“But tonight is about Holden.” I redirect.
He rolls his eyes. “Sophie, I’m happy to be here with you all. This is all I need.”
“You’re getting your barbeque too. And presents. And cake.” I list. “And maybe we can even find a way to sneak off together.”
Nick adjusts his tie at that statement. Roman chuckles. “Good luck with that. I believe he’ll be the center of attention.”
Holden cringes a little and I feel bad that I’m so insistent. I did bring my present. I got it early, thankfully, and I’d rather show it to him here than at his party in case he doesn’t like it or if it bothers him.
I pull it out after we place our orders – and I let Holden order for me without question. I chew my bottom lip as he looks at the present I wrapped. It’s definitely not the neatest wrapping, but I’m hoping the bow on top makes it festive.
Holden shakes his head at me, then pats the bow onto my head with a wink before opening up the present in front of him. Gunner and Roman lean forward to see the skin that goes over the prosthetic. Holden holds it up so he can see the traditional tattoo designs that flow like a sleeve.
I chew my bottom lip, trying not to rush him, hoping he actually likes it and doesn’t just pretend for my sake. Holden strokes over it turns it this way and that, then smiles. “This is fantastic.”
“You like it?” I feel a huge weight slump off my shoulders. “Really?”
“Yes.” He kisses me softly. “Thank you, Sophie.”
“Told you not to worry, sweets.” Gunner flashes a smile.
“I had my leg tattooed with a Hawaiian girl – traditional style – pin-up before …” Holden motions to his leg. “I really like this. I can’t wait to put it on.”
My eyes prick a little with tears and I’m not sure why, but I don’t care. I hug Holden and he squeezes me, whispering in my ear. “I love it, baby. Thank you.”
We eat and talk. The guys bring up memories with Holden from over seas and after. They talk about his few appearances at social events and Gunner brings up how angry he got when they tried to throw a surprise party for him.
Holden rolls his eyes. “It was a week before my birthday. I assumed it was a home invasion.”
“It’s good to see how much you’ve come out of your shell.” Nick raises his glass. “I hope this next year is even better than the last you’ve had. To health, growth, and happiness.”
We all repeat after him as our glasses clink. Holden smiles more than he frowns and joins in on conversations as he has a third glass of wine. When the waiter offers us dessert, I feel Nick’s arm wrap around me.
I have no illusions. I know I’m going to be with all of them tonight. We’ll have a good time, get all this lust out of our system – or as much as we can – before Valerie joins us. As much as I love my guys, I’m going to give her my attention too. They’ll just have to share a little more than normal.
Gunner turns down dessert and the others agree. We head home, in a limo, and I sit on Holden’s lap. He kisses along the back of my neck slowly. “Thank you for tonight, Sophie.”
I hum as goosebumps break out over my skin and I lean back against them. “I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
Gunner pries my thighs apart and pushes the skirt of my dress up, licking his bottom lip. “I don’t think the night is over.”
“Definitely not.” Nick gives me a wicked smile.
Holden cups my breasts as he nibbles my earlobe. He knows how that one move turns me on immediately. I roll my body against his hips. “It’s your decision, Hold.” I pant. “It’s your birthday.”
“Then I think I should thank you properly.” He growls, kissing my throat once before turning my head to claim my mouth.
Every kiss we share is enough to set me on fire happily. I want to dissolve into a pleased puddle when he has his hand on me. Someone starts kissing along the inside of my thigh and I gasp, tangling my hand in Holden’s shirt.
“We’ll have to ask the driver to take the long way,” Nick murmurs.
I hear Roman say something but look down to see Gunner dragging my underwear down my legs. He pushes my thighs open and licks my slit in that teasing way that makes me want it twice as bad.
“Please?” I ask.
Holden’s hardness against my ass is almost as distracting. He guides the straps of my dress down over my shoulders to let my breasts spill out. He teases my nipples, squeezing, pinching, and rolling until I wiggle against him.
Stealing my mouth works until Gunner sucks and licks my clit at the same time. I whimper and rub myself against his tongue. I pant while holding the back of Holden’s head. “I’m supposed to be pleasing you.”