Jennifer McKenzie - Not Another Wedding

“If you need privacy,” Cami continued, a smirk spreading across her face, “I can get Mom and Dad to clear out for the afternoon. You can use your old bedroom.”

Poppy shot her a dirty look. “Why are you here anyway? Don’t you have your own house to eat breakfast in?”

“I do, but I’m too tired to cook, and Mom promised Holly pancakes. So? Should I tell them to make themselves scarce?”

“Of course not.” Poppy brushed at the flirty skirt of her dress. It was immaculate, but she needed to do something with her hands before she strangled her sister.

“Why not? He’s hot. You’re single.”

“We don’t even live in the same country,” she told her sister.

“Who said anything about that? I was just talking about the fling you could have, allowing me to live vicariously through you.”

Poppy stared pointedly at Cami’s stomach. “I don’t think you need to live vicariously through any fling I might have.”

“Who’s having a fling?” Rose stepped into the kitchen, carrying a bouquet of fresh-cut peonies. She pulled a vase down from the cupboard and filled it with water before arranging the flowers inside.

“There’s no fling,” Poppy said.

“Poppy and Beck,” Cami answered. “Don’t you think they make a cute couple?”

“Adorable.” Rose glanced up from the flowers with an interested expression. “Does this mean you’re going to sleep with him?”

“No,” Poppy said, trying not to shout. But really, talking to the two of them was like conversing with a brick wall. “It’s just brunch and I’m not talking about this with you.” Having the sex talk with her mother as a kid had been scarring enough. Wasn’t it sufficient that she knew the basics of how to protect herself and her body? Did she have to share the details of who, when and where too? Even though there would be none of that with Beck.

“Well, if it’s just brunch, there’s no need for you to get so upset,” Rose said, her voice mild as she carried the flowers over to the table, placing them in the center.

“Classic overcompensation,” Cami agreed.

“What part of not wanting to talk about this did you two miss?” Poppy checked the front window, suddenly desperate for Beck to show up. She’d take his sexual baiting over this any day.

“I think you should.” Rose stepped back from the table, admiring her display. “He’s very attractive.”

Poppy shut her eyes and counted to five. She wished Wynn were here already. He had a knack for charming her mother and sister on to other topics. Of course, knowing Wynn, he’d be as interested as them in her sex life. Maybe if she were lucky a giant hole would swallow her up. But when she reached the end of her countdown, her mother and sister both still watched her.

“You know, dear...” her mother started.

Poppy turned a beseeching look toward her sister. “Please, make her stop. You owe me. I found you soft-soled shoes.”

Cami grinned. “Okay, Mom. Stop torturing your younger daughter.”

“I’m not torturing her. I have plenty of knowledge and experience—”

“Ack!” Cami jerked back, causing the chair to squeak across the kitchen tiles.

Poppy clapped her hands over her ears, causing her earrings to slap against her neck. “Stop, I’m begging you!”

“—seeing as I’ve been happily married for thirty some odd years.”

“No more. I give. Uncle. Whatever you want. I’ll do it.”

“You’re going to make my water break all over your nice clean floor.”

“Girls, I don’t know why you’re making such a fuss. Sex is—”

Poppy was so relieved when she heard a car pulling up outside, she practically ran for the door. Okay, no practically about it. She went into an all-out sprint.

“Where are you—” Rose started to ask as Poppy exited the kitchen.

“He’s here.” The chair squeaked again as Cami pushed herself up. “Go, Mom, go.”

They reached the entryway before Beck had even gotten out of his car. They watched silently as he emerged, all dove gray suit and dark hair. Cami sighed first, followed by Rose. Poppy stared at both of them. “You’re a pair of happily married women.”

“That doesn’t mean we’re dead.”

“We should invite him in for coffee. It would only be polite.”

“No.” Poppy clutched her purse to still the sudden shaking of her hands. He looked good. Too good. She reminded herself it didn’t matter. He was an ex. One she had long since gotten over, and any relationship they had now was a means to an end. As soon as she had her conversation with Jamie and was satisfied he wasn’t making a mistake, this back-and-forth with Beck would end. “His family is probably waiting for us.”

When he knocked, she shooed the other two back before they bowled him over with their enthusiasm, then steeled herself to the inevitable small talk and opened the door.

He grinned down at her. “Good morning, Red.”

“Stop calling me that.” She scowled at him from the doorway and did her best to ignore her mother and sister snickering behind her. When the hyenas showed no sign of letting up, she shot a glare in their direction. “That nickname includes you two, as well, seeing as we all have the same hair.”

They stopped laughing and regarded him with considerably cooler gazes. Poppy scored herself a mental point. See how wonderful they thought he was now.

But of course, he apologized and flattered them, accepted the cup of coffee her mother forced on him, and by the time they left, her mother and sister were practically begging to be his slaves.

“Smooth,” Poppy told him as they pulled away from the house.

He lifted a questioning eyebrow at her.

“Winning over my family. I don’t know why you bothered. This is only for today.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “I’m only going with you so I can talk to Jamie.”

“So it’s like that, Red?”

Obviously he was trying to get a rise out of her. She should smile politely or ignore him entirely, but she couldn’t help her reaction. “For the millionth time, my hair is auburn.”

“Doesn’t have the same ring.” He snaked a glance her way. One that had a shiver trailing its way up her spine. “‘You look gorgeous enough to eat, Auburn.’ Doesn’t work.”

She ignored the banter—she was so above the banter—and curled her fingers around her purse. She didn’t care if he thought she was gorgeous. “Then why don’t you try using my name?” Her smile could have cut glass, which she knew because she caught a glimpse of herself in the side mirror.

“Not as much fun.”

She tossed her hair. “You would say that.”

“But I’m willing to cut a deal.” His fingers played over the steering wheel. Poppy found herself watching them as they stroked the soft leather.

“What?” She yanked her eyes away. “You’ll stop calling me that if I sleep with you?” The minute the words escaped her mouth, she wanted to stuff them back in. She blamed her mother and sister entirely. If they hadn’t been harassing her all morning, she would be on her A-game and not thinking about sex with Beck.

“I’m definitely open to the offer.”

“It’s not an offer.” Where was a corner to curl up into a ball and hide in when you needed it?

“It sounded like one.”

She decided to change the subject. “How are you going to get me some time with Jamie?”

“I preferred the other line of discussion.”

“I didn’t.” She forced herself to watch him and not notice the curve of his eyelashes. “Or would you prefer to handle your mother and Grace on your own?”

She saw the small shudder. “Definitely not.”

“Right. So we have an agreement. You help me and I’ll help you.”