Page 86 of Play Dirty
This is her home now. Here with me. It’s not official, but actions speak louder than words, so I have to have faith that this is where she wants to be. And who she wants to be with. If she wanted to be with Barracuda, why would she have even started anything with me? She met him before we slept together or started dating, so she had that option… and chose me anyway.
She choseme.
I’ve been reminding myself of that for two days.
I hear steps on the stairs but refrain from going to greet her.
I need her to come to me. Gauge her reaction. Watch her face.
Gabe was right that I knew Brenna was unhappy and I’ll know if Stevie is hiding something too—this time my eyes are wide open when it comes to the woman in my life.
“Are you awake?” she whispers, coming into the bedroom.
The only light is a dim table lamp on the nightstand, and I nod. “Welcome home.”
“Hi!” She drops her purse and practically vaults across the room, throwing herself on the bed and immediately curling into my arms. “I missed you so much.”
“I missed you too, baby.” My arms close around her.
She missed me.
“It’s so good to be back. I hated sleeping without you.”
“I haven’t slept all that well myself,” I admit gruffly.
“Are you okay?” She must hear something in my voice because she lifts her head to look at me. “Is it the kids? Did something happen with Brenna?”
I shake my head.
Her first thought is of the kids.
How can I think she’s cheating on me?
“No, I just…”
Do I owe her the truth? An honest baring of my soul to admit my insecurities?
I never pushed it with Brenna, opting to let her work out whatever it was.
So she found solace or comfort or companionship—whatever she called it—with someone else. I refuse to make that mistake again.
“What?” she asks, her blue eyes filled with worry. “Tell me. Whatever it is, we’ll work it out.”
I sigh.
Maybe a picture will be more effective because I’m having a hell of a time coming up with words to express myself.
I reach for my phone and pull up the picture of her in Barracuda’s arms.
“I might be the jealous type,” I say quietly, handing her the phone.
She looks down and frowns.
And then her eyes widen.
“Oh! Marty, no! I would never… that’s not…shit. I’m so sorry.” She immediately hugs me, holding me tightly. “I would never do that to you. Never ever, not for any reason. After what Brenna did? Please tell me you didn’t really believe I would do that to you?”
“No.” I stroke my hand down her back. “But I’ll admit it crossed my mind.”
