“I … I suppose I could.”
“Wonderful. Then it’s settled. I’ll be right down once I get changed. Sophia put on something cute.” She encourages.
As soon as she heads off, Sophie kisses my cheek, then pinches Roman. “You said-”
“Pinching your ass doesn’t count. There are clothes between us.” He shrugs. “You better go get dressed before you get in trouble.”
She sticks out her tongue, then kisses me gently. “I’m sorry you had to deal with her.”
“It wasn’t too bad at all,” I wink. “But she likes white wine. Insanity.”
She shakes her head lightly, then rushes to her room. I glance over at Roman, and he sighs. We get changed as well, and I knock on Holden’s door, inviting him to dinner. He pokes his head out and narrows his eyes. “Why?”
“Diana is inviting us to join.”
“Where’s Gunner?”
“Hasn’t come home yet.” I shrug. “He hasn’t texted or anything either.”
“Fine. Give me a second.”
I wait near the front door. Diana comes down in an emerald dress and smiles at me. She offers her hand, and I take it, not sure what else to do. She twirls under my hand and treats me to a smile.
“So, where are Sophia and the others? I made reservations! Chop, chop.”
Sophie comes out wearing a lacy white dress that clings to her neck and is longer in the back than in front. It looks incredible on her, especially with her hair in a braid that comes around her shoulder. Holden comes in behind her, wearing casual business clothes. The tie around his shoulders is going to be a problem. He hates them.
But Sophie steps in and does it for him quickly before patting his chest. “You’re going to have to learn at some point.”
Holden doesn’t say anything to that, but I smirk. “He’s never had to do it. I did it before you came around.”
She laughs lightly. Diana looks between Sophie and Holden with a perplexed look, but then Roman steals the show. Diana’s jaw practically drops. Roman has that effect on most people he meets. The dark red button-up paired with black slacks highlights his tanned skin and his thick dark hair.
He adjusts his watch and rolls his neck out. “Are we ready to go?”
“Yes.” Diana practically drools over him. “I don’t think we can all fit in one car, though.”
“No worries,” I say. “We can handle two cars.”
Sophie ends up with me and Holden. While Roman and Diana take another car. Sophie chews her bottom lip the whole way to the restaurant. “I’m sorry about my mom. She likes to have things very organized. And she doesn’t tolerate any way but her way.”
“It’ll be okay, Sophie.” Holden pats her shoulder from the back seat. “After dinner, we can all relax.”
“A bath sounds so good.” I agree. “A bath and a good book.”
“Just not having to be around my mom sounds great,” Sophie says, slumping down into the seat. “I’ve never felt more like a teenager.”
“That’s pretty easy to fix, darling.” I pat her knee, then rub up her thigh. She bites her lip as she looks at my hand. I wink at her. “Don’t you think?”
“Yes.” She pants, pushing her hips towards my hand.
“After dinner.” Holden reminds her, but I see his fingers brushing across her neck. “We’ll behave with Diana around.”
“Thank you.” She looks between us and smiles softly. “I really appreciate that.”
When we get to the restaurant, I look around and notice every detail. It’s chic rustic and promises elevated comfort food. We sit at a table, and Diana leans into Roman’s side. She rubs his thigh and whispers something in his ear.
I glance at Sophie to see what she thinks about this development, but she’s staring at the menu intently. I lean towards her as Holden looks between us all. I sigh. “You okay, Sophie?”