NICK
We work a half-day, and I grab Sophie at lunch to make sure that we have everything we need. Unfortunately, I see Neal in her office. He raises his hand, and I stand right where the door is cracked to make sure I can hear what’s being said.
“I’m just saying that you’re different around them, and I worry that you’re going to lose the best parts of yourself by trying to keep whatever weird … thing you have alive with them.”
“It’s really not your business, Neal. In case you don’t remember when you barged into Roman’s office – I’m not being forced to do anything.”
“Of course, they don’t make you feel that way. Sasha brought up-”
“Really? You’re going to her for information? She can’t stand me. She wants what I have and can’t accept that she can’t have it.” Sophie’s voice is pissed, rightfully so. “This isn’t your place.”
“To be your friend? To tell you something that I feel while only caring about your best interest? I know that I’m shooting myself in the foot where you’re concerned, and I’ve accepted that nothing will happen here even though I’d worship you … but I have to bring it up in good conscience. I mean, do you know anything about their history? About the girls who were around before you? I’ve been here years.”
“And whatever happened before me isn’t my business. I don’t hold my partners to unrealistic standards. No one is perfect.”
I try walking away knowing she can handle herself. I glance over my shoulder and see him approach her, reaching for her hand as his voice drops. “Words are easy, feelings are harder. I don’t know anyone who would want to share someone they love, even if they love the other person. This is a temporary thing, and I’m afraid they’ll kick you to the curb, break your heart, and move on, leaving you to watch.”
“You don’t know anything about my relationships, which is perfectly fine. But don’t try to tell me the future. I hope you have a good rest of your week, and please email me if you need anything in a professional capacity.”
He sighs and walks away, not even noticing me as he beelines to his desk. I hear something slam from his direction, but I dip into Sophie’s office. She nibbles her thumbnail while staring at her computer, then raises her eyes to me.
“Oh, Nick! Is it that time already?”
“Time to get some much-needed stress relief,” I promise her.
She logs out of her computer and throws her purse over her shoulder. She takes my hand and squeezes. “So needed.”
I chuckle, and we get back to the house. Holden is there, double-checking our flight information and ensuring that he and Gunner have everything. Sophie goes through her bags, and I double-check mine and Roman’s.
We have the private jet waiting to go, and as long as we’re there by six-thirty, we’ll be good to go. I rub Sophie’s side as she goes to the fridge. She’s spent so much time making sure we’re all okay, telling us everything will be fine, but I have a feeling that Neal was hitting her in sore spots.
I kiss her temple, cheek, and the corner of her jaw gently. She presses back against me and sighs. “Are you excited?”
“Not for the long flight, but I’m very excited to get to the resort. I hear it’s beautiful.”
“And I believe someone mentioned an all-day spa option?”
“That’s right.” Holden nods. “Seaweed wraps and facials fix quite a bit.”
Sophie smiles. “Then you’ll be my plus one?”
He nods and holds her face in his hands. I kiss the spot between her shoulder blades and exhale slowly. Holden kisses her softly, then draws back. “Less than twenty-four hours until you’re pampered like the goddess you are.”
“And I guarantee that you will be asked to wear a certain something as soon as possible.”
She looks over her shoulder at me, and I kiss her softly. “The bathing suit.”
“Oh.” She blushes. “That.”
“Mmhmm.” I squeeze her side until she giggles.
Holden pokes her belly, and she laughs again.
Once we finish double-checking everything, Sophie lays down and takes a nap. Holden looks at our wine collection, rubbing his jaw. “Do you think they’d prefer a white or a red?”
“Why not both? One for each.”
“If I remember right, Bella always preferred a sweet white.”