Read Online Ruin Me Please by Nichole Matthews - Free Book Online Page A

by Poppy’s companion , Georgie , when I first arrived . ” A broad smile transformed his fe a tures.  “You have a lov ely home here Ash, ” he said politely.
    “Thank you.  I am extremely proud of it , ” h e agreed.  “Grab yourself something to eat.”
    Turbulent emotions continued to flow through Poppy.  She had never felt this nervous , giddiness before.  Heat poured throughout her entire body.  She knew she was attracted to Hawksley but she definitely did not understand what this all meant?  Glancing at Piper , surely s he would be sensible about all of this.
    After serving herself some eggs and toast, Poppy sat next to her brother and pour ed herself some tea.  She watched as Declan piled his plate high with bacon, ham, eggs and toast .  Sitting opposite her, he poured a cup of hot black co ffee and took a sip.
    Poppy listened with interest as they rehashed old times. Grinning and once even chuc k ling aloud at one of the reckles s escapades, they had shared .
    “D o you remember when we were in B ath?”  Parker arched his brow.
    Clutching at his stomach , Declan groaned, “Ugh, please do not remind me.”
    “No one forced you to drink so much of the water.”  Parker snickered.
    “You say!”  Declan scoffed.  “ Rockwell bet me fifty pounds.”
    Poppy laughed outright again .  
    It was a joyful, melodious sound and Declan found himself joining her in a wide smile.   “ Then y ou should be a very healthy man.”
    She thought she was prepared.  She thought she knew what she was doing.  Now that he was sitting in front of her, she had no idea how to proceed.  When he flashed her his deva s tating smile, he took her breath away.  She was uncomfortable with the direction of her thoughts.  Not knowing how she should proceed.  She felt as if she had a multitude of em o tions swirling throughout her all at once.  She felt as though she were suffocating in the heat of ne w found arousal that tempted her .  Unable to breathe deeply, she began to panic again.  Ta k ing shallow breaths, she need ed desperately to escape.
    Quickly, she pushed back her chair making more noise then she had intended . “Please excuse me . ”  S uddenly s elf-conscious , Poppy gave up any attempt at a more graceful, dignified e s cape.  “I forgot some — items that need to be taken care of before our other guests arrive.”  She raced from the breakfast room before she embarrassed herself even more.
    “Please excuse Poppy ,” Parker apologized as he sat there puzzled , sharing a look with Piper .  “This is so unlike her.”  He stared t houghtfully at the door.  “She is naturally sanguine and spirited , but normally she is more composed with guests present.”
    Declan looked thoughtfully at the now empty seat in front of him. “No need to apol o gize , I am sure I discomposed her when I surprised her in the garden.  Your sister is qui te char m ing to say the least.”  He understo od her dilemma, he felt addled himself.
    Parker said nothing, Scrutinizing his friend, it was clear to him when he glance d at Hawk that more had transpired than either was letting on.  Understanding dawned as he re c ognized the look in his friend ’s eyes.  Blast .   Hawk had the look of someone that had the breath knocked out of him by an elbow to the gut.   That happened a lot when people met Poppy.  L oo k ing at his friend with a crooked smile, a very interesting visi t this may prove to be i n deed.
    The door swung open and Peyton entered the room.  “What on earth is the matter with Poppy?”  He glanced behind him.  “She almost knocked me over running up the stairs . ”
    Parker raised his brow and p ointed towards Hawksley.
    “Oh , I say.  I did n’t realize guests had alr eady arrived . ” He grinned moving forward to greet Declan .
    “Apparently, I am causing a disruption in the household . ” Declan laughed.
    “Hardly . ” H e snorted.  “We are expecting a crowd later today . ”