Page 21 of The Bride's Desire

“Later, please. I just want to lay down.”

He looked so frustrated, but she didn’t know what to say to him and hoped he’d give her some time to start making plans.

Chapter Twelve

Joe watched her go and cursed several times. Something was really wrong with this picture, and he needed to know what it was. The things coming out of her mouth were so opposite to what he felt, it made him sick.

Where the hell did she get the idea that he didn’t want her? Images of the last few times they talked raced through his head. He didn’t have a lot of experience with women, but looking back, he could see how she’d taken some of the things he said wrong. Now, he just had to figure out what to do.

His phone rang as he was headed outside.

“Hello, Mother.”

“Hello, dear. How is everything going?”

“Not great. We’re not communicating very well, and I think I’ve hurt her feelings a few times.”

“Of course you did. Men are obtuse when it comes to feelings.”

“Wow, thanks, Mom.”

“Well, it’s the truth. I’d like to come out and meet Naomi face-to-face. Would tonight be okay?”

“I don’t know … she’s not feeling great right now.”

“Oh, why?”

“I think she overdoes it sometimes and gets worn out.”

“I promise I won’t stay long.”

“Fine. Come out around three. It’s before dinner.”

“Someday, I’d like to stay a bit.”

“And you can. I’m still getting her used to me.”

There was a silence. “Besides miscommunication, are there other things you’re having problems with?”

He had no idea, but he got the feeling his mother was either trying to find out information or had some he didn’t know.

“Can we talk about this later? I want to check on herbefore I go outside.”

“Now, that’s the way I raised you. Taking care of the woman in your life.”

“I know, Mom. I’ll see you soon.”

“All right.”

He walked up the steps to hear her moving around in her room, and he knocked. He heard her scramble around before she opened the door a few inches.

“Is everything okay?” he asked and tried to see in the room.

“Yes, of course.”

“Can I come in?”

She looked behind her and then nodded. “Yes.”

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