“Historically, you two don’t talk. Unless you’re actively at each other’s throats. So, it’s a little weird.”
I shrug, fighting a smile as I recall the way my lips were against her throat yesterday. “We’re trying something new.”
Beckett can see right through me; it’s written all over his face. Reaching for the mushrooms I’ve just deposited on the counter, he pops a generous handful in his mouth. “I heard you’re going to be on the show with her,” he mumbles around the bite. “How’d that happen?”
“Just a weird turn of events.” I try to keep my tone neutral. “The show asked for me.”
“They asked for you personally? Is this because of Mom and Dad?” His face drops, and I shake my head admittedly to settle his nerves.
“No way, that’s not what this is about. They saw me and Poppy… interacting. Said it would make for good TV. And I haven’t had our last name on the air.”
“What you’re saying is that they witnessed the angry foreplay you two have going on and thought it played out like a reality show? Are they hoping you’ll give in and throw her down on the prep table while filming?”
I snort. “Something like that.”
“I wouldn’t put it past you. You’re pretty obvious, man.”
Moving to the range to start my breakfast, I laugh at his comment. Based on how surprised Poppy looks each time I give her a glimpse of my pining, I’d say I haven’t been obvious at all.
“Well, aside from whatever is going on there, congrats on the rescue team. I think it’s great you’re starting this. Mom would be proud of you.”
“Thanks, Beck.” I nod, swallowing down the lump in my throat. I think I’d rather go back to him grilling me about Poppy.
It’s a clear day with low winds. I would have liked a bit of a challenge, personally, but this is a solid environment for the team drills. Tripp agreed to be my distress call. And Beckett stuck around town after the weekend, volunteering to handle Tripp’s boat once he’s overboard.
I stand on the dock watching the two of them preparing to shove off. “When you get out there, shoot me your coordinatesand I’ll head your way. You don’t need to go out far. We’ll focus on the guys operating the helicopter at different heights and run through some different situations.”
“I’m glad you didn’t get this permit a few months later, I’d freeze my ass off being in the water that much,” Tripp jokes, undoing the knot on the starboard side. “But that all sounds good.”
“Thanks again, man,” I offer as they reverse from the dock. Remaining in place until they are out past the harbor barrier, I grin to myself. Drills are fun as hell, and I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that I get to do this once again.
The only thing that makes this morning better is the flash of rosy blonde hair that passes by the corner of my eye. She’s on her way out, probably to run the morning order to the café. I pick up my pace to meet her on the wharf. Pivoting up around the corner, I’m taking my first step onto the wood planks just as she reaches me.
I was so eager to catch her that I didn’t pay attention to her momentum, and Poppy nearly slams into me when I step in front of her path. Taking her elbows in my palms, I steady her and the boxes in hand.
“Good morning, Poppy Seed.” I grin at her.
“Where did you come from?” she wonders aloud.
“You sure know how to make a man feel like you’re happy to see him.”
“You sure know how to have the worst timing. I’m late.” Poppy blows out an exasperated breath. Now that she mentions it, her cheeks do look flushed, as if she’s been rushing around all morning.
“Let me walk you to your car then,” I suggest, taking the boxes from her.
“Don’t—” she starts to protest. But I recognize her baby blue Bronco in the first row and start towards it.
“Are you coming?”
The sound of quick, little footsteps catches me, and then she’s at my side. “What are you doing down here this morning?” she asks. Never the one to make small talk with me, I reason that she’s curious.
A smile catches the corner of my mouth.She’s thinking about me. “I was sending Tripp out to call a mayday.”
“You were… what?”
“He’s my soul in distress, we’re running drills today.” Reaching the Bronco, she opens the door for me to place the boxes on the floor of the passenger side. I do so carefully, closing the door and leaning back against it. “I thought it was a nice day for a swim.”
“Does Ivy know he’s willingly going overboard in the middle of the ocean?”