Page 12 of Wicked Love

What is it about this man that makes me even more awkward than I already am?

“Hmm,” he says.

“Hmm,” I repeat.

He turns and walks away and I can't help but be hurt that the guy doesn't seem to like me very much. It’s like I actuallybotherhim. I’m not sure why…I’m a nice person.

Elle, Rhodes, and the little boy I noticed earlier walk up and then Henley and Tru. Both girls give me big hugs.

“It's so good to see you, Poppy. I'm so glad you made it,” Elle says.

“Thank you. Me too,” I say.

“I’m not sure if you’ve met Levi yet,” Elle says.

“No, I haven’t.” I smile at Levi and he gives me a wide smile. The little boy is too cute for words.

“Levi, this is Poppy.”

“Hi, Poppy!” he says.

“You did such a good job in the wedding,” I tell him.

“I pulled that heavy wagon,” he says proudly.

“You were amazing.”

I look around to see if Bowie's still close by. I hope I didn’t run him off. Maybe after all that talk about flirting, he thought I was hunting him down.

I don't spot him right away, but then I see him talking to Sadie and Weston and Sadie's laughing. Bowie doesn’t look as happy and walks away. Wow, he’s intense.

I'm introduced to Henley and then Penn when he walks up. Penn is all charm.

“You look lovely tonight,” he says after the introductions are made.

“Thank you,” I manage to get out.

These football players are even better looking in person than on TV. I feel a little starstruck in their presence. They’re also all far more agreeable than Bowie Fox.

“Looks like we're sitting together,” Elle says. “Where's Bowie?”

“I saw him for a second, but he left. I don't think he liked that I’m sitting here very much.”

“Oh, you're here for Bowie?” Penn asks. “Damn.”

I laugh. “No, I'm not here for Bowie. I was just invited by Sadie.”

Penn nods, his grin deepening, and he and the guys exchange a look.

Rhodes chuckles. “We're really glad you're here, Poppy. Don't mind Bowie. Sometimes he's more bark than bite. But trust me, get him on the dance floor, and he won't be so grumpy.”

“Ah, so that’s the secret?” I ask, laughing.

We all sit down.

Sadie and Weston are at the next table with her parents and his parents. Little Caleb sits next to Weston.

“They are such a cute couple,” I say.

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