HOLDEN
Sophie joins us in the kitchen, and I pour her a glass of wine. She sits at the island and watches the chaos as Gunner loops her into the conversation about Matthew’s wedding. Apparently, there’s been hell with the cake, and her laughter fills the kitchen like a missing piece of a puzzle.
When she gets up after a while, Roman has her taste the vinaigrette he’s worked on for the salad and holds her against him while kissing her cheek. None of us bring up Miles or her mother, and that seems to be just fine with her.
Once we finish cooking, we head to the table, but Sophie tells us she’s already eaten. Thankfully, she stays with us. Forks scrape across plates as we eat, and I notice Sophie’s leg bouncing. I rub down her thigh, and she blushes before taking a long drink of wine.
“Dad isn’t going to tell Mom about what’s going on.” She announces.
“Really?” Nick shakes his head. “After giving us so much grief about being honest.”
“There could be a reason for that.” Gunner winks at Roman.
Sophie looks around, obviously confused. Gunner chuckles. “If Miles wants his ex back, it’s best not to bring up this situation.”
Rolling her eyes, Sophie strokes the lip of her glass with her finger. “Mom swore she’d never get back with him for good. But she has dropped hints about exactly how attractive she finds him despite the years.”
“She’s dropped plenty of hints in general.” Roman grumbles.
It’s true that woman isn’t shy at all. Definitely not as reserved as Sophie is, but maybe that was a combination of alcohol and nerves. Who’s to say? I’ll still need to talk to Miles. I don’t want anything getting confused when it comes to Sophie.
I don’t want her put in a position where she feels alone or where she feels she has to defend herself with her back against the wall. We’re all here for her, and I’m more than ready to step up and take care of Miles if it helps.
After dinner, Sophie insists on washing dishes since we cooked, but I slide into the kitchen with her while the guys set up poker. She washes, and I dry. After a while, her wet hand falls into mine, and she smiles slightly.
“You look so serious over there. Wrinkles between your eyebrows, worry all over.”
“It’s hard not to worry about you,” I admit. “I want you to be happy, and I feel like I’m failing you.”
She dries her hands, then hugs me. “Holden, it’s not your job to make sure I’m happy.”
“I want to be a good partner.”
She giggles and gently kisses my chest through my shirt. “You are a good partner by being you. You support me, and you’re in my corner for good and bad. I don’t need Superman solving all my problems. I need you just like this.”
“It’s not fair that you’re this good with your words. You know that, right?” I grumble against her hair.
“Just like it’s not fair that you are so smart and giving and sexy.” She rubs my sides.
We finish the dishes, and Sophie leans on the counter, refilling her glass with wine. I put mine next to hers, and she fills it up much more than necessary. I catch the bottle, right it, and put the stopper in as she chuckles.
“Only filling half a cup is terrible.”
“Moderation.”
“You can have moderation … and a full glass.” She smirks at me over her glass.
I roll my eyes and lead her out for poker night. She wins a few hands, but it’s not a landslide like last time. After Gunner has most of the pot, Sophie yawns, and stands. “It’s been a really long day.”
“Say no more, sweets.” Gunner tells her. “Get your beauty rest.”
She kisses each of us goodnight, and I savor the feel of her body pressed to mine. She waves, and Roman shakes his head before shuffling again. “Should we be worried that her mother isn’t home yet?”
“She’s a grown-up.” Gunner shrugs. “But I’ll text Miles just to make sure.”
“You mean to stay in his good graces.” I tease.
He flips me off, but I see the corner of his mouth lift. “Someone has to. Holden is out here just spilling details while suddenly growing a pair to put Sasha in her place. Roman is not returning his calls. Nick is also pretty much ignoring him.”