Page 63 of Spotlight on Poppy

He sighed contentedly. "I think that sounds perfect."

They drifted off to sleep on an uncomfortable floor perfectly happy because they were in each other's arms. Josh almost had to pinch himself. He had dreamt of being with her for so long, but he could never have imagined just how incredible it would be.

They all woke up bright and early the next morning to start getting the boxes loaded up. Hannah was still packing and cleaning the last few things while Poppy volunteered to walk a few blocks to the local donut shop to pick up breakfast for everyone. Graham and Josh were busy taking boxes downstairs.

"At least we don't have to take all the furniture," Josh said as he grabbed another box.

"Yeah, subletting a furnished apartment just made sense, so I just had to get my stuff out of here finally. I haven’t lived here for over a year, its finally time," said Hannah.

"Aye, let's be done with this god forsaken city once and for all," said Graham as he came in the door wiping his brow.

"Not a fan of the city?" Josh asked him.

"Not in the least,” he answered.

They both grabbed another box and headed downstairs. Once outside, they saw Poppy at the door carrying a big box of donuts and a cup carrier with four large coffees.

"Meet ya upstairs, boys," Poppy said, as she headed in and Josh moved his head to grab a kiss from her as they passed in the doorway. He was feeling pretty great after last night, he turned to watch her head up the stairs and thank his lucky stars that girl was his.

He loaded the box into the back of the truck and turned back in to get another box. Pulling his phone from his pocket, he checked the time. He was hoping they could all be on the road by nine to get back upstate that, way he could help unload before he had to go home and shower and get ready for his shift.

As he turned the corner on the stairs, he was pulled up short. He felt his heart drop completely out of his chest, his head filled with an angry buzzing, his phone slipped out of his hand clamoring to the floor. In front of him was Damien St. Cloud, his arms wrapped tightly around Poppy, kissing her.

She wriggled out of his embrace "Get off me!" she shouted. Then she pulled back and slapped him. Not only were his dirty hands all over Poppy, but apparently without her consent. The rage bubbling inside of him hit a boiling point. Before he knew what had happened, he had Damien pinned against the wall his hands fisted in his shirt. He could vaguely hear Poppy telling him to stop, but the buzzing in his head was too loud.

"What are you going to do? Hit me again? I'll be ready for it this time." He attempted to push Josh off him, but he didn't budge.

Poppy was pulling on his arm "Come on Josh, it's okay. He’s not worth it. Please don't do this."

Her pleas finally got to him, and he loosened his grip on Damien. He turned to look at Poppy. Then he felt it. A searing pain as Damien’s fist made contact with his jaw. His body was flung back from the force of the blow and pushed Poppy into the railing. He turned around and quickly swung on him making contact with Damien’s face.

Graham descended the stairs from the upstairs apartment in a few giant steps and separated the two men both trying to swing at each other. Josh was filled with such rage. He never let himself lose control like this, but he was seeing red.

"What the fuck is going on?" Graham bellowed, holding both men apart.

"This fucker kissed Poppy without her consent." Josh bellowed as he attempted to gain control over his emotions.

Graham turned to Damien with a terrifying glare and a low growl. Josh looked to find Poppy cowering on the floor behind him, Hannah helping her up.

"This is over," Hannah said. "You better get back in that apartment and do not come out until we are finished packing up." Hannah had a way of putting grown men in their place. Damien quietly skulked back into his apartment while Hannah helped Poppy up the stairs.

Josh could still feel his pulse pounding in his head, all the adrenaline pumping through his veins.

"Are ye alright?" Graham asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine," he said, not being entirely honest.

"Why don't you head upstairs and talk to yer lass," Graham said, giving him a pat on the chest.

"No, I need to take a walk and clear my head."

Graham gave him an understanding nod.

Josh picked up his phone and headed outside. He needed some fresh air and to walk it off until his head cleared.

CHAPTER28

Poppy

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