The Research Project

Chapter Thirty-Two

"Are you ready?" he asked, just to make sure.

She nodded and he reared back, slow and steady. Poppy moved her legs around to wrap them about his waist and he sunk deeper into her, lowering his body down at the same time so that they were skin to skin, lip to lip. They locked together, kissing and remembering, their skin burning for each other where they made contact. Their breathing became more rapid as it mingled together, but Lawson kept his slow pace, knowing they would both still reach fulfilment by the end of it. He pulled her into him as closely as he could, still moving within her so that when they both fell over the edge, they could feel the tiny ripples and shudders that overwhelmed their bodies. Lawson was sure he saw stars and fireworks, because the only way he could describe his release was explosive.

He rolled to his side, taking her with him. He smoothed her hair and drew lazy circles on her back. She was doing the same to him and it felt exquisite.

"Wow," Poppy said on a shaky breath.

"Hmm," Lawson murmured in agreement and Poppy liked the way she could feel it rumble through his entire body.

"I love you Lawson," she said. Poppy hadn't uttered the words again to him since she'd been back in his life. She had been looking for the right moment and this was about as perfect as it got.

Lainey sighed, pulled off her glasses. She never got sick of reading that ending. Love, Version 3.0, her third and final book in her trilogy was launching tonight, only six months after Love, Version 2.0. It was to be released both digitally and in print. She already had her printed copy, the one she was holding in her hands right now. She held the book to her nose and inhaled deeply. New book smell.

"Caught you in the middle of something?" Byron asked.

Lainey sat up on the replica Le Corbusier chaise lounge where she'd been re-reading her book, refreshing her memory for the countless questions that she was sure to get tonight. She was less nervous about this book launch, but that was only because Byron would be there this time.

"Just a bit of book sniffing."

"I think I'm starting to worry about you. You may just have an addiction."

"Definitely," she agreed. "By the way, you look amazing," she told him dreamily.

He was wearing a suit, all black, her favourite. Apart from the tie, that was blue to match Lainey's dress.

"You look amazing," he argued, holding out a hand and lifting her from the lounge.

She stood before him in a beautiful blue vintage style dress. He ran his hands over her rib cage and rumbled appreciatively.

"I need to tell you something," he said.

"Sound ominous."

"It is. My family is coming along tonight. They want to meet you."

"Even your dad?"

"Yes. Do you mind? I can tell them not to if you're uncomfortable."

"No, it's fine. I would love to meet them. I suppose its about time." She smiled at him. "Just don't leave me alone in their company. You know how I get in social settings."

"I won't, I promise. And one other thing, Morgan said she might be there, too."

"Oh."

"I can tell her to not to."

"It's alright."

He tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. "Did you do your hair for tonight?"

"I had it done at the salon this morning."