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“But I’m wearing flowers in my hair!”
“And I love that. I adore everything that makes you who you are.”
She melts into me, laying her cheek to my chest. “I’m sorry, momentary freak-out.”
“Is it over?”
“Give it a second.”
I kiss across her head, massaging her shoulders until the tension eases.
“Do you listen to those business shows all day?” She raises her face, her nose scrunched. “That would put me to sleep. Boring.”
“Occupational requirement.”
“Ugh.”
“Now you know why I wasn’t letting you go. My life will never be boring again.”
“You’re being sweet.”
“Keep it down, someone may hear you.”
She finally gives me a smile, and I bend to kiss her when a loud boom stops me.
“The rumors are true.” Jackson stands in my doorway with Tessa behind him.
“Don’t you have a legal department to run?”
“They seem to be okay today.” He strides inside, his grin growing and eyes shining with mischief. “Jackson Hart. I assume you’re Poppy? Been looking forward to meeting you.”
She slips out of my hold, hugging him lightly. “I’ve been looking forward to meeting you as well, Jackson.”
Poppy gives the same warm greeting to Tessa. “Thank you for everything you’ve done, especially the flowers. Evin’s sudden change in schedule can’t be easy for your transition.”
“Are you kidding? I get triple the work done when he’s away.”
“And that is why I’m lucky to have you.” I tip my head in appreciation. “Especially since we’ll be talking about some more trips.”
“Maybe you’ll actually take time off. You’re not fooling anyone, we all know you’re working.”
“We’re talking about that, too,” Jackson breaks in.
“Don’t start with me.”
“He may be a workaholic, but I’m glad he has something to do. Watching me dance, teach, and train gets boring.”
His cocky smile returns. “From what I saw, watching you dance is far from boring.”
“He saw the video, baby,” I remind her.
“Of course he did.”
“And he’s correct, it’s far from boring.”
She blushes, giving me a grateful look, then turns to them. “Can you both join us for lunch?”
“I’m in,” Tessa chirps.
“Wouldn’t miss it,” Jackson agrees.
“How about if I show Poppy around?” Tessa offers.
“I’d love that if it’s not too distracting.”
“Honey, word got out you were here and this bank is like Melrose Place, they are nosy. Evin’s team is chomping at the bit.”
“I can relate to that. My co-workers are nosy. The day I took Evin backstage and introduced him, they pounced. Let’s go feed the curiosity.”
“The highlight of my day.”
I tag her around the waist and pull her to me, kissing her quickly. “Don’t take long.”
She smiles, pressing her hand across my heart.
When they’re gone, Jackson roars in laughter. “Man, you got it bad.”
“Not denying it.”
“Must say, you’ve been holding out.”
“Then you’ll understand why I married her. Poppy Graham is my wife.”
His body rocks back. “No fucking shit?”
“You blame me? Think I’d take one look at her and let that go?”
“Not on my life.”
“We planned on telling you and Tessa at lunch. We’re meeting Mom afterward to put an announcement in the paper, so word will get out. Wednesday night, there’s a dinner party at Miller and Ashlyn’s. You’re invited.”
“I’ll be there.” He stares at me blankly, then shakes his head in disbelief. “Fuck, man, you’re married?”
I flash my hand, where the ring Poppy gave me is now on the appropriate finger. “We eloped.”
He surprises me by getting in my space and pulling me into a man hug, pounding my back. “Happy for you, Evin. Wish like hell I could have seen you say goodbye to bachelorhood.”
“When you see the pictures, you’ll understand it wasn’t hard to give it up.”
“Annie handle the elopement okay?”
“She took it well.”
“And Poppy’s family?”
“Her birth family is shit. The only people she claims as family are a small group of people in Vegas. Her two best friends stood with us. Dante gave her away and acted as my best man.”
“I need to get my ass to Vegas.”
“If you go, hope luck is on your side.”
His expression grows serious, and I know what’s coming. It’s the same thought on everyone’s minds once the excitement and shock wear off.
“I’m not moving, at least not permanently,” I answer his unspoken question.
“How’s it going to work?”
“Poppy wants to let her contract go next summer. I’m not totally on board with the decision because dancing is her life. If she leaves Cirque and Vegas behind, I’ll make it so she has everything she wants here in Charleston. If she wants to give it more time, I’ll support that, too. For the immediate future, I’m looking into subleasing a place. Her roommate is cool, but we need our privacy.”
“That’s understandable. Should I be expecting a request for a virtual office set up?”
“Yeah. When the time comes, I’ll need to make the arrangements. Right now, I’ve got a deal with the hotel. It’s been working so far. The team here has access to me and now Tessa. My clients have felt no difference.”
