Page 204 of Five Summers

The race ends and the three guys slump back into the lounge, disappointed. Alex leaps up, cheering triumphantly for beating all three of them again.

I have to admit, watching my five-year-old son consistently kick these guys asses makes me incredibly proud.

“Poppy and I are going out for dinner at seven, so make sure you're all there by eight-thirty for the opening,” I tell them.

“Yeah, we get it. And before you tell me again, I’ve already got Alex’s black suit,” Theo says.

“Listen Xander. I know we fuc-,” Ace pauses and looks over at Alex sitting in between Nate and Theo before he continues. “We mess up sometimes, but you don’t have to worry about this. I promise you we’ve got this.”

“Dude, if you’re this nervous about the opening, imagine how freaked out you’ll be when you propose one day,” Nate teases.

“I really want things to go well. It’s important to Poppy,” I explain.

“It will,” Ace says. “It's kinda annoying how you don't trust us with this shit.”

With all eyes focused on me, I quickly meet their gaze. I nod, knowing they’re right. Settling onto the chair to the side, I become a spectator as the four of them enthusiastically engage in another round of Mario Kart.

Ever since Poppy started her course, these three guys have been instrumental in helping me with my plans. Their assistance has been crucial in locating the perfect spot for Poppy's non-profit organization. The commitment shown by each of them in this project is truly impressive. They went all out to lend a hand, and each of them chipped in a million towards it. It shows how much Poppy and her cause means to them.

Ace took it a step further by contacting Kit and Neil to see if they wanted to help oversee the project. They both camewillingly, switching to our record label in an instant when they saw how easily someone could be promoted without a particular skill set. I don’t think either of them were enthusiastic about working with a certain groupie who had a habit of being over-clingy. And I can’t really blame them, considering the circumstances.

After Alex crushes the guys for the third time today, I say my goodbyes.

While Poppy’s in her online lecture, I sneak off to our room and lay the fancy dress Kit sent this morning onto the bed. Poppy's unaware, and that's the plan. I want everything to be a surprise for her. I was stressing about Alex letting it slip, but so far, he hasn't. Grabbing my phone, I shoot Poppy a text.

Xander: When you finish, I’ve got something to show you.

I notice the bubbles appearing, and I patiently wait for the message to arrive.

Princess: You already showed me it this morning.

With a smile, I recall all the dirty moments we shared in the shower this morning. I swiftly type out another quick message.

Xander: I’m down to do those steamy shower moments again if you want, but it’s something different.

Princess: What is it?

Xander: Can't tell you, it's a secret.

Princess: Okay. I'll be there in ten.

I set my phone aside and make my way to the bathroom for a quick shower. After freshening up, I smoothly slip into my expensive suit. As I finish dressing, Poppy enters the room. She immediately spots the stunning blue backless dress lying on the bed, then glances in my direction. I can’t help but notice the way she checks me out.

“What’s happening?” she asks, moving over to inspect the dress.

“We’ve got a date,” I tell her, taking her shoulders and turning her around. “Go get in the shower.” I give her ass a playful slap. “And don’t bother asking where, because I’m not telling you.”

While she's in the shower, I stand at the door, checking her out through the glass panel watching her lather soap onto her skin. It’s fucking hot, watching her like this. Despite the overwhelming desire to join her, I fight against every fiber of my being to stay where I am.

After forty minutes, Poppy emerges, her dress hugging her figure and her long blonde hair falls in elegant curls down her back. She’s absolutely stunning. Despite her usual preference for casual attire like jeans or a skirt, tonight is a special occasion, and she's dressed accordingly. This eventholds great importance, especially since our band has utilized its connections to invite potential sponsors and media outlets to cover the opening.

When we walk out the door, there’s a limo waiting for us. It'll take us to the fancy restaurant I've reserved tonight. I made sure to have burgers on the menu because they’re Poppy’s favorite. I've got everything sorted for a special evening for my princess.

Seated in the quiet restaurant, Poppy takes in the hushed atmosphere and scans the vacant tables. “What are we doing here?” she asks.

"We're gonna have burgers," I say.

She smiles. “Yeah, I don’t think they serve burgers here.”

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