Page 76 of Lochlan

“I'm curious, why did you agree to this meeting?”

“I've decided; it was just happenstance that Pru called to say you wanted to speak with me. Although I don't know why you didn't contact me yourself.”

I twist my body around to face her more comfortably. “I had no intention of calling you and I didn't ask her to intercede for me. It's only fair to tell you face-to-face that I've decided to leave Crimson Beaches.”

The news doesn't appear to surprise Poppy; she places the small box she's been holding back on the table. “I see. Have you already promised to join another club?”

“No, I'm still in the process.”

“Then, before you make your final decision, I'd like you to hear my thoughts. Livi completed her challenge, and you didn't. That challenge was only our initiation and had nothing to do with choosing a partner. Unfortunately, no sister has ever failed the challenge, so I've never been placed in this position.”

“Is the initiation challenge really necessary?”

“Yes, among any congregation, some kind of initiation is required to enter a group, whether it's formal or as something as small as being a part of a book club. It's not fair to allow you entry into our inner circle without a commitment.”

“My commitment is the training and playing I do as part of Crimson Beaches.”

She sighs as if she's talking to a child. “For the record, I want you to remain in the club. You're one of our strongest players. But I can't just allow you entry without a challenge. Please don't be angry with Pru. She told me you completed the challenge and had the proof at our dinner but chose not to share it. Is this true?”

That's the last time I tell Pru anything important, but I have to admit she's just trying to help me. “Yes, it's true. I have a letter from Lochlan MacTavish.”

“She said it was a love letter.”

The mention of the letter in casual conversation makes it feel intrusive. “Yes, a love letter, but I won't share it.”

“Not even now, just between the two of us? I don't have to share it with our sisters. I can confirm I've seen it, but I must see it first.”

“Sorry, Poppy, but I refuse. That letter was intended for me only.”

“I see this note means a lot to you. So, I'm guessing this wasn't just a one-night stand. Maybe a budding relationship?”

“I won't talk about Lochlan or the letter. What's your proposal?”

She scoots closer and takes my hand. “I'm willing to compromise. I can announce another challenge for you to complete that's not so arduous. The reason that I'm willing to make an exception is that I want you to be my partner.”

The words that I wanted to hear all this time bounce around in my head while my heart accelerates. She moves closer, placing her hand on my hair.

“I was waiting for you to complete the initiation. You took so long to come to court to see me. I couldn't make that announcement until you completed the challenge. So, will you stay and be my partner?”

Poppy's green eyes search mine for an answer, her lips part, and for a few heartbeats it appears we're having a moment. She moves in, her breath ghosting my lips, and then realization stabs at my gut.

“What are you doing?”

A sly smile moves over her red lips. “Why, Kenzie, I'm trying to seal the deal. Don't tell me you haven't thought of it too.”

“I've only thought about being your partner on the court.”

Her hand flies to her lips, covering a giggle. “I want that too, but partners have to reach an almost symbiotic relationship, and that means on and off the court.” She tries to touch my hair again, but I move out of range.

“I'm not interested in a sexual relationship,” I say.

“And why not?”

“Because I like men.”

She chortles and claps her hand. “I like men too—love them, in fact—but I prefer women most of the time. Men are like pizza. I love, love, love pizza. Sometimes that's all I can think of is pizza, but when I've had my fill, I'm good for weeks or maybe even months without having that treat again. I equate a cock with pizza.”

“So that means you're...”

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