Poppy's Present (Poppy's Place) by Stephanie Beck Page A

goodness. Grandpa Thomas made hot dogs and the girls didn’t say boo at bedtime, except they wanted a sleepover at Grandma’s house.”
    “And you said no?” He raised an eyebrow. “Baby, you deserve a night off. Mom loves having sleepovers.”
    Poppy shrugged. “Well, all the grandpas were home tonight, so I think Grandma is going to be a bit busy. Besides, why have a night off? I would have been sitting out here alone—only earlier.”
    Michael rolled his his shoulders and let his head follow until he frowned at her. “I’m sorry. I knew school would be a commitment, but I didn’t realize it would be so consuming. I did fine getting my bachelor’s degree, but this is a different duck. I have an online study group tonight, but how about Saturday I take you and the girls to the zoo?”
    She rubbed her palm up his shoulder and rested it on his cheek. “Really? You have to study tonight?”
    He kissed her fingers, the lack of answer an answer in itself.
    She pushed up from her comfy spot and straddled his lap. “What if I were to put on a cheerleader outfit? Maybe shake my pom-poms like the college girls? Then could I tempt you from your work?”
    His hands moved to her hips. He squeezed her butt, but didn’t move from his position on the sofa. “If anyone could tempt me, it would be you. Can we save the pom-pom shaking for Saturday? I promise I’ll bring my A game.”
    She smiled and hoped it hid her disappointment. She was tired, too, but wanted some reminder of their spark. She fiddled with his thick hair, still nearly black despite the last year of stress, and tugged his head forward. He met her kiss with a grin. The same flash she felt on their very first kiss so long ago lit, burning away much of her fatigue. She sank deeper into his lap, pressing her breasts to his chest. She’d left her bra off after showering and with only her thin blouse and his t-shirt between them, she could imagine her breasts in his palms.
    He parted his lips and she took the invitation, darting her tongue between them and dueling with his. She tightened her fingers in his hair, pulling him closer as she rolled her hips to his crotch. Too many layers separated them. She ran her hand down his chest until she flicked his jeans snap open. Michael broke the kiss and pulled his head away. Poppy rubbed his hardening cock.
    “Baby, I have a class connect in ten minutes.” The regret in his eyes and lines around his frown begged for forgiveness. “Saturday. I promise.”
    The main door opened. Poppy swiveled, hoping to find Cody ready to pick up where Michael left off. The youngest brother tossed his muddy hat on the bench and slumped beside it.
    “Holy crap. I have never been more exhausted in my life. And what the hell is with all the mud in the yard? I think if it’s all the same to you guys, I’m going to sleep right here.”
    Of course he thought that. She pushed up from Michael’s lap.
    He snagged the edge of her shorts. “I’ll skip the meeting and come to bed.”
    She shook her head. They had to be allowed to have days like this. She had hers, and they respected her space.
    “Don’t worry about it, Big Guy. But I expect very good things on Saturday.” She added a wink.
    “You should. I’m pulling out all the stops.” He pushed to his feet and kissed her cheek. “I love you. Thanks for understanding.”
    Understanding . She ambled toward her room—her favorite place in the house—stopping along the way to check on the girls. Each slept, the blonde-haired dolls recharging for another busy day. She kept on, past Trevor’s unoccupied room. On second thought, she backtracked and tiptoed into his space. He’d left clothes and books on the floor, like always, but she ignored them. He didn’t like her to pick up after him, and she’d had her fill of cleaning.
    She crawled between the cool, crisp sheets, fresh from when he left three days earlier. He always changed them before traveling so he didn’t have to fuss when