SOPHIE
I’m actually sore after being with Gunner. He’s stretched over my bed, snoring loudly, one arm wrapped around my waist as he drools into my pillow. My ass is sore from the thorough spanking I got and his teeth marking my body from thighs to neck and back.
Apparently, he took Roman and Holden’s marks as a challenge. I smile at him and brush my fingers through his hair. I like our talks, and I like our fun; I love being with him. I know he doubts it sometimes, but that just means I get to show him over and over again how much I love him.
After a few hours of hit-and-miss sleep, I stumble to the kitchen to grab water. I definitely drank too much. I down two glasses and stare at the sink for a moment. Gunner’s question from dinner has stuck with me.
Do I want kids? And how would kids be feasible with four partners? Would they each want one? I put a hand on my flat belly and then try to push it out, wondering what it would feel like. I can’t imagine something growing inside me.
I shake my head. It’s out of order anyway. And that’s years away, isn’t it? First, we have to get through what is sure to be an awkward wedding. My men’s ex is getting married. My dad is going to be there with my mom. I still haven’t been formally invited.
I rub my forehead and look around the penthouse. It’s scarily quiet. A quiet I’m not used to. Normally, Holden is up around now or Roman. Nick is an early-to-bed type, but for me to be the only one awake? Very new.
But not exactly unwelcome. I love being with my guys. I love getting to learn more about them, spending time with them, but I kind of miss quiet moments where I can just breathe or read or do whatever I want on my own.
And I miss being with my friends. Having a life outside of my relationships and work. I chew my lip and sit on the huge sectional in the living room. I rub the back of my neck and check my phone to see what Elise has been up to.
We’re up to almost a short conversation a day. It’s nothing huge, but it’s more than we’ve talked in a long time. She’s dating someone and doing well at work. She’s also doing home renovations. I’m happy for her, but talking with her makes that pang in my chest for friendship and outings with other girls all the harder to ignore.
Maybe I could be friends with Bella.
Shaking my head, I put Netflix on and watch on my own for a while before falling asleep on the couch. When I wake up, it’s to someone rubbing my feet. Nick sits there, watching the news.
“Good morning, sunshine.”
“Hi.” I feel groggy, my throat is all scratchy, and my eyes crusty. I must look like a hot mess.
Nick slides his hands up my ankle. “Feeling okay?”
“Yeah. Just.” I clear my throat and run a hand through my hair. “Groggy. I should brush my teeth and stuff.”
“You’re beautiful either way, Sophie.” He kisses my ankle. “Inside and out.”
I brush my teeth and pull on an oversized t-shirt before sitting with him on the couch again. He offers me coffee, but since I just brushed my teeth, I need to wait a bit. I tuck my hair behind an ear, then glance at Nick.
“Do you have friends outside of the guys?”
“Not really.” He thinks about it for a while. “I have coworkers I sometimes see. Some family. I’m fond of two of my cousins. We were brought up like siblings, and they’re spitfires. I think they’d like you.”
“Yeah?”
“Anya and Erin. They’re twins. Erin will be visiting soon for Matthew’s wedding, which means I’ll get to meet my godson.”
“That’s exciting.” I beam.
“He just turned three. I haven’t gotten to spend any time with him, but I’m excited. Hopefully, he’s at the age where art is interesting so we can test out finger painting.” Nick beams.
Kids keep coming up. I rub the back of my neck and nod. Nick kisses the inside of my knee. “Missing friends?”
“I love you guys. You know that.” I whisper.
“I love you. I’m sure of that.” He shrugs, saying it like it’s the easiest thing in the world.
Smiling softly, I fit myself to his side. “I feel like I’ve said it a lot, but I love you, Nick.”
He kisses my temple. “Your actions have said it for a while now, Soph.”
“But yeah. I kind of miss having friends to talk to. People at work just see me as the boss’s daughter, so that doesn’t …. Work. And it’s not like college. I can’t just make friends out of nowhere as an adult. Especially when I work, come home, work, come home.”