He rests his forehead on mine before quickly drawing back. I keep searching for what I can do. I don’t want him to feel this way. Gunner and Roman are … more obvious and they manhandle me and take charge, but that doesn’t mean I love Nick any less. Or Holden.
“We need more time together.” I decide.
“Sophie, you do have to sleep.” He chuckles.
“I love you. I will make time.” I insist. “What if we did painting classes together? Or we could do something completely different together. Something neither of us have done before.”
“Like what?”
“I’ve always wanted to try karaoke. Or we could find a sculpting class. Dancing, like ballroom style – I won’t make you get on a pole. Boudoir photo shoots.” I start listing. “We could try more … adventurous things like rock climbing.”
“Let’s try rock climbing.” He nods.
Of course, he’d choose the one thing on that list that terrifies me. I nod. “But you better catch me when I fall.”
“You’re always safe with me.” He promises.
“And I love you. I love how gentle you are. I love how warm and creative and smart you are. You’re so good with people, so genuine. How could I possibly not want to be with you?”
“Sometimes I feel extra.”
“And you know how much I like the extra guac. I won’t even eat a burrito without it.” I hug him, not caring who sees. “Without you, I’d be crazy, Nick.”
“I’ll get you up in the morning and we’ll paint.” He kisses the top of my head.
“I got the paint at a chain shop though. I don’t know if it’ll be any good.” I murmur against his chest.
“Maybe I’ll have to paint on you then.” He chuckles. “Save the canvas from the misery.”
He spins me and I see that glow in his eyes again. I pull myself back to him. “And maybe I’ll start visiting for lunch again. We can spend some time together no matter how busy you are, no matter what our schedules are.”
“I like good morning texts.”
“Done.” I nod.
He shakes his head. “I want to kiss you right now.”
I kiss his neck quickly. “Fuck the rules.”
“Beautiful words.” He sighs, holding the back of my neck before hugging me tightly. I feel his lips brush my temple. “I love you so much, Sophie. How fun and carefree you are. I love how bright and sweet you are.”
“Just wait until we get home. You’re going to beg me to stop being so clingy.”
“Impossible.” He sighs.
We sit back down at the table and talk, just talk. All of us. Bella passes by with Matthew and does a double-take when she sees me. Her eyes narrow slightly and I wave at her. Joke’s on that bitch. She tries to break us up and it only brings us closer.
Roman kisses me, then looks to Holden. “Do you remember when we almost traded you for donkeys?”
“What?” I squeal.
Holden groans. “This dummy knows six languages and Arabic isn’t one of them. He thought he was trading the bottles of whiskey I had.”
“Well, how did you stop it?!” I grab Holden’s hand under the table.
“Me.” Gunner drops into his chair with a smile. “Surprise!”
Nick nods. “I was spotting just in case of danger. Then Gunner walks out, all cocky, with a cigarette between his teeth.”