“No, amore. It’s from Holden.” I kiss him square on the mouth. “About later.”
His eyes glint dangerously. “Later?”
“Mmhmm. He was very romantic this morning. Also.” I turn and raise my voice so our whole table can hear. “Any more exes that may come into the picture that I need to worry about? I’m starting to think Nick needs to teach me more than self-defense.”
My husbands consider that and shake their heads slowly. Gunner holds a finger up. “To be fair though, we weren’t expecting Holden’s ex to make an appearance.”
With that, we get champagne poured for us and Nick points out the Eiffel tower before Gunner can miss it. I don’t know why he’s so eager when it comes to that specific landmark, but he focuses entirely on it and a slow, mystified smile turns up his face.
“He’s never been here.” Roman says softly in my ear. “It’s a first for him and Holden.”
“I’m glad I get to share it.”
The food is amazing. The second we get the first course, I feel like I’m lost in flavor. I savor every bite even as Nick speed-eats. When Notre Dame appears though, I come to a complete stop to stare at it.
Seeing it in photos or in movies doesn’t compare to this. It’s massive and just as much a piece of art as the works in the Louvre. I gape at it as we move closer along the river and suddenly want to be inside. The history there, the dedication to each bit of the architecture, all of it is astounding.
“Sophie looks like she’s in love.” Holden teases.
“It’s so …”
Beautiful isn’t the right word. Magical doesn’t feel right. It’s a true temple, a labor of dedication, respect, and appreciation that I haven’t seen anywhere else I’ve been. Roman strokes along my back, but even his touch can’t distract me from the Cathedral.
“I think that fixes the lack of castles,” Holden says. “Sophie?”
I nod, but still can’t rip my gaze away. Mesmerizing. That’s the word. I want to see it up close, from every angle, even touch it to make sure it’s real. “Wow.”
The arches, the towers, all of it is glorious.
When we pass it, I shake my head. I didn’t even get a picture or a video. Gunner puts his phone down and winks at me. “I don’t mind being the tourist.”
Roman talks about places in Italy we should see next time if we’re going to commit to being tourists and Nick agrees, especially if it means doing another wine tour since he enjoyed that so much. I still remember us sneaking away among all the barrels of wine for some sexy time and my face heats again.
I’d love to travel the whole world with these four men, to see places I’d never think to visit, sights I’d never prioritize. After a meal that has me full and a tour that makes me twice as exited about seeing more of the country, we wander the streets until we get to Moulin Rouge. After a show that makes me laugh and wows me, we eat again and return to the hotel, satisfied and exhausted.
Gunner crashes on the couch, saying he just needs to shut his eyes for a little bit. Roman goes on the balcony to make a call and Nick gets through a shower, leaving Holden and me alone.
I take off my shoes, lay back on the bed, and relax with a smile. The bed dips slightly and I turn to find Holden crawling over me. He kisses the inside of my shoulder, along my neck and then nibbles my jaw.
“Are you happy, baby?” He asks.
I stroke over his face and lean up to kiss him slowly. His tongue waltzes with mine and I stroke over the back of his neck, feeling his tremble. Today has been so wonderful that happy doesn’t begin to cover it.
Tugging at Holden’s shirt, I pry it from his skin so I can feel the layers of muscle over his chest and abdomen. “I want you.”
“So greedy,” He teases, but tosses his shirt to the side. “How am I ever going to satisfy you fully?”
“I think you know how,” I tease him.
Holden kisses me again, slow and sweet. He draws out the moment until impatience threatens to get the best of me. I want to stroke every inch of him and feel him completely, without anything at all between us; no clothing, no space, just us.
I tug on my dress, edging it up my thighs so maybe he’ll tear it off me, but Holden takes his time, kissing across my throat and my shoulders while one of his hands tangles in my hair and the other strokes up my thigh.
“You’re so warm, Soph,” He purrs. “So soft.”
I groan and pull my whole dress off, tossing it to the side. When I start tugging at his button and zipper, Holden chuckles softly. “And so impatient.”
“I want you, Hold.” I pant. “Please?”