It was tradition. Every year, the guys who couldn't go home would gather at the soccer house for a massive Thanksgiving feast. It used to be just us the team, but this year, Aaron had extended the invitation to all the girlfriends too.
Including Rosie.
"You're overthinking this," Max said as we set up tables in the backyard. "Aaron invited her. He wants her here."
"I know. But this is the first time we'll all be together socially since... forever." I adjusted a chair that didn't need adjusting. "What if it's weird?"
"It'll be a little weird. And then it won't be." Max clapped me on the shoulder. "Relax. Today's about being grateful for whatwe have. And you have a lot to be grateful for. And the celebration party was already fine. You’re all fine."
He was right. I did.
The doorbell started ringing as people arrived. Everyone brought something and the house slowly started to fill with people and music started playing in the background.
My eyes stayed glued to the door, and I watched everyone come in.
Nova and Maddox came together, though they were still insisting they were "just friends." Liam brought Brooklyn, Alfie brought Paige, and Max's parents even drove up to join us.
And then Rosie arrived with Aaron.
She looked beautiful in a simple blue sweater dress, her hair down in waves. She caught my eye and smiled, and some of the tension in my chest eased immediately.
"Hey," she said when she made her way to me and reached to wrap her arms around me. "Is this okay?" She stopped mid-hug, asking if it was okay to be openly affectionate.
"More than okay." I pulled her into a tight squeeze of a hug and kissed the top of her head. "You look amazing."
"You're biased."
"Extremely." I kissed her lips gently, aware that Aaron was watching but no longer caring.
Rosie grinned at me, us both ignoring her brother’s stare as she kissed my nose. “So no more hiding.”
“No more hiding,” I said, patting her on her backside and making her laugh.
“But you just enjoy playing with fire, don’t you?” she teased, pressing her body to mine.
“Don’t tempt me, Thorn,” I groaned into her ears. “I need to prepare for a weekend away from you. It’s a dangerous combination.”
Her fingers sunk into my hair and she pulled me down toher eye level, before resting her forehead against mine. “You can do it.”
“And here I thought you were going to offer me something dirty after dinner…” I pouted.
“Hey, love birds!” Maddox walked by. “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should undress each other with your stare and eyefuck each other.”
Rosie’s cheeks heated and she buried her face in my shoulder as I laughed. “Don’t embarrass my girlfriend, bro.”
“Sorry, forgot she still thinks she can fool everyone with her good girl act,” Maddox grinned and Rosalie lifted her head giving him a death glare.
“Don’t you have anywhere else to be?”
“No,” Maddox replied sweetly. “Because dinner is about to be served, if you guys are done being all lovey-doey.”
“Not even close,” Rosie fired back with a grin, but stepped away from me. “But I’m hungry.”
Silent laughter shook my body as I loved seeing her stand her ground against my best friend. It was funny.
“Proud of you, Thorn,” I kissed her cheek when Maddox turned to walk towards the table that slowly filled with people.
Rosie winked at me and placing her hand in mine, we joined the others.
