“I left that part out when I told Roman. Stay off bars andabsolutelyno pole dancing.” He growls.
“I thought you wanted me to take those classes.” I pull out the puppy dog eyes.
“After last night – seeing drunk you – hell no.” Still, he squishes my cheeks between his thumb and other four fingers and kisses my useless lips. “God, you’re like me when drunk. No wonder I love you.”
“That’s not the only reason,” I say, but it comes out mumbled until he lets me go and I repeat it. He arches an eyebrow and I swallow. “I know it’s not because that’s the first time I’ve been shit-faced in front of you.”
“Yeah, yeah. I’m not completely soft.” Gunner grumbles, despite wrapping himself around me in pajama pants and nothing else. He kisses the spot under my ear. “And when I am, it’s just for you, sweets.”
I giggle and feel my temperature shoot up ten degrees at the same time. Only Gunner can make me laugh and turn me on in one sentence. Turning, I pat his chest. “Get dressed. It’s already ten and we have breakfast and prep to do. Are you the grill master here?”
“That would be your father. I’m the guy who destroys everyone in beer pong and takes out the trash.” He shrugs.
But he goes upstairs to get dressed which is another thing off my list. Nick comes down, fully dressed, and eats breakfast before going to help Roman on the balcony. All that’s left is the birthday boy … and Valerie.
I go to the bathroom and find her half-asleep in the shower. Of course. I turn it cold and she yelps before glaring at me. “I was having such a nice dream.”
“Yeah, I know. I suck. Hangover cure is in the kitchen, and if you time it right, you can see Gunner again, you know … the guy who you kept trying to undress?”
She blushes. “We were at a strip club and he … he’s prettier than some of the girls!”
“Dressed and eating within thirty minutes.” Since when amIthe mom friend?
Nick, Holden, and Roman are in the kitchen when I make it back down there. I kiss them each good morning and have to remind myself all three times that we have a guest so they can’t just have me for breakfast.
I snuggle up to Holden’s side. He’s got on jeans and a white shirt with all of three buttons that he has rolled up to his elbow. Comfy. He rubs my side and kisses the top of my head. “I’m wearing it today.”
“Yay!” I kiss his cheek, almost climbing him to do it. “I’m glad you like it so much.”
Roman has on swim trunks and so does Nick. I realize then that I never mentioned the pool. “So I’m doubting a lot of people will be in the water.”
“Everyone we invited knows.” Roman murmurs.
“Okay. Well since that’s most of the people, I guess that’s good.” I nod. Then I remember my mother. My face pales and I look at Nick. “My mom is coming. I’m sorry in advance. We all know how she is.”
“I don’t think that ring on her finger has changed a thing.” Nick agrees with an easy smile. “We can handle it, Sophie.”
“It’s just fun,” Holden assures me. “She likes to flirt and has a sense of humor.”
Roman nods and Nick offers to show Holden the setup. I wave them on and walk to Roman. “Are you mad?”
“About what, Bambina?”
“Me coming home so late. I think I woke you up. I have this feeling I did. Honestly, everything’s kind of … blurry after the strip club.”
“Gunner mentioned that.” His teeth are clenching.
“I didn’t spend much! I promise. I was good. No flashing, no getting on stage, no lingerie stores.”
He strokes through my hair and gives me a confused look. “I’m not angry.”
“You’re so quiet.”
He rolls his eyes and pulls me close, kissing me until I forget all about my worries. Was I worried? I wrap both arms around his neck and moan, rubbing myself on him like a pleased cat. Roman draws back and kisses my forehead.
“I’m burnt out from work. I’ll warm up as the day goes on.”
“Do you want to nap? The party isn’t until three.”