Page 52 of Spoiled by Daddy's 4 Dirty Friends

She rubs her stomach. “Eew.”

Gunner looks at me as he hands her a bottle of water. “Anything?”

“No, but we got different rolls. Didn’t you get the salmon?” I ask.

She nods. “You got eel and crab.”

She heaves again, but nothing comes out. Groaning she takes the medicine that Gunner offers her – a bold choice considering she doesn’t ask what it is – then presses her forehead against the porcelain tub.

Gunner pushes me out of the bathroom and looks me over. “That’s a good place, right?”

“Yeah, they haven’t had any reports of recalls or anything,” I assure him while rubbing my jaw. I raise my voice. “Soph, is this the first time you’ve been sick since we’ve been back?”

“I was a little nauseous yesterday, but that’s it. It went away really fast once I ate.” She calls back.

“Where’s your head at?” Gunner asks, then snorts and goes to take care of her again.

It’s probably just the change in food. French cooking versus here is different, and I think this is the first big meal we’ve had that either she or Roman hasn’t made. It’ll pass.

SOPHIE

Iroll out my neck because it’s still sore after yesterday’sfunpost-sushi experience. I’ve never gotten sick like that from any food. It was like my stomach was actually trying to jump out of my body.

But I get to work the next day. Holden checks on me a few times verbally, but I catch him glancing at me too. When we hit lunch, Holden gently lifts me and puts me on his lap, kissing my forehead.

“How are you feeling, sweetheart?”

“I’m okay.” I rest my head against his shoulder. “How’s being back for you? I haven’t asked.”

“I’m fine. I’m more worried about you.” He brushes my hair back from my face.

I wave it away. “I’m fine. Just a little bit of food poisoning.”

Holden kisses me again. “I’ll make you soup tonight.”

“You’re too sweet to me. I’m okay, babe.” I nuzzle his neck.

He pets my back slowly and we work all close together that day. I hold down the soup just fine and it’s delicious. I had no clue that Holden could cook. I savor every bite and find myself smiling. Roman comes home on time today, and cups my face between his hands.

I roll my eyes. “I’m alive. Being sick is a part of life.”

Roman kisses me hungrily, fingers sliding into my hair, and then I feel his exhale as he draws back. He studies me intently, then kisses me again. “No more sushi.”

“No more sushi … for a while.” I barter.

He shakes his head at me. “Lots of water. No alcohol for at least a week, only things that are soft on your stomach.”

His worry, just like Holden’s, makes me feel loved and valued. I kiss him gently and nip his bottom lip. All the guys worry over me for a solid week, but I don’t understand. People get sick. It’s a normal part of life. The flu, stomach bugs, food poisoning, it’s all normal, so I don’t understand why they’re so concerned.

But, honestly, considering I start spotting by the weekend, I’m sure it’s just PMSing. I don’t bother thinking about it again and two weeks later, once we’re all fully and completely caught up on work, I ask if I can invite Valerie.

Roman holds me on his lap. “She’s always welcome for the weekend.”

“I figure it would be nice to have a ‘home warming’ party of sorts. Maybe a potluck? That way we can really enjoy being back and get settled in as a married group.” I offer.

“I like the sound of a party.” Gunner agrees. “We can invite your parents, some friends who are already in town, keep it smaller than Holden’s birthday though.”

“My parents aren’t a requirement.” I hesitate.

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