SOPHIE
Istart packing my things the next day after work, and Dad comes in to talk to me. “Sophie, I didn’t mean for you to move out.”
“What do you mean? You want to reconnect with Mom, right?”
“Yes, but I thought we could do some reconnecting as a family.” He says. “So you could stay here with us.”
“Mom’s so excited about getting alone time with you.” I remind him. “I can’t rob her of that.”
I put another handful of clothes in my bag. “We’ll see each other all the time. At least once a week.”
“Sophie.”
“Like I said, it’s perfect.” I flash him a wide smile. “Plus, you and mom would rather not know about my relationships, so it all works out.”
“The plan was for you to stay with us, to let us be a family. The house is big enough for the three of us. Your mom and I can still have plenty of together time.”
I set my last armful of clothes in my bag and sit next to it, facing Dad. “I love you. I’m so happy you’re out of the hospital, and I want you to stay that way.”
“And I will be much less stressed having you here with me.” He takes my hands. “It will ease so much of my worry.”
“Until Roman or Nick or Holden or Gunner comes to get me for a date.” I remind him.
His jaw tightens, and he exhales sharply. “Sophia, I never said I approved of what you’re doing with them.”
“Dad, I hear what you’re saying, but I need you to understand that I love them.” I shrug. “All of them.”
“And I want you here. You moved out here to be with me, didn’t you? So let’s be a family, a real family, and live together. In a few months, we can evaluate and-”
“I’m not moving backward, Dad. You trusted them when I went with them to Italy. I’ll be across a park with the same men that you trust more than any others. How could this be better?”
Dad chews the inside of his cheek, then huffs. “We’re not done with this conversation.”
He storms away, and I sit there, watching after him. I don’t know what’s up his butt. Holden comes in a moment later, glancing behind him before stepping fully into my room. He picks me up and falls back on the bed with me. “I’m about to take some things over.”
“I don’t think I can let you do that alone,” I murmur, rubbing across his cheek. “Don’t you know how dangerous it is out there?”
“Is it?” He teases, kissing me softly.
“Oh yeah. For handsome young men moving around all on their own. Someone could take advantage of you.” I breathe.
“Well, I’ll naturally need you for protection.” He pulls me closer and kisses me softly.
I moan as his tongue curls with mine, then draw back to glance at the door. He follows my look, then brushes his thumb over my bottom lip. “We’re almost there.”
“Where?”
“To the point where we don’t have to hide anything.” He murmurs against my neck. “When it’s just the five of us living together.”
I grin. “No more hiding anything or secrets. No more worrying about getting caught.”
“I’ll miss this high school roleplay, though.” He grabs my ass and jerks me against him so I have to soften my giggles. “It’ll be worth it.”
“Pros and cons.” I agree.
“Everything you want to take today needs to be in the truck in thirty minutes.” Holden decides as he gets up. “But there’s always the next trip.”
“It’ll be there,” I tell him.