I kiss him, then Roman does the cake cutting. Some people go back to the bar while others eagerly wait for cake. I put some frosting on Holden’s nose and he shakes his head at me. I lick it off and it breaks him, making him laugh.
We sit together, and I let him feed me cake because I know he likes it. I kiss him with frosting on my lips and he laughs again. I rub the sticky sweetness of him with my thumb. “Are you happy?”
“Yes.” He assures.
“Enjoying the party and not ready to kill me for throwing it?”
“Yes to enjoying and I couldn’t hurt you if I tried.” He murmurs.
He’s been more talkative today, with me and others which is very good. I rub his arm and open my mouth for another bite of cake. I swallow and relax against him, pulling his arm around me. “I love you, Hold.”
“I believe it. I’ve never had a dance partner pulled off me so quickly.” He chuckles.
“I haven’t seen dancing like that since high school.” I burst into laughter and see my mom turning her attention to Nick. Poor Nick. Nice Nick. “I feel like I should help him.”
“Nope. I’m enjoying you.”
“I gave you your present already, mister. Don’t get greedy on me.”
“I put a bow on your head, baby. You’re my favorite present.”
“Ew,” Valerie says at the same time as some blond-ish guy I’ve never seen before.
“How’s the cake?” I ask her.
She rolls her eyes. “Don’t mind me. Just go back to your ridiculous … what would you call that, Lief?”
“Sappy.” He answers simply. “Nauseating?”
“I meant a noun, but that works.” Valerie shrugs.
I look back at Holden. “I feel judged.” Then lean closer and whisper in his ear. “Who is that?”
“Lief, this is our girlfriend, Sophie. Sophie, Lief is an old friend. He came with Hunter and Chase. They’re … somewhere.”
“Pool and flirting with your mom,” Valerie says as she swallows. “I’m avoiding Hunter.”
“You’re out in the open, not exactly hiding.” I point out.
“Lief is a neon ‘fuck off’ sign. Working really well.” She says before filling her mouth again.
I don’t even know what to make of that. I know we’ll have some talking to do later. I shoot her that look and she motions to Holden. I turn in my man’s arms and nuzzle his neck, tired of eating cake. Tired in general.
“You alright down there?”
“Just resting for a minute.” His heart beat thuds in my ear.
I close my eyes and think about how lucky I am to be with these men. Men who support me, no matter what I’m doing. If I want to go out and get drunk, they just keep me safe. If I want to throw a party, I get help from all of them. If I want to go somewhere, quit, try something new, they just give me the best way to do it.
I only get told no if they’re not in the mood when I am or if I’m being a dummy. I sigh and kiss Holden’s chest. I couldn’t love anyone else. They’ve set the bar too high. Each of them, and in different ways, but I think my heart is maxed out as far as romance.
And my life has never been better. I have my best friend here, my parents are getting back together, and all my men are happy. Is there anything better? A trip to Paris maybe, with my men. Maybe that ring that Roman had.
My eyes open as I process that thought. He did say he could wait and isn’t that what I wanted? So why was I let down a little? It’s crazy. We haven’t even been together one year! Marriage is crazy. Right?
“I feel your worry.” Holden lifts my chin. “Want to talk?”
“No.” I give him a soft smile. “Thank you though.”