Page 70 of Wicked Love

“You know what? I think I would like some of that,” I say, grabbing his plate.

He looks surprised. “Oh, here you go.” He moves things out of the way so I can get to it easier.

I take a cautious bite of olive and hum. “Why does that taste so good?” My next tentative bite is the avocado and once I start, I eat it all. “Delicious,” I say in shock. “This is the best salad I’ve ever had.”

It must be a fluke because I hate olives and avocado, but I’ll take it…I’m not queasy at all.

Bowie gives me an amused smile. “I’m glad you enjoyed it. We should’ve traded sooner.”

Conversation continues to flow and I try not to pinch myself that I’m at dinner with Becca and Bowie…because if I think about it too long, I could get hopeful. I could start imagining things…how it could be.

As we get ready to leave, Bowie says, “Hopefully I don’t get home to a color-coded underwear drawer.”

I laugh. “Well, you guys are always welcome to crash at my place.” My face flames, and I try to reel it back. “Or, you know, create boundaries.”

That earns another laugh. My heart is full from the smiles and laughs I’ve gotten from Bowie tonight.

“Right. Boundaries. Your place definitely sounds more fun.”

It’s a good thing we go outside in the dark then, so my swoony eyes and red cheeks don’t show.

Oh my God,I’m having his baby.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

MY MADNESS

BOWIE

I lean against the counter at Briar Hill, taking a drink from my water bottle and trying not to stare.

Poppy is across the room, her silky waves falling forward as she bends over her clipboard, and her yoga pants hug every curve in a way that infuriates me. Wisps of blonde hair get in her eyes and she blows them away, looking at ease in her element. Something tells me if she knew Iwas here, she wouldn’t look so comfortable right now and that doesn’t sit well with me.

Dinner the other night was…surprising. I hadn’t expected to enjoy myself so much, but Poppy helped me make light of everything I’m dealing with at home. It helped to talk about my mom, and the way she teased me without hesitation—it was easy, normal…it was nice.

“Poppy!” Becca says, waving happily.

Poppy looks up and walks over. “Afternoon, you two. How was school today, Becca?”

“Delightful,” Becca says, grinning.

I think she’s pulled that word out every day since she first met Poppy.

Poppy gives her a huge grin and they do their cute handshake. “Excellent. I’m very happy to hear that. You ready to do something fun?”

“Ready!” Becca cheers.

“Okay, why don’t you head to the gym and I’ll be right there.”

She looks at me now and her smile falters. Is it my imagination? Maybe she’s worried that after our dinner the other night, I might get clingy or some shit like that…maybe she didn’t have as much fun as I did and thinks she needs to let me down easy. I mean, does she realize it wasn’t even a date? Right? Right.

“Bowie,” she says simply.

“Poppy,” I respond. When she doesn’t say anything, I feel the need to fill the space, which is so unlike me, I don’t even recognize myself. “You okay?”

“Of course,” she says a little too brightly. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

For some reason I don’t buy it, but she turns and walks down the hallway before I can press further. She’s moving toofast, her shoulders hunched as if she’s trying to shrink into herself. Something is off. Without thinking, I follow her.

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