We keep partying and having fun. I see Valerie loosen up a little which is nice. She likes to observe when she doesn’t know many people. She gets a good grip on what’s going on, then she merges right in. She only needs to know one person and a little bit of patience and she’s having a blast in no time.
A lot like Holden. A slow song comes on when the sun sets and I offer him my hand. He takes it and joins me on the dance floor. He holds me close and I rub his arms.
“Remember when you saved me in Italy?” He stiffens in my arms and I rub him again. “It was so heroic. You took care of me, stayed with me, and made me feel good.”
He kisses my forehead. “And I’ll always do that, Sophie. You mean so much to me.”
“You guys are my world. I mean, I love having hobbies and time to myself, but without you guys, I’d go back to chasing whatever makes me feel best instead of making the best for me.”
“I love you, Soph.” He whispers, kissing me in that toe-curling way that sets my brain on fire.
I slide my arms around his neck and press as close as I possibly can. When he releases me, I sigh. “I love you so much too, Hold.”
I feel like there are stars bursting through me.
“Do you know how much I love you? Do I tell you enough? Do I tell you why?”
He presses his lips to my forehead. “I never feel unwanted or forgotten. I promise.”
After that dance, Roman takes me and spins me in a circle. My mom is finally dancing with my dad. They’re all cozy and giggling and teasing each other. Roman adjusts me in his arms and leads me in a simple tango.
It keeps us close together, but we’re still appropriate. Not that it changes the effect he has on me. I swear, I’m either deliriously in love or turned on whenever I’m around my guys. His nose brushes my temple.
“I’m going to crash soon.”
“I’m glad you were here and that I got some time with you this morning.” I admit, playing with his tank top. “Did you have fun?”
“Yes.”
He kisses me softly. “After this dance, I’ll slip out, but I couldn’t leave without having some of your attention, Bambina.”
“Well, you’re a delicious Italian man. I might need a bite before you leave.” I quote my mom badly.
He laughs, then smothers a yawn against my hair. “Maybe later, when I can return the favor.”
Our dance comes to an end and I kiss him softly before surrendering him. I dance with Nick next, then Gunner, Holden, and Nick again.
He dips me back and pulls me up into a kiss. I sigh and run my fingers through his thick hair. “I’ve always wanted to do that.”
“I can’t believe we haven’t until now.” He twirls me, then brings me back against his chest. “Have you had fun?”
“I liked our pick-up volleyball game.” I tease. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so competitive.”
“I played beach volleyball in high school.” He admits. “The fire to win is still there.”
“So we can play the next time we go to the beach. We’ll even have a sub for injuries.” I offer.
“Full of ideas and plans, aren’t you?”
“And not enough time.” I chew my bottom lip until Nick strokes his thumb across it. “We can always make time, sweetheart. I don’t think any of us can play volleyball all day.”
But I already feel exhaustion and my default of overthinking starts to slip in. Nick cradles me against him. “You’re exhausted aren’t you?”
“Between last night and today, I’m going to need to sleep all day tomorrow, but that’s not an option since I have to take Valerie to the airport.”
“You can nap as much as you’d like.” He offers. “I might even join you.”
I smile and kiss his neck. “I love you, Nick.”