Page 47 of Smooth Talk

Chapter 20

Poppy

I’ve been slammed at work, trying to cram extra hours into Sunday, Monday and Tuesday to make up for taking the day today. Blaire has the week off. Hilary left yesterday to visit her son and grandkids and won’t be back until Friday. I really have been so busy. I know Grayson thinks I’m using it as an excuse, and maybe I am. I’ve been too busy to really think about what happened Saturday. And any time I do let my mind wander, well, let’s just say I’ve changed my panties several times over the course of the past few days. When he called to invite us, my first instinct had been to say no. I’m nervous about seeing him again. How should I act? How will he act? What will his family think? But I took a breath and a second to think, and now, I’m mostly glad that Harp accepted his invitation on our behalf. Nerves don’t just disappear overnight apparently.

We had lunch with my parents earlier and hung out for a bit. Honestly, my mom is just as excited about us going to the Maxwell’s as I am. Maybe more. She has talked nonstop about Grayson and his family to my dad (who grew up here and knows all about the Maxwells); I’m pretty sure he was only pretending to listen. Her build up only made the nerves come back full force. Along with more questions. We’re more than friends (obviously) and he said he wants to date me, but how serious is he? Am I ready for that? I was looking for something fun, not necessarily a long-term partner. From everything I know about him, he’s not exactly boyfriend material. Maybe leopards do change their spots.

God, I can’t believe what we did! Well, what he did. I didn’t really do anything, other than encourage him. I’m fairly sure I begged. I haven’t ever begged. I also haven’t mentioned our Saturday night shenanigans to anyone. It feels too soon to share it with my friends, and while my mom probably wishes we did, we do not have a sexy-time-details-sharing relationship. Part of me wants to keep it private. Something special Gray and I shared that no one else knows about. The other part of me wants to shout from the roof tops how talented that man’s tongue is. I’ve never orgasmed so hard in my life. Sheesh. I knew he was a growler. Remembering those sexy grunts of his, while his mouth was all up in my area has my skin overheating. I fan myself, and crank my car’s AC.

We’re on our way to the Maxwell farm now. Harper hasn’t stopped talking about fishing, fireworks, BBQ and CiCi. She’s also so excited about seeing Gunner again; kid loves that dog. I have a hunch the feeling is mutual. I swear Harp can’t help but charm everyone she meets. However, her current bubbly rambling is doing little to settle my nerves.

The butterflies in my stomach are threatening to explode out of my mouth (most likely in vomit-form) as we draw closer. Should I hug him? Kiss him? Shake his hand? Gah! This is stupid. I’m way out of practice. How am I going to act normal around his family, after what we did? I feel like there’s a huge sign on my forehead, ‘Grayson Maxwell made me orgasm with his mouth, and I liked it!’ Loved it, even. And afterward, he’d called me beautiful. Sigh. It’s probably not so much a painted sign, as it is the grin I can’t remove from my face. It’s been so long since I’ve done anything, and what we did—AHHMAZING. When I lay down and close my eyes at night all I can see is his sexy face looking up at me from between my legs. His eyes burning into mine. Their hazel depths transformed into onyx pools, watching every reaction. Whew. Stop thinking about Gray’s tongue, Poppy.

Deep calming breaths.

I turn off the main road downtown heading south. Gah, I was so sure he wanted to keep me in the friend zone, that Saturday night came as kind of a shock. An exceptionally good shock. He was so tender when he took care of my bruised forehead. And cuddling on the couch had been heavenly; I’d gotten so comfortable I actually fell asleep on him. Then as he was trying to be a gentleman and leave, I’d mauled him and told him to kiss me. I’m pretty bold when I’m half-asleep, who knew? As embarrassing as I find my actions, I can’t regret them. I’ve been dreaming about that man’s lips on mine for what seems like forever now, and the reality is so much better than the dream.

Ok, so we did a bit more than kiss. I can’t believe I let him do that. I wanted him to do that, and we haven’t even been on a real date yet. Gah! I hope he still wants to date me. I presented myself as a good girl, then flipped the script.

I’ve been wondering what his intentions were for so long, I forgot to ask myself what I wanted. I’ve been thinking about it all morning, and the short answer is— I want to give Grayson a chance. Give us a chance. I have a feeling we could be great together. But those unsure feelings are still there. My brain says, ‘he’s a player, and I need to guard my heart.’ But my heart soars around him.

I’m already in deep. Getting to know him these past months; seeing sides I wasn’t expecting. He makes me laugh, makes me think, challenges and comforts me. He’s kind and caring. When we talk on the phone, I don’t want to hang up. It’s terrifying. Over time, I’ve gotten to know the real Grayson Maxwell, and I really like him. Like, a lot. But I guess that’s to be expected when the sexiest man you’ve ever laid eyes on, just so happens to also be a good listener and capable of delivering the goods as well (and by goods, I mean orgasms). He gives your daughter the most thoughtful present ever, brings you your favorite dish for dinner, gets totally engrossed while watching emotional, girly shows with you, and then kisses your Fifi so well you pass out and get the best night’s sleep of your life on a couch, covered in a toddler’s blanket.

You don’t find a man like that every day. I Know; I’ve dated half the city’s eligible male population. I won’t waste this opportunity. Yes, he has the ability to hurt me. He’s the first man I’ve met since my divorce that I’ve felt anything for. That’s right; I caught feelings. Feelings that run deep, and that’s scary.

Gray seems genuine, but he could turn out to be no less of a villain than Reed was. Is. There was a time when I thought my ex-husband was a good man. What if my internal BS meter is broken, and I’m doomed to falling for con artists? I shake that thought away. I can’t live my life like that. Eventually, I have to trust people again. Not every man is like Reed. I have to move on. What my ex did to us was terrible, and while I’ve forgiven him (mostly), I’ll never forget, and they were his mistakes, not mine. Granted, I take responsibility for allowing him to fool me for as long as he did, but I refuse to continue to allow fear and anger at him to derail my love life. I can go into a new relationship with my eyes wide open, and I can jump in with both feet.

Okay! Decision made. Easy peazy, lemon squeezy. I’m putting myself out there today. I’m an adult; it’s how we do things. Every relationship has inherent risk. I can’t control what Gray will say or do, but I can control me.

We pull down the long driveway and park near the house. There are several cars, but not a soul in sight. As we approach the front porch, sounds begin filling the air. Mostly ribbing. I can make out Violet and Mase’s voices, as well as Oliver’s. However, there’s another I don’t recognize. A female voice. Maybe she’s a friend of the family. God, please don’t let it be Presley. A spike of jealousy pierces my chest. It pains me, but I shake it off, roll my shoulders back and hold my head high. Negativity, you have no place in my life today. Fortune favors the bold. Pep talk deployed; I march up the steps.

There’s a loud bark, then several whines. I see Gunner’s wet nose streaking the glass of the front door, his paw comes up to the handle, and it opens. He flops up to Harper who is giggling profusely. “Sit, Gunner. Good boy.” She pats the dog’s head as he obeys her command. They’re adorable together. I turn my back to the door to stroke the pup’s soft ears when I hear it softly close.

I know he’s there even before I see him. Suddenly, I feel two strong arms wrap around my waist from behind pulling me against his hard body. His heat burns through my light seersucker midi-dress. My hands brush across his strong forearms. I inhale deeply, sighing as his intoxicating scent fills my nostrils. The strappy espadrilles I have on today add a couple inches to my height allowing my body to mold perfectly against his in all the right places. Grayson’s nose skirts the side of my face before nuzzling my neck. My eyes want to roll back in my head, he feels so good. “Hey, beautiful; I’ve missed you,” he whispers as he nips my ear lobe. My heart flip flops in my chest as my panties grow wet. He took the guesswork right out of how I should greet him, and I’m thankful. Just as I’m getting comfortable, he lets go, like he wasn’t just five seconds away from ripping off all my clothes, licking my whole body, and sending me to pleasure town and bends to kiss my daughter on the top of her head. “I missed you too, Harp.” She smiles up at him and my heart melts.

Well, now I’m feeling all kinds of feels. I want to give us a real shot. I want to watch him talk to my daughter like she’s the only person in the world. But most of all, I want to the skip family dinner and get another demonstration of his skills. That man’s tongue was pure ecstasy. His fingers bliss. I can only imagine what his peen feels like. And imagine it I have. So many times, now; I’m growing crazy with want. I make an executive decision, right here on the farmhouse porch. Now is the time. No more silence. Just as I open my mouth, Caroline opens the front door.

“Poppy, Harper it’s lovely to see you again. Happy Independence Day.”

“Thank you for having us Caroline,” I say as I hand her the bottle of wine I brought. Harp runs to wrap her arms around her legs.

“I misses you Cici!”

“Aww. I missed you too sweet girl. Y’all come on in, everyone’s waiting.” We follow her inside. The farmhouse smells amazing. Like Pilar has outdone herself yet again. I can’t wait.

Dinner is fun and delicious. Grayson introduces me to his sister, Lily (the owner of the female voice I heard earlier). We spend the time at the table trading stories and laughing and when the food is gone and dusk begins to settle, we travel down to the lake for fireworks. It was an amazing show. Bright beautiful bursts of color splashing across the sky, reflecting in the dark water below. Harper’s had a blast running around with Gunner.

Caroline, if possible, is even more taken with my daughter now than she was a few weeks ago. They reminisced about the fashion show they held for my crew at the cottage and insisted on putting on a short impromptu one on the dock before the sun completely set. Harper felt the need to show off her new dress and boots. She’s looking very patriotic in a light blue chambray dress with red embroidered flowers; white ribbons tie at the shoulders and the waist. Her hair is in twin French braids tied back with matching ribbons. And she has her new red galoshes on. Lily, Violet and I joined in, as well as Mase.

All in all, it’s been a spectacular evening that’s winding to a close. My stomach hurts from all the laughing. As serious as Gib and Oliver are, they both share a talent for sarcasm. Lending them the title as the unexpected comedic relief in the group, although neither could be accused of stealing the conversation spotlight. That award would most definitely be Lily’s. She’s mischievous; I like her. Poor Mase seems to be the butt of the majority of the jokes but handles it well. Vi is reserved like her brother and father but tempers their sarcasm with sweetness. A trait she definitely gets from her mother. But Grayson; he’s the best of them all. Strong, smart, funny, sweet and sexy AF (as Ruby says).

I find myself wanting to stay. Enjoy more time with this amazing family. Sneak a moment alone with Gray, to have the conversation I so desperately need to have with him. But Harper is tired and pretty soon those wild silly antics will turn to yawny whines before she crashes. My back is already hurting just thinking about carrying her to the car and to bed when we get home. She’s growing like a weed and getting heavier every day.

“Why don’t y’all stay the night?” Caroline suggests. “We have more than enough room, and I’m sure we could find something for you to sleep in.”

“I’m sure I could find something for you to sleep in,” Grayson mutters under his breath. Not quietly enough for his mom to miss the comment judging by the raised brow she’s aiming at him.

I’m tired, Harp’s tired. It’s only a twenty-minute drive, but I don’t want to risk an accident with everyone else that will be on the road tonight. I know the safe bet is to sleep here, but I want confirmation that it’s okay. I turn to ask Grayson, “Are you sure? I can drive.”

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