SOPHIA
Ifeel better after talking to Roman. I’m sure we’ve missed the rest of the party, but I’m not sure I care. Especially when we’re cuddling on the patio while he tells me about a fun moment in the army with the guys before Holden lost his leg.
He’s been talkative so whatever Holden did … it helped a lot. I kiss Roman’s neck.
“I like this.”
“Yeah?” He asks, rubbing my back. “Even with the lack of orgasms.”
“Orgasms aren’t everything.” I draw back and point at him. “They help, but I like this too.”
“I like cooking with you.” He smiles brightly. “Dancing in the kitchen, kissing you, making something together.”
I kiss him, running my fingers through his hair. His tongue teases mine, but there’s no urgency, only a slow-burning heat that threatens to drag me down. I draw back and rake my teeth over my bottom lip.
“Are we okay?” I ask. “I lost my temper too and I’m sorry. I got pretty bitchy.”
“You made a point.” He rubs down my hips. “But next time, you might get spanked.”
“I hope we don’t get to that point again.” I tug at his shirt. “I’d really rather not … word vomit all over you.”
“Almost caused a scene.” He sighs. “And I love your fire.”
God, is it possible to not love him? I kiss him again. “I owe everyone an apology. We should go back, see if there’s still dancing. I promised Nick.”
“Let’s.” Roman agrees.
We head back to the main party. The games seem to be over and the guys are drinking and enjoying themselves. Gunner is dancing with my mom while Holden and my dad talk. I kiss Roman’s cheek and sit next to Nick.
“Everything okay, sweetheart?” He asks, leaning towards me.
“It’s getting there. Will you dance with me?”
“That breaks a rule.”
“Friends dance.” I shrug. “Just don’t grab my ass.”
He chuckles and leads me to the dance floor. I rest my head on his shoulder. “I love you. You know that right?”
“That is not a friend like conversation,” He murmurs.
“But I want to say it. Want you to hear it.” I pull back and look into his beautiful eyes. He’s so gorgeous. I shake my head. “I worry that every woman wants a piece of you and will fight me to get it.”
“Doesn’t matter.” He says evenly. “I won’t give them what they want.”
“Roman got some stuff off his chest. Holden talked to me. Anything we need to clear up?” I press.
He rubs my back. “You’ve had a hard enough night.”
“I can handle it. Let’s do it tonight so we can have sex tomorrow, okay?” I tease.
Nick smirks. “Well, with that logic … You … you want me around right? I’m not just an extra after Roman and Gunner.”
“You’re not an extra.” I blink a few times. “Nick, love, you can’t think that.”
He shrugs.
“I like what we have. I love doing things with you, love being with you. I know it’s been hard lately with how much work and all the shit with Sasha. I was serious about painting. I brought us a single canvas to work on together. If we get up early, we can do it before you have to get ready for the wedding tomorrow and-”