I'm back yet again with another chapter! What can I say...AJ has been inspiring me lately and I can't stop writing! I love it that you guys are enjoying this story! It makes me beyond happy because I'm enjoying writing it! It does look like Rosie and AJ are going in the right direction...let's continue to see if that stands true!

Shoutout to my girls JustCherry73, wwechristina and GoldenGirl 1920 for your continued reviews, love and support! I love you ladies!

I don't own anyone affiliated with the WWE...I only own Rosie and the storyline.

Enjoy!

Rosalie POV

The following morning, I wake up to an empty room, but AJ's side of the bed is still warm, so that tells me he hasn't been gone long. And he's not in the bathroom because the room is dead silent.

Rolling over onto his side of the bed, I can't help but bury my face into AJ's pillow and take in his scent. It's something I've wanted to do for a long time and I mean a long time. His woodsy scent mixed with vanilla is intoxicating and my arousal hits me hard. A small whimper escapes me and I squirm in place, needing to find release. AJ has had this type of effect on me before, but nothing like this.

Not knowing how long AJ will be gone for, I grab my change of clothes and quickly make my way into the bathroom, locking the door behind me. I start to play with myself and drag my fingers through my essence, using it as a lubricant. Soon, my fingers begin to have a mind of their own, but I make believe they are AJ's as I rub my clit with small tight circles. I release a quiet gasp and quicken the pace of my fingers, breathing his name as his face consumes my mind. It's been so long since I've touched myself that I find release almost immediately.

Just as I come down from my high, the hotel door slams shut and my heart beings to pound in my chest. Almost feeling like I'm going to get caught by him and that's he's going to find out I just touched myself to the thought of him. I scramble to relieve myself and wash my hands. I quickly brush my teeth and get changed into my clothes for the day. I look at myself in the mirror and I like the way my hair looks, so I leave it be with a small smile. I'll put a little bit of hair product to it before leaving for the arena.

Leaving the bathroom, I deposit my clothes on my bag and I can already feel AJ's eyes on me before I turn in his direction. When I look at him he's sitting on the bed and holds a shy smile on his face. He looks so vulnerable because I know he is unsure right now with how things were left last night.

"Morning," I greet AJ quietly before grabbing my phone and sit at the desk, not knowing how to go about things myself. I'm still angry with him, but I just got myself off to the thought of him and now he's sitting there at the edge of the bed, smiling at me. He's confusing the hell out of me, that I don't even know how to react.

The AJ in front of me is the one I fell in love with, but then when something makes him angry or even the slightest bit annoyed, his attitude takes a 180 degree turn for the worst. But then there is what he told me last night that I'm not even suppose to know. That alone makes me want to not be angry at him because I know he meant every word…even if they weren't suppose to be heard.

"Morning, Rosie. I got us some coffee; I hope hazelnut flavoring is okay? I know that's what you usually get," AJ said, handing me one of the cups of coffee.

"Yeah…thank you," I reply quietly with a small nod, taking a sip of the coffee. My emotions suddenly get the best of me and I begin to cry. I almost drop the coffee, but I'm able to set it on the desk in time before my hands start shaking.

"Shit Rosie, what's wrong? Are you okay? The coffee didn't burn you, did it?" AJ asks back to back questions in a panic. He quickly gets to his feet to aid me and gets down onto his knees, placing a hand on my thigh. "Rosie, come on, sweetheart…talk to me," he says, gently rubbing his hand on my thigh before giving it a small squeeze.

Shaking my head, I look at him with defeated eyes, " I don't know what to do," I rasp out, wiping at my eyes.

"Go sit on the bed and I'll be right back," AJ orders me softly and gets to his feet before disappearing into the bathroom. Obeying his simple command, I sit at the foot of the bed and continue to try and wipe the tears away. When AJ reenters the room, he's holding the box of tissues and hands me one of them before sitting next to me on the bed. I quietly thank him before wiping at my nose.

"Talk to me, Rosie. What do you mean you don't know what to do?" He says, putting his full attention on me. I can tell he wants to make some sort of physical contact with me, but is afraid to do so.

Sniffling, I reply, "I heard everything you said last night," I whisper, looking up into his eyes and I can see the terrified look on his face because I know I wasn't suppose to hear any of it. "I heard everything and I don't know what to do because I like you, a lot. I have for a long time, but you've also hurt me…so much, when I've done nothing to deserve it. Two months ago, I told you I missed you and you laughed in my face and then there are the little things, like where you remembered my favorite coffee creamer.

"I was afraid to face you last night because of you losing your match…I didn't know what version of AJ I was going to get, but then you whispered all of those things to me when you though I was asleep. I don't know what to do because I love you and I want to give you a chance, but I'm afraid of getting hurt. I'm afraid you'll change your mind.

"You just got done dealing with a nasty divorce after 24 years of marriage and I don't want to be your rebound girl," I continue to rant, giving him every excuse in the book and suddenly his lips are on mine.

I press my hand onto his chest and try to push him away, but AJ grabs onto it, halting my movements. I can feel his free hand thread through my hair while his thumb gently caresses my cheek as he deepens the kiss. I whimper into it, prying my hand from his and grab onto his shirt, pulling him in closer.

There is an electrical charge in the air between us and it has me gasping in surprise. AJ takes full advantage and slips his tongue into my mouth. I can taste the flavor that is uniquely his mixed with the coffee, until breathing becomes a necessity, causing me to end the kiss.

I feel AJ rest his forehead against mine as we try to catch our breath. After a few moments, he presses a couple of soft short kisses to my lips before pulling back to look into my eyes. I can see the longing and want in them and it's directed right at me.

"I've been wantin' to do that for a while," he confesses quietly with a quick laugh paired by a genuine smile. "And I can promise you, you're no rebound, darlin'. I've wanted you for a while. You're one of the most amazin' people I've ever met and I'd hate it and myself if I lost you from my life because of my foolishness.

"During the worst parts of my marriage, I looked forward to seeing you because you were and you are the only one who kept me sane. You always make me laugh…put a smile on my face. You never gave up on me when I wanted to give up on myself," AJ tells me quietly.

I search his eyes, looking for any false pretenses and I find none. I want to believe him…so bad, but how he's treated me since coming back…that is what makes it hard to trust him.

"I…I want to believe you. It's just…"I say, letting my sentence die before I look down at my hands and begin playing with my fingers. AJ's much larger hand covers both of mine and gives them a gentle squeeze. The action causes me to look up at him and he wears an understanding smile on his handsome face.

"You can't. At least not completely. And it's alright, I get it. I don't blame you. If the roles were reversed, I'd tell myself to go to hell," AJ cracks a joke with a grin and I can't help, but giggle at his comment. "God, I love that sound. But I'm serious. Now that I have you…right here. I don't wanna let you go. We can go at your pace, darlin' and I'll try my best everyday to prove it to you that I'm worth takin' a chance on," he replies and pleads his case.

I stay silent for a moment or two and play with the ends of his long beautiful hair before tucking it behind his ear. Looking up into his blue eyes, I see the hopeful look shining in them. Providing AJ with a small smile, I nod my head and the large one that develops on his face makes me giggle once more.

I'm taken off guard when he captures my lips in another kiss that takes my breath away. "Thank you," he breathes, pressing another soft kiss to my lips.

"You're welcome. But there is one exception though," I tell AJ and he pulls back, looking down at me and I can already see his guard going back up. Oh boy, this is going to be a work in progress. I know it already.

"What?" He asks hesitantly.

"Mia. You gotta stop shutting her out. She misses you…so much. If you're going to let anyone back in that's not me…make it her. Please. Everyone else can be an 'in time'," I ask of him and the look in his eyes soften at the mention of Michin's name.

"I think I can handle that, but for right now I just wanna focus on you," AJ tells me and I smile widely at him. Bending my knee sideways onto the bed, I face towards AJ and wrap my hands around his neck, pulling him into a kiss.

"Thank you," I whisper, pressing another short and sweet kiss to his lips. "Now…" I say, getting up from the bed and reclaiming my now cold coffee, I take a sip of it and grab a few things from my bag. "I don't know what time you need to be back at the arena, but I have people to help make pretty and I still have to get ready myself," I tell AJ.

As I go to pass him to get into the bathroom, AJ gets to his feet and shoots an arm out, grabbing me from around the waist, pulling me to him. I look up at him in surprise, only to find him smiling down at me as I feel his fingers grip onto the back of my shirt along my lower back. He lowers his head down to mine and claims my mouth with his once more.

When he gently breaks the kiss, I look up at him through hazy eyes. "Sorry, darlin'. I'm not gonna be able to get enough of kissin' you," AJ tells me softly and I can't help but give him a goofy grin in return.

"You're too sweet, but I really need to get ready. Stop distracting me," I scold him playfully, stepping out of his hold and disappear into the bathroom.

AJ POV

You can't screw this up, Jones. You know you can't screw this up! I think to myself as I watch Rosie disappear into the bathroom to finish getting ready. She really is something else and knowing she never gave up on me after all of this time…it's making me fall her for harder.

I meant what I told her when I said she is who I look forward to seeing. I was miserable with Darcy towards the end and it took everything in me to not make any physical, romantic or sexual advances towards Rosalie because that's not who I am. I'm not one to be unfaithful and I wasn't going to start then. No matter how deep into my misery I was. No matter how badly I wanted her. I still do.

I also didn't miss when those 3 words left past her beautiful lips. While it makes me feel like a goddamn idiotic fool for puttin' her through the hell that I have been…it also let's me know I have someone amazing waiting for me, wanting me…even though I was, well am a jackass. She saw through it all and this morning put her and I on the right path…our path and I refuse to let anything jeopardize that. Even myself. Although, I'm sure I'll find a way to unintentionally fuck it up; but I'm going to try my damndest not to do so. I may not love her like she loves me at the moment, but I'm pretty goddamn close to it. She makes it impossible not to. She keeps up the route she's going…I have no damn doubt that I'll fall in love with her a hell of a lot sooner rather than later.

I'm so lost in thought, I don't realize that Rosie left the bathroom until I feel the bed dip behind me and small hands find their way onto my shoulders. She begins to knead the tight muscles around my shoulder blades, working her way into my neck and I groan out happily at how good it feels.

My head falls forward as Rosie continues to work into my neck and her quiet laughter fills the room. "You need to keep your head up," she tells me and reaches around, pushing my head back up via my chin, but I change course and turn my head towards Rosie's and catch her by surprise when I capture her lip with mine.

Rosie releasing a quiet moan into the kiss encourages me to deepen it, but she beats me to the punch when I feel her fingers caress my thick beard before gripping onto my jaw, pulling me in closer. I grumble in contentment and turn my body towards Rosie's, pulling her in closer. I sneak my hand around her waist and make sure her body is flush against mine. I know I'm moving fast, but I just can't get enough of the beauty in my arms…now that I have her.

I feel Rosie straddle one of my thighs as she presses herself closer into me and I quietly growl out with satisfaction at the new positioning. The tension between us is so thick, I want so badly to just flip Rosie onto her back, but I also don't want to destroy what progress she and I had made this morning. So…I regrettably end the kiss. I rest my forehead against hers as we try to catch our breath and I cup the back of Rosie's head, pressing one more gentle kiss to her lips.

"Believe me when I say, I didn't wanna stop, but I promised you we would go at your pace. And I meant that. You mean a lot to me, Rosalie and I don't want to ruin that by pushin' you away," I tell her softly.

Rosie cups my face and presses a chaste kiss to me. "Thank you," she breathes, pressing another kiss to my lips. After the kiss ends, I continue a trail down Rosie's jaw and work my way to the side of her neck, keeping my focus there. I can tell she likes it due to the little gasps that escape her as she breathes my name. Her fingers thread through my hair, holding me in place, but a sudden loud 'shit' echos through the quiet hotel room. "AJ! The time…we gotta go!" Rosie cries out, pulling me off of her as she climbs off my lap.

I look up at her in pained disbelief. She was literally just straddling my lap as my lips were attached to her neck and now I'm all hot and bothered, but my lust induced haze disappears when I see the panicked look on her face.

I watch as Rosie scrambles around the room, turning herself into a flustered mess. Getting to my feet, I reach out and halt her movements, forcing her to put her focus onto me. "Rosie, baby…breathe. Calm down. I'll get you to the arena on time…I promise. If you're late, I'll take the blame," I tell her, but I can still see the distressed look on her face. "I know it's a lot to ask, but just trust me," I tell her and after a few moments of deliberation, Rosie nods her head.

I smile gently at her and press a kiss to her forehead. "Just relax and get your things together; when you're ready, we can go," I reassure Rosie and she takes a deep breath, nodding her head again. "That's my girl," I whisper, pressing another kiss to her forehead.

Within a half hour, Rosie is hauling ass down the hallways as I follow behind her with her case. It's a good thing I have a good memory and know this building well since Raw and SmackDown does come here occasionally, because Rosie just left my sight as she whipped around the corner. I know her being late is mainly my fault, but I'm only half sorry for it. I finally got my girl, even if it's only to a certain extent…for now at least.

Rosie flutters around the room when I make it to and when her eyes land on me, she smiles, taking her case off my hands. "Thank you," she tells me with a quick kiss.

"You're welcome, darlin'. I'm gonna go see what they need from me. I've got a meet and greet later before Mania starts. You've got my number in your phone, right?" I ask her and she nods her head with a shy smile.

"I do," Rosie replies.

"Perfect. I'll see you later?" I ask, closing the distance between us and wrap an around around Rosie's waist.

"I'd be sad if I didn't," she tells me honestly, resting her hands on my chest and I grin down at her before pressing a kiss to her lips.

"So would I. I'll be seeing you, my beautiful girl," I reply in parting, giving Rosie yet another breathtaking kiss for good measure.

Rosalie POV

I watch AJ as he leaves the room and I can't wipe the smile off my face. I still can't believe that I was able to pull this side out of him after so long. Then again, I never thought I'd see myself in this position with him; in the beginnings of a potential relationship. Mainly because I didn't know he even felt this way about me.

Moments later, the smile that was on my face disappears when Tiffany walks into the room. "Was that AJ I just saw walk out of here? With something other than a scowl on his face?" She asks, sitting in the nearest chair before turning it in my direction.

"It was actually, but why do you care? You made it known 2 months ago that you could care less about how I felt about him when you told me he wasn't worth the heartbreak. You didn't even take the time to hear about how I feel," I retort, letting her know in my tone that I don't want to hear her excuses.

"Oh come on, Rosie…that's not fair," Tiffany whines and I turn my hard stare onto her, effectively shutting her up as her eyes widen at me.

"No, Tiff. What's not fair is when I woke up this morning, I wanted to text my best friend to tell her the sweet things he said to me last night when he thought I was asleep, but I couldn't because I didn't feel like being judged by her when she learned that I shared my hotel room with him after hearing how he treated me in the past," I counter.

"I love him, Tiffany and he makes me happy. Even if what we have going for us only just started this morning. Whether he wants to admit it or not…he needs someone on his side right now. To be there for him and I'm that person. He wants to be with me, Tiffany…just as much as I want to be with him and honestly, I could care less what you think about my relationship with him because it's not going to stop me from being with him," I continue and I'm broken from my rant when my phone pings.

Pulling my phone from my back pocket, I see it's a text message from AJ. I smile when I see his name. We exchanged numbers way back when, we just never used it unless it was absolutely necessary and I think now is safe to say…it's very necessary that it's used often.

AJ: Hey beautiful. I just got my schedule for the day and I'm free from 1-2…care to join me for lunch during that time?

Smiling, I type out my reply.

Rosie: I would love nothing more than to. I can't wait to see your handsome face again. Anything in particular you have in mind?

Closing my phone, I place it on the vanity and continue to set my supplies up. The smile he put on my face can't be wiped off…no matter how much Tiffany pisses me off at the moment.

"Was that him?" I hear her ask me timidly, before adding after a short pause, "the only time I've ever seen you smile like that is when he's involved." Because he's put me in a good mood, I decide to play nice…for now.

"It was. He has a meet and greet today, but he wants to meet up with me for lunch during his free hour. Which…I agreed to," I tell her, turning in her direction. "If you're willing to listen while I do your hair…I'd love to tell you what's going on between us. I miss you and I need someone to talk to when it comes to the man who I have no doubt will become my boyfriend sooner rather than later. At least I hope he will be," I voice, sounding a little unsure just because I don't know where AJ's headspace is when it comes to being in a relationship. Or if he just wants me to warm his bed. I know what he's told me, but he can still change his mind and that's what scares me most.

Tiffany turns her seat forward and faces the mirror with a smirk, "I'm all ears, babe," my blonde friend tells me. I meet her smirk in the mirror and get to work, telling her almost everything that's happened between AJ and I , but not before making her promise me that what I tell her stays between us. To which she did. If she didn't, I'd find out about it eventually. But I know I won't have to worry about that.

Just as I finish up Tiffany's hair and she goes her own way with a promise of talking later, my phone goes off and I see it's a text from AJ.

AJ: Well…I know what I want, however darlin', I don't wanna put you in a position you're not ready for yet. So, I was thinkin' I could get something from catering for us and come to you and then later on tonight…well, I'll let you choose.

I read his message and blush, knowing exactly what he was insinuating. I mean, I do want to. I have from the beginning, once again though, there is that nagging feeling inside me, telling me not to give in to him yet. But then, I just want him to dominate me. Take me. Make me his until I can't walk. And somehow I have a sneaking suspicion, he would have no problem in wanting to do that.

Rosie: I love that idea. And I do have something in mind for us later…

I press send, leaving it at that and I know I probably just teased the hell outta him with that vague message. I know I'm probably going to pay for that later but it'll be worth it.

AJ: Rosalie, don't you dare tease me like that and expect to not have some sort of repercussion for it. I know you know I want you, but I also know you want me. The choice is yours, my beautiful Rosebud.

My arousal hits me full force and my heart rate skyrockets at not only reading his text, but to him calling me Rosebud. I know it doesn't really mean anything, but with AJ, I know it means something more and with the context of his message…it has sexual written all over it. And AJ has always been a man of his word.

I don't even know how to respond to that since he already has my feelings and emotions all over the place. I know he's going to comment on my lack of response later, but I'll deal with it then. Also because, my next distraction just walked into the room…the lovely Michin.

I look at her with a grin and a sigh as she sits down in front of me. "Alright girl, spill. Now. I can see it on your face and lemme guess…it has to do with AJ?" She said with a raised eyebrow and knowing look.

"Well, when he comes at you with a comment you don't know how to respond to after having a morning you never thought you'd have with said man," I reply and Mia's eyes widen like saucers.

"ROSIE! GIRL! You guys didn't…did you?" She exclaims, leaning forward in her seat. I can't help but laugh at her reaction.

"Oh girl, I wish. Something did happen, but not that. Although, I do have a feeling that will happen sooner rather than later. This morning though, we kissed…a lot," I tell Mia with a goofy grin and she squeals out in happiness. She gets to her feet and engulfs me in a big hug.

"Oh girl, I'm so happy for you. I know how much you like him and how much he means to you. Tell me everything!" Mia said, letting go of me to sit back down.

And so I do. Tell her everything.