of here.”
“Appreciate that.”
Poppy skips into the kitchen, her face flushed and eyes glowing. “This house is amazing.”
“Good thing I get to show you the best part.”
“Can’t wait.”
“Go on out, you know where everything is. I need to change and we’ll be right there,” Ashlyn offers.
I shoot Miller a look he picks up immediately, jerking his chin. He’ll buy me some time alone.
Poppy links her hand in mine, letting me guide us outside. Her breath hitches when we hit the patio. I take her to the edge of the verandah, pulling her back to me, and hooking my arms around her stomach.
“This is unbelievable.”
“It’s quite a showplace.”
“I don’t know where to look first.”
“Take your time, it’s not going anywhere.” My lips run along the tendon of her neck.
“I can’t believe this is where they live.”
“You want something like this?”
She slants her head to the side. “You don’t like your townhome?”
“I like it, but I want to give you a home you want.”
“I want to be with you, wherever that is. I’m not high-maintenance, your townhome is perfect. The view is irreplaceable.”
“My townhome is good for now. But think about when Dante and Ryanne visit and we have kids. It’s not big enough. Maybe we can have both a house and the view.”
“You’re serious about this.”
“I am.”
“Can we wait until I’m here and look together?”
“I wouldn’t pick out a place without you.”
She glances back around the yard and pool area, obviously thinking about my offer. “How many children do you want?”
“It’s a decision we’ll make together.”
“But I need to know how big a house we’ll need for me to plan our search.”
“You bring your gorgeous ass home to Charleston, however long that takes, and we’ll fill the house.”
“We haven’t talked about it specifically, but Dante will follow me.”
“I know.”
“Ryanne won’t be far behind.”
“Figured as much.”
“You married a trio.”
“I married you, aware of the full package.”
She falls silent again, twisting her rings and staring across the yard.
“You’re thinking too hard.”
“It’s a lot to process.”
“It doesn’t have to be. We have plenty of time.”
“I don’t want to leave tomorrow,” she admits on a shaky breath. “My heart is heavy thinking about it.”
I know that feeling all too well, remembering that Thursday morning I left her in the hotel bed. “If we were at home, I’d wipe that from your mind. But since we’re here, we’ll have to improvise.” My hand goes under her dress.
She squirms in surprise. “What are you doing?”
“I only want your mind on one thing right now.” My fingers slide into her bikini bottoms and press her pelvis back to me. “Spread your thighs and give me some room.”
