We’ve also had an amazing few days in the bedroom. I finally got to use the spray cream, and licked it off every place I could think, driving her crazy. We’ve made love so many times we’re both exhausted, and my hip twinges occasionally from all the exercise. If she’s not pregnant, it’s not for the want of trying. But it’s coming to the end of the week now. Part of me wants to stay here forever, in that lighthouse with her. But I long for the bay, and I also know it’s time for us to decide where we go from here.
“Penny for them,” Ashton says. “As if I have to ask.”
I shift my gaze to him and give him a wry look. “Sorry.”
“No worries. Your view is much more attractive than mine.” He smiles. “You going to carry on seeing her when you get back to the bay?”
I hesitate, glancing back at her. “Not sure yet. Hopefully.”
“She told Sally she’s recovering from a bad relationship.”
“Yeah.”
“Afraid of getting hurt again?” Ashton suggests.
“Definitely.”
“Am I making you feel awkward?”
I laugh and kick the bottom of the fence. “Nah.”
“Man of few words,” Ashton says, and grins.
I turn and lean back on the fence, sliding my hands into the pockets of my jeans. Although Poppy and I don’t talk all the time, I find it easy to confide my thoughts to her. I’ve opened up to her more in one week than I ever did with Mel. And I’ve been surprised how that’s made me feel. Sometimes it’s nice to share your troubles with someone.
“We’ve both had tricky relationships,” I admit. The words don’t come easy, as if my mouth is rusty. “And she’s not keen on settling down with anyone. But I’m hoping I can change her mind.”
“Well, she’s crazy about you,” Ashton comments. “That’s obvious.”
My gaze lingers on her again. Is he right? When I asked her, I drive you crazy? She replied, You know you do. I know I’ve changed her. She was so convinced a woman couldn’t come during sex, and we’ve proven how wrong that theory was over and over again. Now she’s more confident in bed, expecting to have the same kind of pleasure as the guy, and knowing how to take it. I’m glad I’ve done that for her. But is it enough to convince her I’m right for her?
And suddenly, I know what I want to say.
“Take five?” I suggest to Ashton. He nods, turning back to his plan for the car park, and I wander across the drive to the three of them sitting in the chairs. “Got a minute?” I ask Poppy.
Her eyebrows rise, and then she nods and gets up from the chair. I lead her away from the others, around the corner of the office block, so we have a little privacy, and we walk slowly along the path, looking out across the fields.
Poppy doesn’t ask me what’s up or demand to know why I’ve whisked her away; she lifts her face to the sun and inhales the fresh spring air, just enjoying being there. I’m so in love with this girl.
“So we’re off tomorrow,” I say.
She opens her eyes and looks up at me. “Yes. I’m both disappointed and looking forward to going home.”
“Me too. I hope you’ve had a good time here.”
She smiles. “Of course. It’s been amazing.”
I can’t help it—I pull her toward me, cup her face, and lower my lips to hers. She tastes sweet, of summer, which is just around the corner, and her hair is soft, curling around my fingers. I tilt my head to the side, slanting my lips across hers, and she opens her mouth eagerly, her tongue sliding against mine. Ohhh… she fires me up in just a few seconds, and I’m tempted to grab her hand, drag her to the car, drive her back to the lighthouse, and make love to her again, even though we only did it a few hours ago.
But I move back and lower my hands, determined to see this through. “I want to talk to you about what happens when we get back,” I say.
She sucks her bottom lip, and immediately her eyes become wary.
“Don’t look like that,” I tell her softly.
“I know what you’re going to say,” she whispers. “I did tell you I wasn’t interested in a relationship.”