“I know.” He teases, then kisses the top of my head. “I love you too, Soph. Today was a huge success. You did a great job with the party and even better getting Holden here and having a good time.”
I glow from his approval. I survive another hour, but I just can’t hang anymore. Neither can Holden. I see it in his eyes. Even Valerie looks beat, despite the fact she’s just gotten in the swing of things recently.
We head downstairs, but Nick and Gunner are still going strong. I kiss Holden, but can’t quite drag myself away after one. We make out outside my room, clinging to one another.
“Soon,” I promise. “I’ll sneak into your bed, babe.” Another kiss. “And give you the present you want.” Another kiss.
“Or tomorrow.” He groans, licking into my mouth again. I pant and feast on his mouth. He presses me to the door. “When we’re rested.” Another kiss, since I can’t stop myself. “And ready.”
“I’m always ready for you.” I promise.
“Tomorrow, baby.” He stands up all the way, so I can’t reach his lips. He cups my face in his hands. “I love you and you need some sleep. Enjoy it.”
I nod, giving in. He gives me a chaste kiss and heads away. I change as soon as I get into my room, not worried about Valerie seeing me. Once I have on P.J.s I join her in bed. It doesn’t matter that we have plenty of guest rooms, she’s all mine tonight.
We lay in bed, facing each other. Valerie grins. “I know I gave you shit earlier, but you really are cute with Holden.”
I kick my feet a little with excitement. “I love them so much.”
“It’s so obvious. Honestly, I already hear wedding bells.”
“No way.” Despite how on point that is, I’m still reminding myself it’s crazy.
“Oh come on, you already live with them. Is there a place where you can actually marry all four of them? Fuck it – have them buy an island in the ocean that’s not owned by any country and go for it.”
I laugh and nudge her. “I saw you talking with Lief.”
“He’s not terrible. He has a lot of facts. Really stand-offish though until he starts drinking.” She muses. “At least he was better than Hunter. He hit on me non-stop. And it was the hitting on me with compliments for himself that ruined it. So arrogant.”
“Glad my men aren’t like that.”
“Oh, shut up. You know Gunner is.”
I wiggle closer. “He’s such a softie under that. He’s got good jokes and plenty of ego, but he’s good to me, Valerie. The more he trusted me, the more he’s shared and we’ve done outside of sex.”
“I still can’t picture four guys and … you. I’ve seen it in porn, don’t get me wrong, it’s just … it seems like it’s a one-time thing, not a relationship.”
I tell her all about our group dates, our one-on-one time, and the way we balance things while working together. It’s not easy all the time, but it’s worth it. Because I love them because they make every day exciting and better. I realize I’m gushing and push my face into the pillow.
She laughs. “You’re so cute. I know you love them.”
“But there are no wedding bells.”
“Please.” She rolls her eyes. “You’ve never done things the normal way. If you did, you wouldn’t be with them, wouldn’t be living here, and definitely wouldn’t be friends with me. Embrace it. That’s who you are, Soph. And it’s totally lovable and amazing.”
She yawns and we hold hands as we fall asleep. I might just have to take her advice.
HOLDEN
In the morning, I wake up to Sophie climbing into bed with me. She snuggles against my side and kisses along my neck. “It’s tomorrow now.”
I roll, using her as a pillow, and shake my head. “Too early.”
“But-”
“Too. Early.” I repeat, patting her hip. “Stay right here. Let me use you as a teddy bear.”
She runs her fingers through my hair and I’m back to sleep without a trace of nightmares, worry, anything at all. I dream of nice fields of grass, tickling my face, happy people at a park, a sunset that makes everyone look warm and safe.