Chapter 16

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.

After a while, I excuse myself to use the restroom. As I'm washing my hands, two women in tiny dresses come in, eyeing me in the mirror.

"So you're Rhett's new girl, huh?" one of them snarks, her tone not entirely friendly.

I nod, trying to keep my voice steady. "Yes, I am."

They exchange a catty look and then she turns it back to me. "Well, don't get too comfortable sweetie, he doesn't date."

"O-okay, thanks for the tip, I guess," I tell her and try to move around her, but she blocks me. "Can I get by please?"

"What is he doing with you anyway? Is he doing a favor for someone?" Her friend laughs snarkily as they look me up and down. "Maybe if he knows I'm here, he won't have to settle for you."

My eyes burn, but I try to hide it. I don't want them to know they hurt me. I quickly move around them and out of the bathroom. Their laughter can be heard from the hall. Fuck, this hurts and I just want to crawl in a hole.

I'm walking down the hall when I run into Marchy. "Hey, you all right?"

Before I can answer, the two women walk out of the bathroom and I freeze, looking down. They laugh as they walk by, but he surprises me by stopping them. "Macy, what did you say to her?"

"What is Rhett doing with her? Look at her." She signals to me, and I want nothing more than for the floor to swallow me up.

He looks at me, and then at them. "I want you two out of the bar. You bitches like to act like your shit don't stink. Spreading your misery far and wide. So get out and don't fucking come back."

"Your bar sucks anyway," she retorts before stomping down the hall. "Rhett, I hope you and the fat-ass will be very happy."

Rhett and the other guys all stand, and the vibe coming from them is pissed. Thankfully the girls are smart, and leave.

Too bad for me, a few tears escape. They all turn to look at me and I pray the floor swallows me out. "I… um… need to go. It was really nice hanging out with all of you, but I'm suddenly not feeling well."

I turn and hurry toward the exit, desperate to escape the embarrassment and pain of the situation. I can hear Rhett calling after me, but I don't stop.

Once outside, I take deep gulping breaths of the cool night air, trying to calm myself. Tears stream down my face as the cruel words of those women echo in my head. All my insecurities come rushing back full force.

"Sofia, wait!" Rhett catches up to me, gently grabbing my arm to stop me. "Baby, what happened? What did those women say to you?"

I shake my head, unable to meet his eyes. "It's nothing, I just want to go home."

"It's not nothing," Rhett states firmly. He cups my face in his hands, tilting my head up to look at him. "Please talk to me."

Tears well up in my eyes. "They just...they made it clear that I'm not your usual type. That you don't date, and I shouldn't get comfortable." I take a shaky breath.

Rhett's expression darkens as I recount what the women said. He pulls me into his arms, holding me tightly against his chest. "Baby, I'm so sorry they said those things to you. None of it is true."

I cling to him, burying my face in his shirt. "But they're so beautiful, and I'm...not. Maybe they're right and you're just settling."

Rhett pulls back, cupping my face in his hands and looking at me intently. "Sofia, listen to me. I am not settling. You are the most beautiful woman I've ever met, inside and out. Those women don't hold a candle to you."

His thumbs gently wipe away my tears. "It's true, I didn't used to date seriously. But that's because I never met anyone who made me want to, until you. You've changed everything for me, Sofia.

I look into Rhett's eyes, wanting desperately to believe him but still feeling uncertain. "But you don't date...they said..."

Rhett shakes his head firmly. "I didn't date before because I hadn't met the right person. But then I met you, Sofia. You're the one I want to be with."

His words make my heart flutter, but a small part of me is still afraid. "Are you sure? I mean, look at me compared to those women..."

"I am looking at you," Rhett says softly, his thumbs gently wiping away my tears. "And all I see is the amazing, beautiful woman I'm falling in love with."

My breath catches at his words. "You're...falling in love with me?"

Rhett smiles tenderly. "I am. I love you, Sofia. Those women mean nothing to me. You're everything to me."