The One (Coming Home To The Grove 3)

But instead of talking, I get lost in thought. Brody turned the woman down. He’s great about letting them know he’s off limits, so I know I really don’t have the right to be mad, but the way he blushes and sometimes watches the women he sends packing walk away makes me wonder if he feels like marrying me was a mistake. He’d said we were young when we got married, but it sounded like he’d meant too young with the way he’d verbally stressed the word young.

Looking around at the men enjoying being worshipped by women, I can’t help but think that Brody probably wishes he could get in on all the false worship and endless meaningless sex his teammates are enjoying.

It sure seems like it got to Kaden when he was in Brody’s shoes.BrodyI can tell that Rose’s mood is low. It’s no wonder with the guys acting like total dogs all night and the woman with the rude comment.

I lean in close to her. “Dance with me.”

She allows me to pull her to an empty spot on the dance floor, but it isn’t long before we’re surrounded by people. There are women that rub up against me, whether by accident or on purpose, I’m not sure. Each time, I can feel Rose tense in my arms. I wanted to dance with her to try and boost her mood, but she’s just not into it. “Can we just get out of here?” she asks.

Normally, I would try to stay later, but tonight I can tell she’s had enough. I kiss her on the forehead. “Sure, honey. Let’s go.”

We pass the table with Kyle and a few of the other guys. “We’re done for the night. We’re going back to the hotel,” I tell them. I just shake my head at all their teasing about me being whipped. They can say or think what they want. I get to go home, or rather the hotel, with my wife.

We only get a few feet from the table when Rose turns to me. “Did you want to stay?”

It’s by the look on her face that I know she’s feeling neglected. I can’t blame her. I’ve been thinking about work around the clock.

I put my arm around her shoulder and usher her out the entrance, ignoring the people that recognize me and try to get my attention. We wait for the valet to bring my car around, and I lean in to whisper to her. “I didn’t want to stay as long as the guys did because you look so hot in your new dress. I’ve just been thinking about taking you home and stripping you down to your birthday suit.”

Rose smiles and leans into me, but it’s clear by the look on her face she’s not convinced.

The ride home, she’s quiet, and no matter what I do to try and start a conversation, she seems to be distracted. But that doesn’t stop me from touching her. My hand on her thigh, I hold on to her. At first, I was worried about the possessiveness I feel for her. When she’s around, I always have to be touching her. It’s like it brings a peace to me that I’ve never felt.

I give my car to the valet, and Rose and I ride up the elevator in silence. When we get to the room, I grab her and pin her against the wall just inside the door and begin slowly undressing her, following my hands with my lips before taking her to the bedroom.

She stops me before I can lay her down on the bed. “Brody, wait.”

Already breathless, I ask her, “What is it?”

“Are you happy with me? I mean, are you happy we’re married?”

I pull back, unable to hide my surprise. “What are you talking about? You have to know how happy you make me. I love you, Rose.”

But my words don’t soothe her. “I love you, too. And that’s why I have to know. Seeing your friends tonight… I have to wonder if that’s what you want too. Do you think we married too young?”

I shake my head. “It doesn’t matter how old we were. I knew that I didn’t want to go another day without you being my wife. And trust me, there’s nothing they have that I want. How could I? When I have you. None of this… baseball, the team, none of it means anything to me without you.”

But looking into her eyes, I can tell that she still is hesitant and unsure. I have to make her understand what she means to me. And the only way I know how to do that is to show her. I cup her cheek with my hand and look into her eyes. Instead of the usual confidence and love shining there, I see insecurity. “Let me show you, honey.”