Page 70 of Never Have I Ever

My gaze slides to Poppy’s. I can read her smile like a book, her eyes like they’re a reflection of my own. But this is long term plans, something that happens a few weeks to a month from now if we nail sessions, so I don’t want her to feel pressured. “Let us get back to you.”

Nikki stands, dusting off the back of her skirt. “Sounds good.” Walking around me, she says, “I need to get going, but I’m glad Deer Lake worked out. Can’t wait to get back into the studio with you.”

“Bored at home?” I joke.

“Never, but I miss my big brother. So I’ll take the time I’m given.” Standing next to me, she faces Poppy. “It was really nice to meet you. We didn’t get to talk about you being a chef, but I’d love to hear more about that soon.”

“Of course. Nice to meet you, too.”

“I’ll be right back.” I follow my sister into the house.

The door barely closes behind me when she says, “I love her. She’s the one.” My feet stop even though she’s still walking to the door. When she finally realizes I’m not behind her, she turns back. “What?”

“What do you mean, what? You’ve never said that about anyone I’ve dated before, much less about someone you met thirty minutes ago tops.”

Her eyes trail out to Poppy by the pool, and a shrug pops her shoulders before she adds, “I like her, and I have a good sense about these things. Remember Jessica?”

“Elrod? Yes, you never let me forget.” I start for the door, ready to give my sister the boot.

Patting me on the arm, she laughs. “For good reason, brother.”

“I’m allowed to make mistakes at nineteen.”

“Absolutely. I made enough for both of us when it comes to dating. But now I want to see you happy.” She grins up at me like a Cheshire cat. “And Poppy makes you happy.”

I don’t try to hide it, grinning right back. I’m fucking ecstatic on the inside, but I’m good at holding my cards close to my chest about the current situation. That doesn’t mean I don’t feel bad for keeping secrets from my sister. “She does.”

“Come to dinner this weekend. Mom and Dad will be there. I think she’ll enjoy meeting the family.”

“I’ll talk to her.” I pass her by to open the door and shoot her a cheesy grin. “Thanks for stopping by.”

“Message received. Have fun.” She walks outside, then stops and turns back. “I’m glad you’re back. Not to jinx anything, but it’s good to see you again.”

“You just saw me days ago.”

“No, you, the old you. The guy who’s been missing for a while. It’s good to see you smile.” Walking away, she waves over her head. “See ya.”

“Drive safe.” I close the door and lock it. Turning back to the living room, I spy Poppy. She’s still outside but now standing, taking in the view. Her arms are crossed over her stomach, her gaze directed into the distance.

When I slide open the door to the backyard, I say, “Guess you met my sister.”

She looks over her shoulder and laughs. “Not the way I’d like. You know, with clothes on.”

“It could have been worse. It could have been my parents.”

“True.” Her arms fall to her sides, and she turns toward me as I approach. “Be honest. Was she just being nice?”

“She is nice, but she genuinely liked you. Looked like you got along out here talking.” I’ve wanted to touch her all morning, but since it was a rough start, I kept it light. Now, since we’re alone, I pull her into my arms, enveloping her against me. I kiss her head. When her arms come around me, I feel us falling into each other. As much as it’s been fast to any onlookers, the pace felt right for us.

For me, we’ve picked up where we left off. The reasons I fell in love with her the first time are evident—her laughter and smile, the way she treats me like I’m deserving, our kisses and the connection, the sex and the smart comebacks, her gorgeous lips, and the eyes that mesmerize me—this time around. She’s the complete package as if she was intended for me.

When she kisses my chest and looks up, resting her chin on me, she says, “I was naked when I met Nikki Faris. I will never live this down.”

“At least you have a good story to tell. Isn’t that what life’s about?”

She wriggles free, laughing, and heads toward the house. “I guess it is now.” Another giggle bubbles up. With the door in her hand, she stops to look back. “Coming?”

I chuckle, though I shouldn’t because of the fear in my gut. This feels too good, so right. I’m happy. Don’t I deserve that after all these years?

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