“I didn’t say it to get pampered.”
“Too bad.” Gunner rubs an ice cube around my nipple.
I squirm away from it. It’s too intense. Once he gives me one of his well-loved t-shirts and sits behind me, massaging my shoulders, I calm. Roman kisses me instead of giving me another bite of food and Nick does the same. Holden nips my big toe, making me giggle.
“Is this married life?” I ask playfully.
“With us it is.” Gunner promises. “We’re not just going to change because we said some pretty words.”
“Pretty words that we meant, Bambina,” Roman promises me.
“Absolutely,” Holden says. “We meant every word and we’ll mean it forever.”
I look to Nick and he motions to the balcony. “Painting is just the beginning.”
I bask in their love and obvious affection for another ten minutes until the door is knocked on. Roman gets up and Nick cuddles me, laying his head on my chest. “How are you feeling, Soph?”
“Well, I’m still sore in some areas, but I’ve forgotten all about that.” I kiss the top of his head and give him a squeeze.
“Damn good to hear.” Gunner says, still working my shoulders until I’m just a puddle of pleased goo.
Holden moves, taking one of my hands to massage that instead of my feet. When I look away from him after he kisses each of my fingertips, I see Valerie, with an eyebrow raised. “So, this is why you’re all tucked away?”
Roman sits by my feet and rubs my calves until I groan. My eyes flutter a little and I remind myself I was asked a question. Before I can respond, Gunner does. “How was your night, Valerie?”
She sputters, then collects herself. “You have some guests about to leave and more than one person has asked if they’re going to get to see you today.”
I groan, but get around and get ready, just like my guys do. We head to the lobby and I try to pretend no one can see the obvious bite marks on my neck. Gunner’s dad sweeps me up and into a hug. “You’re so good for him, Sophie. I’ve never seen him so responsible and grown up.”
I smile, laugh with him and squeeze his hands. His mom cups my face between her hands. “If he gets on your nerves, just put him in time out. It’s always worked for me” She chuckles.
Gunner huffs. “I don’t think that would get me to behave.” He winks.
“Depends on the time out,” I say with an eyebrow raised.
He narrows his eyes at me. “You’re fishing for something you’re not going to like, sweets.”
His parents laugh and then his sisters both hug me. “Please say you guys are coming for Halloween or Thanksgiving or something. We can’t go forever without seeing you again.”
“You’re such a good dancer too! We’ll have someone to go out with!” The other says. “Don’t let Gunner and the guys eat up all your time.”
I look to Gunner and he nods. “We’ll visit for thanksgiving.”
“You promise?” One asks, narrowing her eyes.
Gunner offers her his pinky and she links hers tightly. “No taking it back!”
They cheer and hug him before I’m dragged away to say goodbye to Nick’s parents, promising them Christmas.
His father pats the top of my head awkwardly. “Welcome to the family, Sophie.”
“We’re thrilled to have you,” Loretta says with a wide smile before crushing me against her large chest. “I look forward to a lot more art to hang up around the house.”
I promise and Nick rubs my suddenly sore back before I’m bounced to Aaron, Holden’s brother. They’re having a quiet conversation and I wonder if anyone in their family can hold a candle to the excitement of Gunner’s.
I shake Aaron’s hand. “I’m really glad you came. It means a lot to me.”
He smiles. “Honestly, I didn’t believe it when I was told that Hold here was going to be part of a group, but now it makes total sense. You all are good together.”