SOPHIA
Ifeel lighter the next day, even though I’m going to the office again to make sure that we have everything done before we leave tomorrow night. Gunner claimed me for tonight, so I get to look forward to that until I belong to Roman for the wedding.
Which is still slightly bothering me. Even if Holden doesn’t mind it, I felt all of Gunner’s tension, and obviously, Bella knows how to cause ripples in my relationships. Or relationship. I still don’t know if it should be singular or plural. But I know that we’ll be on a plane in less than twenty-four hours, arrive at the resort, and then … and then have to deal with my dad and Bella and avoid anyone who might be going to the wedding.
I lean back in my chair and stare at the ceiling. If Bella is jealous or doesn’t want things to work, well, she knows the guys and how to push all their buttons. I hope she won’t, but after her deal with Roman ...
My phone rings, and I grab for it, easy for something that doesn’t let me think.
“Sophie, can I please see you in my office?” Dad asks.
“Um, sure.”
I pull my hair over the hickey that Holden left last night and walk into Dad’s office. He motions to the chair, and I sit, crossing my ankles as I chew the inside of my cheek. “Do you have more work for me to do?”
“I wanted to talk to you about the wedding.”
“Of course.” I slump into the chair.
“I just want everything to be clear – that you won’t be showing off your …abnormal relationship at the wedding.” He folds his hands under his chin.
“I won’t. As far as anyone at the wedding will know, I’m just with Roman.” I sigh.
“Maybe you should consider that,” Dad says. “You know, Bella may have had a good idea.”
“Dad.”
“About choosing one to settle down with. Then we could start planning for your wedding and grandchildren and ….”
“No!” I jump up, then lower my voice. “Dad, don’t get involved in my love life, okay? I rarely talked about it with Mom, other than bad breakups and asking for advice, but we had an agreement.”
“I’m just trying to help.”
“And I didn’t ask for help. I’m happy!” I insist.
He rubs his forehead. “How? How is this something that can last, Sophie? I get that it’s fun for a bit, but you have to realize that it’s not sustainable. Once emotions get involved and heightened, things are going to hit the fan. You saw that with Gunner.”
“Because you pushed him by lying to him.” I accuse him.
“Sophia … thin ice.”
“You did. You said I’d end up with Roman, and that’s not true because I won’t choose.” I cross my arms over my chest. “I love them all. With or without your approval.”
He rubs his temple. “I’m trying to watch out for your best interest.”
“Is there anything you need from me … in the professional sense?”
“No.”
“Then I will go back to my office. Work is for professional things only, right?”
I fight the urge to stomp my feet, something that my dad apparently brings out in me. When I get back to my office, I groan and push my fists against my face. After a few deep breaths, I focus on work and get through until lunch.
Nick steals me away for burgers and milkshakes. I groan as I take a deep sip. Nick grins. “Hard day, baby?”
“Something like that.” I huff.
“Well, soon enough, we’ll be at an amazing resort. You can get pampered with a four-hour massage, hair mask, body scrub, seaweed wrap, and whatever else happens at spas.”