Page 83 of Broken Rivalry

I turn to Eva and Nessa, my voice playful. “Mind if I steal her for the night?”

Nessa gives Poppy a knowing look. “Seeing how she looks at you? It’s not only recommended, it’s essential.”

I draw her into a dance, holding her tight. I know I’m not in rhythm. We are slow dancing to something that is not fitting, but I don’t care; I want to keep her in my arms. I can feel the heat of her body, the rhythm of her heartbeat. Every touch, every glance sparks with intensity.

She wraps her arms around my neck. “It’s not going to work like that, you know.”

My breath catches, and for a split second, everything seems to freeze. I pull her close, our foreheads touching. “Poppy, I’m not letting you slip away.”

She bites her lip, hesitating. “I hope so. Especially since James’s birthday is next weekend. Mom’s planning a party at the house… the one you bought for us.” Her eyes search mine with gratitude and a shred of reproach.

I want to look sheepish, but I’m not, not even a little. I shrug. “Real estate is a good investment; everyone knows that.”

“Yes, when it’s bought in your name!”

You and I will share a name in the future; trust me on that, beautiful. I shrug again.

“Thank you.”

“You don’t have to thank me.” I kiss her before she can say anything else. “What were you saying for James’s birthday? Do you need me to pull some magic?”

Her smile is sweet and so loving that my heart aches. “No, I want you to come with me. You are not my dirty little secret, Ethan Hawthorne. You are my boyfriend.”

A lump forms in my throat, and I blink rapidly, fighting the unexpected surge of emotion. I lean down, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead, letting the simple gesture convey what words can’t. “It would be my absolute honor, Poppy Donovan.”

“Do we have to stay here?” she asks, her eyes hinting at other intentions. She bites her lip, her voice dropping to a sultry whisper. “How about we head to your place? I remember a certain… skill you have that I’d like to revisit.”

Heat surges through me, my pulse racing, making it hard to keep my voice steady. “You don’t have to ask twice.” I get us out of the house at full speed, trailing a giggling Poppy behind me.

My laughter intertwines with hers, my chest heaving, emotions swirling—from joy to relief to anticipation.

As we leave, the night frigid against our heated skin, I can’t help but think that with Poppy by my side, every moment feels like a victory. The future, with all its uncertainties, seems brighter, filled with endless possibilities.

Chapter 27

Poppy

Itake a deep breath, trying to calm the anxiety bubbling up as I stare at my reflection in the living room mirror. James’s birthday isn’t just another party—It’s the first event worth celebrating since we got out of our extreme poverty. I can’t help but wonder if inviting Ethan was too impulsive. Maybe a quieter introduction, like a simple dinner, would’ve been better.

My fingers fidget with the hem of my shirt, second-guessing my choice of outfit for the third time. I want to look effortlessly put together, but every option feels like a potential misstep.

Eva strides into the living room, her eyebrow arching. “Everything alright?”

I attempt a nod, falter, and then shake my head, ending with a shrug. My emotions are a tangled mess.

She laughs quietly, her eyes warm. “Words might help, you know. What’s on your mind?”

I lower my voice, almost to a whisper. “Do you think I’m making a mistake? Maybe I should’ve given Mom a heads-up about Ethan.”

Eva leans against the counter, her thoughtful gaze fixed on me. “Maybe,” she concedes, “but seeing you two together will make all the difference. The way you light up around him, the way he looks at you… it’s undeniable. His last name, his background, none of that matters when you see the love between you two.”

I smile weakly, taking comfort in her words. “Thanks, Eva. I… I want everything to go smoothly.”

She steps closer, giving me a reassuring hug. “It will. Just be yourself and let Ethan be himself. The rest will fall into place. Your mother loves you, and all she wants is for you to be happy, and Ethan fits the bill.”

A soft chime from my phone interrupts our conversation. It’s a text from Ethan: Downstairs. Ready when you are.

I grab my purse, taking one last look in the mirror. “Here goes nothing.”

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