Roman smacks me a high five. “You get the ladies, and I’ll get dessert.”
And we do just that. But when I wrap myself around Sophie, Diana eyes me. “I have to say, Sophie, you certainly know how to pick your men. I mean, if I was single ….”
“Mom!” Sophie hisses.
“I’m just saying. I can imagine what a fine sandwich that is.” She bites her lip, looking me over slowly.
“Mom!” Sophie insists. I chuckle, and Diana winks before going inside. Sophie rubs her forehead before turning to face me. “I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry about her. She doesn’t know-”
I lean forward and kiss her hungrily, claiming her mouth like I need it to live. I cup her face between my hands and lick against her tongue until she sucks mine. I groan and shake my head. “I need to stop now.”
“Or we’ll get carried away.” She sucks her bottom lip. “Like last night … three times.”
“Three times.” I purr.
She giggles then shoves my chest. “You stop that.”
“Oh, not going to tell me what’s on the menu for later?” I ask, touching her face, cupping it.
Fuck I love her.
She leads me inside, taking soft kisses until the door opens. Dessert is amazing. The bourbon in the ice cream is fantastic. Everything is perfect, including Sophie laughing and treating us to sweet smiles, loving touches, everything that we need.
Right now, everything feels good. Like it should be.
As soon as Miles and Diana leave, we pounce on Sophie. She takes us all, making heaven real. We lounge poolside, naked, tired, happy. I grin and kiss Sophie. “Nothing beats you.”
“No one.” Nick agrees.
“Are you going to be okay here tomorrow night?” Holden asks. “I mean it, are you going to be alright, unbothered, okay?”
“I can survive time alone. I promise.” She chuckles. “Even if it’s not as great as spending this kind of time with you guys.”
“Well, you still have your toys, don’t you?” I tease.
She swats me and grins. “You know you’re better than toys.”
When I get in bed, I relax into the pillows and smile. Nothing can get better than this. The next day, we all get up and go to the restaurant to meet with Matthew. He grins at us and nods his head. “All my best friends together.”
“Yes.” I agree, raising my scotch. “Together and better than ever.”
“And thank you, Roman.” Matthew grins. “For talking to Bella, for doing this the right way.”
Roman toasts him. “Absolutely.”
“You are amazing.” He beams.
We eat together, getting far drunker than we should, then we go to the strip club. It’s great. The girls are hot as can be. Matthew gets at least three lap dances, but the one I get doesn’t do anything for me, which is new.
I’m not hard, not really into it. In fact, all I’m thinking about is where we’re going to sit on the plane. I’m actually doing math in my head as the blonde dances on me until she stops and pouts. “Gunner, you never had any trouble paying attention to me before.”
“I know. I’m sorry, Candy. My mind is elsewhere.”
“Well, maybe the back room will help.” She takes my hand and flashes me a little as a tease.
I shake my head and give her a hundred. “I’m okay.”
I go to the bar, and Roman follows. “What’s going on? You love Candy.”