“It’s my birthday. He has to tolerate it.” He pulls me onto his lap and slides me a fresh beer. “Relax, baby.”
My dad sits down at the table with us, glances at Holden rubbing my hip, and shakes his head. “I’m never going to get used to this.”
My mouth opens and shut and Nick chuckles. “It’s different, but you know we love her, we take care of her.”
“Four guys ….” He shakes his head and looks to the side.
I know Dad has been in situations with my men – of the sexual nature – so he has an idea of what goes on in our bedrooms which isn’t ideal. I bite my bottom lip. “Daddy … I …”
He holds up his hand. “I’m trying to stop the unwanted thoughts. A party and beer will help.”
“Are you going to ask us to keep our hands off Sophie?” Holden asks.
“Just … be appropriate.” He grumbles.
Mom comes in and immediately grabs Roman, running her hand down his bare chest. “Well look at this delicious Italian meal.”
“You were saying?” I tease.
Holden laughs under me and tightens his arm around me, kissing behind my ear. Dad blushes and goes to his soon-to-be wife. “We talked about this.”
“Oh come on. How can you not want a bite of him.” She licks her bottom lip. You know, I think I’m starting to see the appeal of multiple men, my dearest.”
“Yeah, we’re not a problem.” Nick clinks his beer with Holden’s.
Soon enough, there are plenty of people, music, and introductions on the balcony. I forget names as soon as I’m told, but I don’t leave Holden’s side. Eventually, Nick gets up and joins in on the fun. I lean back against Holden and kiss him softly.
“Want to swim?”
“Nope.” He kisses me again. “I’m perfectly happy underneath you.”
I melt a little, then take off my tank top, so I’m just in my black bikini top. Holden groans and kisses my throat again. “A very happy birthday.”
“Yeah?”
“I just hope my birthday wish comes true.” His sunglasses raise on his face as he smiles.
“Don’t tell me or it won’t!”
“I doubt that.” He kisses my neck again and Valerie huffs. Before she gets a word out, her eyes go to the entrance and her eyes hold for a second. I arch an eyebrow and Holden smiles. “Old friends here, my best friends, my girlfriend. I feel pretty lucky.”
GUNNER
Ismack Hunter’s hand in a high five when I see him and give him a one-armed hug to protect my beer. His brother, Chase, comes up behind him and nods to me. Then Lief, whose face is as unreadable as ever. I haven’t seen these guys in a while. They worked security for us for a while, but then went into private security – the kind that pays the big bucks and allows them to kick ass regularly.
Hunter, his short brown hair, warm brown eyes, and tan skin is the best of them – in my opinion. He knows how to party. Chase is smart as a whip but desperate to stand out, which means he shaved the sides of his head and let the top grow out. He adjusts his glasses and glances around.
Lief … is Lief. If he wasn’t so damn cold, he could melt into a wall. He has longer curly hair. Not exactly blonde, but not brown. Blue eyes that remind me of icebergs, a little bit of a beard, and is a bear of a man. I jokingly called him a Viking once and I think that’s the only time I’ve ever seen him chuckle.
He flexed a bunch of Norse-themed tattoos that filled an entire arm and that put everything to end. I haven’t seen them in nearly two years.
“How have you guys been?”
“Not having nearly enough fun!” Hunter answers me, patting my shoulder. “My hand is empty.”
“Gonna get some food early,” Chase grumbles, walking away.
Lief is … there. I shrug. “Hey, Lief, excited to have some fun?”