Well I don’t feel sexy like this. That’s for damn sure. But Gunner looks me over slowly, drinking me in like I’m better than any drink he’s ever had. Roman sighs. “It’ll be another few minutes before we get the check.”
Holden raises his glass. “To the future – the one thing the past can’t touch.”
We clink glasses, and I finish my wine. We chat about nothing but our day until Nick slides out, excusing himself easily. Holden does the same, and then Roman goes to get the check. Gunner brushes his fingers through my hair.
“Happy?”
“Very.” I give him a soft smile. “Not a single complaint.”
“No?” He leans towards me and kisses me softly. He teases my lips with his tongue. I shiver and move against him, needing more contact. He grins when he draws back and looks at my hand on his chest. “I would think you’d have at least one.”
I take a breath, trying to catch myself, but Gunner, so close, so warm, and … I swallow. “No complaints, just … more wants.”
“You should whisper them in my ear. I’m all about giving you the best experience.” He nips my ear, and I smile, pull my hair back, and look into his eyes.
We’re in public. Sure, it’s a private room, but anyone could accidentally walk in. There’s no lock on the door, nothing keeping us from unwanted eyes other than a very thin curtain over the glass doors.
“The best, huh?” I ask softly, not sure what else to say.
Gunner licks my ear, then kisses and licks down my throat. He charts his path with soft bites that turn me on faster than any switch could. I shiver and turn to him, our noses brushing. He pushes my hair back from my face.
“It’s easy, Sophia.” He murmurs against my lips. Even that small contact sends sparks across my nerves. “You tell me to come to your room tonight, and I’ll be there. No questions, no hesitation.”
“Just like that?”
“That easy.”
I swallow but rub my nose against him. “I should play hard to get, shouldn’t I?”
“No.” He fists my hair and pulls, so all I see are his intense eyes. “No games. Just what you want.”
“Maybe.” I hedge.
He grins and kisses me again, stealing my mouth hungrily. Like he has to prove all he can offer me. His tongue fills my mouth, and I can’t resist the urge to suck it while massaging his with my own. He groans and drags me closer, nearly on his lap.
Then the door opens, and he releases me easily, one arm slung over my shoulder. “As I was saying. It’s easy.”
“What’s easy?” Nick asks. “Gunner? Everyone knows that.”
Gunner flips him off with a smile.
Nick nods to the side. “Holden is waiting at the entrance. Didn’t want to come back upstairs.”
“Roman?”
“Here.” He opens the door and nods towards the exit. “Let’s go.”
We head back, laughing and practically dancing over the cobblestones. Well, I’m practically dancing. Today has been amazing. Being with the guys so openly, even if it’s been almost appropriate because we’ve been out and about, has been liberating.
Roman sees Massimo and politely kisses me on the cheek. “Good night, Bambina. Brush up on some Italian for tomorrow.”
“Sure.” I laugh a little, and he beams at me.
I prefer his way of teaching me. Letting me taste his tongue after each lesson and teaching me all the very best things to say, alongside normal basic conversation. But I could pull out that language learning app and see if there’s a section on wine.
Holden squeezes my hand. “Today was fun.”
“We should do it again sometime.” I squeeze his back.
He heads to his room, and Nick gently kisses my forehead. I rub his arm. “Remember, you’re not a bodyguard. Tomorrow is all fun.”
“We’ll see.” He shrugs.
Gunner leans on my doorframe with a wicked smile and a toothpick in his mouth. “Do you have your answer for me yet, sweets?”
I open the door and motion for him to go in. He stares at me still, not moving, not even looking at the door. “An answer, Sophia. Verbal.”
Biting my lip, I close the space between us and rub over his white t-shirt. “Let’s have a … a coffee together, Gunner.”
“Absolutely.”
I shut the door behind us and plan to make coffee, to talk to him, to get to know the man that seems impervious to fear or anger. Everything is bright and easy for him, or at least, he makes it look that way.
But I’ve noticed things. Anytime that we start talking seriously, he deflects with humor. Distracting, well-timed humor, but humor all the same. Gunner pours himself a drink – definitely not coffee – while I make my own decaf.
“So, Gunner.”
“Sophia.” He murmurs.
I get into bed and lay on my stomach. He sits near me and rubs down my back, playing with the hem of my dress, fingers teasing my thighs. I shake my head. Stay focused—plenty of time for all those lusty thoughts to be acted on.
I sip my coffee. “Before I came around, what did you do with your free time?”
“The same thing I do now when I’m not with you.” He shrugs. “Drink, watch movies … on holidays, I …” He trails off. “I go down to the homeless shelter and give out food.”
I turn and look at him. So out of left field, I don’t know what to do with that information. He nods. “I know more than one guy who’s ended up there after being in combat. I donate plenty, but it doesn’t always feel like enough.”
I put my cup down and lean my head on his shoulder. “That’s the sweetest thing you’ve said yet.”
“Sweeter than the flowers?”
“Yeah. I mean … flowers are romantic, but you’re giving up your time selflessly, and without looking for a pat on the back. That’s a serious turn-on.”
“Well, now I fucking expect one.” He smirks at me then takes a sip.
I glance at his drink. “No cigar?” I pick up my cup and take another sip.
“Rude to smoke in another person’s house. I can go a bit without. I’m not a complete heathen.” He brushes his thick fingers through my hair. “I don’t have an addictive personality.”
“Oh?” I let out a little laugh.
“You seem to be the only exception to that.” He mutters, a strange look on his face. He shakes it off and sets his drink to the side before taking my coffee from me. “Want me to prove it?”
I bite my lip and nod. “Prove it, Gunner.”