Page 28 of Rhett

Sofia beams at me. “I'm so glad you like it.”

As we eat, we fall into easy conversation, catching up on the past couple days. I tell her more about my shift and she fills me in on her day with the kids at school. I love listening to her talk about her students—her whole face lights up when she describes their antics and accomplishments.

“Oh, and Zoe asked about you today,” Sofia says with a grin. “She wanted to know when 'Mr. Rhett the firefighter' was coming to visit.”

I chuckle. “Aw, that's cute. Sounds like I made quite an impression.” Grabbing my phone, I show her where we hung up the pictures from her kids.

“You certainly did, and that is so sweet. I’ll have to tell them that you hung them up,” Sofia says softly, her eyes warm as she looks at me. “You know, you made quite an impression on me.”

I reach across the table to take her hand, running my thumb over her knuckles. “Well, you've made quite an impression on me too.”

We finish dinner, chatting and laughing together. After we're done eating, I insist on helping Sofia clean up. As we stand side by side at the sink, washing and drying dishes, I'm struck by how domestic and comfortable it feels. I could definitely get used to this.

Once everything is cleaned up, Sofia turns to me with a shy smile. “So, um, do you want to watch a movie or something?”

I pull her close, wrapping my arms around her waist. “A movie sounds good. But first...” I lean down and capture her lips in a slow, deep kiss.

Sofia melts against me, her arms coming up to wrap around my neck. I let my hands wander down to her hips, pulling her flush against me. When we finally break apart, we're both breathing heavily.

“Or we could skip the movie,” Sofia suggests, her blue eyes dark with desire.

16

Sofia

My leg bounces as Rhett and I head toward Ruby’s. It’s a bar Marchy owns with his brothers. All the firemen who work with Rhett hang out there. Sure, I’ve met them all, but this is the first time I’ve hung out with them since we became a couple.

A month has gone by and things have been amazing. I didn’t think I was a very sexual person, but with him I can’t seem to get enough. That’s honestly why it’s taken Rhett so long to take me to really get to know his friends. We’ve spent a lot of time getting to know each other and our bodies.

He’s gotten really acquainted with my body, more so than anyone ever has. I honestly didn’t know it was possible to have multiple orgasms, but I freaking love it. My vibrators probably think I’ve forgotten about them.

As we pull up to Ruby's, Rhett reaches over and takes my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “You okay, baby? You seem nervous.”

I take a deep breath and nod. “I am, but just a little. I want them to like me,” I worry, fighting the urge to bite at my fingernails.

Rhett brings my hand to his lips, kissing my knuckles. “They're going to love you, I promise. You've already met them all anyway, remember?”

“I know, but this feels different somehow. More official,” I admit.

He chuckles softly. “Well, you are my girlfriend, and we’ve been a little busy for you to meet them before now. But seriously, don't worry. They already think you're great.”

We head inside and I'm immediately struck by the warm, cozy atmosphere. The bar has a rustic feel with lots of dark wood and low lighting. I spot Rhett's friends gathered at a large table near the back.

“Hey, Hollywood!” Marchy shouts from their table. “You finally let her up for air.” They laugh and I do too.

All his brothers throw out a chorus of, “Hey, Sofia.”

“Hey, boys,” I say and take a seat at the end. Rhett sitting right next to me. I smile at him as he wraps an arm around my shoulders.

While the guys talk, I glance around the bar and notice there are a lot of women here in tiny dresses, and they’re looking at me with scowls on their beautiful faces. Are they the type of women Rhett used to go for before?

I suddenly feel very self-conscious, but I try to ignore it. He wouldn’t lie and tell me I’m beautiful if he didn’t believe it. Leaning forward, I grab my glass of wine and take a healthy swallow. Even with my back to them, I can still feel their gaze.

Rhett must notice my discomfort, because he leans in close and whispers, “You okay?”

I nod and give him a small smile. One I hope he believes. “Yeah, I'm fine.” I don't want to bother him with my insecurities. An insecure woman is not attractive, or at least that is what the voice in my head says.

He doesn't look entirely convinced but turns back to the conversation. I try to focus on what the guys are saying, laughing along with their jokes and stories. They really are a great group of guys, and they make an effort to include me in the conversation.

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