HOLDEN
Sophie is beautiful. The black dress clings to her body with a sexy teasing cut out on one side and a whole shoulder bare. I devour the view. Her eyes flick to me and she bites her thumb, looking me over with the same hunger that’s growing in my stomach.
We’re almost there. We just have this reception and the game ends. Nick nudges me. “Steal her.”
“What?” I shake my head. “We have to wait.”
“Does it look like Bella or Matthew give a shit?” He motions to them having their first dance.
I swallow and meet his eyes. “You heard her mother.”
“Who didn’t.” Nick takes a drink of champagne. “We knew it was a possibility.”
“Bets on who it will be?” I ask casually.
“Considering you and I aren’t big on marriage; I doubt we’ll be the formal one.”
“It would change things.” I insist. “It’s worth a conversation.”
“I’m actually going to side with Gunner on this one. We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.”
It worries me until Sophie pulls from Roman and takes my hand. She gives Nick a wink. “You still owe me painting time.”
“As soon as I get a new rib.”
“I’m so sorry.” She breathes. “I am, Nick. No more shower fun.”
“Let’s save it for our bathroom.” He counters.
I arch an eyebrow. He already had her today? Bastard. No wonder he’s so blasé about me stealing her. But Sophie tugs on my hand. We wind around the crowd to the bar. I stroke her bare back. I love when she shows it off and based on this look, she doesn’t have a bra on either.
She shivers as I tease her lower back. “You’re killing me.”
“The feeling is mutual,” I whisper in her ear, running my nose over her throat.
Sophie turns, her lips so close to mine I swear, I can taste the alcohol on her tongue. Her big eyes, begging me for more as she nibbles her bottom lip. How the hell am I supposed to control myself with that look.
“Holden …”
“Your drinks.” The bartender says.
Sophie tips without thinking and I arch an eyebrow. She shrugs. “Considering there’s no rent and I somehow always get skipped for bills.”
We take a few drinks, but no burn of alcohol can distract from her. Not with those dark red lips, the curls of her hair nearly cupping her breast. She shivers and I see her nipples push against the fabric.
“Don’t eye fuck me.” She half-moans.
“No?”
She shakes her head and sets her drink down, tugging on my hand. “Fuck me for real.”
I groan, actually groan. “Sophia.”
She pulls me close. “Then at least dance with me. I need you close, Holden. Or one of these cougars might try to catch you in their claws.”
I pull her under the stairs and cup her face, stealing a kiss that drags soft sounds from her throat. She tugs on my jacket pushes every plush curve of her body against me that she can and devours me like it’s the first and last time she’ll have the chance.
When I finally draw back, I’m panting, hard, and aching for her. Sophie rocks towards me then rests her forehead against my chest. “I don’t have the patience. I don’t. Please, don’t make me wait hours, Holden.”