Page 40 of Sophia, Property of Tracker

He leans in and smashes his lips to mine, keeping me hostage as his other hand rests on the back of my head. He runs his mouth from my lips to my cheek and back again, ensuring he spreads the oil all over my mouth and face. Laughter fills the table, and I begin to laugh as well.

Ryan pulls back and laughs with me. “I’ll wash you up later,” he teases, and his eyes hold a promise.

Oh, God. It’s been too long since I’ve had him inside me.

The table is filled with light conversation, and after everyone is done, I help Jasmine with the dishes and head into the clubhouse for the first time.

With dirty plates in my hand, I stall and can’t help but take it all in. It’s cleaner than I thought it would be. Music is playing in the background. The whole area is dark as the windows are covered with some sort of film, but with the lights on, I can see there are couches around with a pool table to the left of the room with stools. Tables and chairs are scattered around, and kids are running playing hide and seek. It all feels like a home rather than a clubhouse.

“Over here,” I hear Jasmine say, and I follow her behind the bar and into the kitchen.

“Where do you want me to place these?”

“I’ll just get a garbage bag.”

Jasmine opens a cupboard under the sink and grabs a large garbage bag. “Here.” She opens it up, and I throw the plastic plates in there. She moves the bag to the side, and then some other women enter the kitchen with plates as well.

“That noodle salad was delicious, Tess. You’ll have to give me the recipe,” Luisa says.

Looking up, I smile at Tess and the others.

“Sophia, I’m so glad you’re here. We were beginning to think you were a myth,” Luisa says.

“Yeah, I’m glad I’m here too. I’ve heard so much about you all.”

“All good, I hope,” Tess says, opening the garbage bag and placing some more plates in there. She’s wearing a white T-shirt and black jeans. Her arms are full of tattoos, and I remember that she’s the one who owns the tattoo parlor.

“I love your tattoos. Did you do them yourself?”

“Some, yes. However I got my friend, Jeff, to do the rest.”

“Tess is amazing at what she does. Tess, you’ll have to take her to Ink Me and show her around,” Lexi explains, placing plates in the garbage bag.

“So, I hear Tracker is taking you away for a few days. Any idea where you’re going?”

I lean back against the bench and shrug. “Nope. He won’t tell me where just that I’ll need a bathing suit.”

“Oh, I would die to have a few days away, wouldn’t you, Jazz? Just adults and no kids.”

“I forgot what that feels like,” Jasmine says back to Luisa.

“Well, if you ever need a babysitter, Ryan and I can look after the kids.”

Luisa looks at Jasmine, and they both cry out in laughter.

“What’s so funny?” I ask.

“Sorry, Sophia, we didn’t mean to laugh. But you have no idea how crazy our kids are, especially when they’re together.”

“Oh, I’m sure we can handle it. I mean, how bad can it get?”

“Pretty damn bad,” Luisa answers, giggling. “But I’m happy for you and Tracker to give it a try. When do you go away?”

“I’m not sure. I’ll have to ask Ryan.”

“Ryan?” Lexi says. “Oh, that’s right, it’s Tracker’s name. You know, Sophia…” she steps closer and holds my hands, and I look down at them, then back up at Lexi, “… I owe a lot to Tracker. He helped me when I needed him the most. I owe my life to Tracker.”

Lexi’s eyes fill with tears, and I swallow hard at the intimate moment.

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