NICK
When I get home, all I want is a glass of wine, a good book, and a hot shower. Then I can fall into bed without another thought of today. But when I go to the kitchen to pour myself some wine, I see a replica of Sophie in the kitchen wearing a nice dress that compliments her body.
The woman looks me over, then smiles as she swallows a gulp of white wine. “Well, hello there. I’ve met Holden, Roman, and Gunner, so you must be Nick.”
“I am.” I nod with a smile.
“I’m Sophie’s mother, Diana.” She offers me her hand. “A pleasure to meet you.”
“A pleasure for me as well.” I nod. “I assume you are staying with us?”
“I am, yes.” She nods, then refills her glass. “I know it’s a little out of the ordinary, but I’d like to stay close to my ex-husband. From what I understand, his stress has been higher, and he won’t tell me why.”
“Oh?”
“No, I don’t really understand it. He never had a problem sharing in the past. Maybe I’m being too gentle.” She rubs her chin. “Or I could fish for the answer. I’m sure if I could get to the bottom of it, I could fix things right away.”
“I’m sure he’ll tell you as soon as he can. He probably needs to process it.”
“Or he’ll just push it down until he can’t avoid it anymore.” She rolls her eyes. “You men are all the same. You all say you’ll be fine, and you can manage it, but really it would be easier if you just let someone in.”
“I like to find ways to relax.” I offer instead. “Like wine, reading, painting.”
She leans her head to the side as I pour myself a sweet red that we got from Italy. Diana continues watching me as I move around the kitchen. I’m not sure how to make her feel like this is her home or make her feel welcome or anything like that. I clear my throat as I start making a second helping.
“Do you like ribs?”
“No. I’m vegetarian.” She waves. “Don’t worry. I can provide for myself. I’ve been taking care of that and taking care of Sophia for years.”
“Ah.”
“How is she doing here, really? I mean, I know Miles works long hours, and I just worry she’s not getting what she needs out of being here.” Diana pushes.
I sit down and glance towards the front door. Am I the last one home or the first one? I sit back in one of the chairs. “She’s doing well. She’s checked out a few of the clubs – with us there to keep her safe. She’s doing well at work, and we took her to Italy recently.”
“Oh? Really?” She arches her eyebrow. “All of you?”
“Miles stayed behind despite having an invitation. Roman’s cousin got married.” I explain with a shrug.
“How nice. A destination wedding.”
“Roman’s family actually lives there.” I take a bite. “Are you sure I can’t get you something to eat?”
“I’ll be fine. Once Sophie gets home, we’ll go and eat together. It’s been a long time since I’ve gotten to see her.” She sighs, looking at her empty glass. “I know that she had her reasons for wanting to come out here, but I’ve missed her.”
“I’m sure.”
“Has she missed me? I know things have been pretty busy, but ….”
Busy? That’s an understatement. Between work, Italy, her father being sick, and the amazing personal time I’ve had with her … the long nights, the slow and steady seduction, the temptation.
I clear my throat. “Honestly, she’s been incredibly busy keeping up with everything, but she has mentioned you.”
Diana lights up, and then the door opens. I hear Sophie arguing with Roman. I’m not sure what it’s about, but it doesn’t sound entirely horrible. When they come in, Sophie looks to her mom and flushes red. She jumps and shoots a glare at Roman, making me chuckle.
He couldn’t keep his hands off her if he tried.
Sophie goes right to her mom, offers to get changed so they can head out, but her mom stops her. “Oh, come now, the least I can do is treat everyone to dinner. Nick, you could go for dessert, could you?”