Page 18 of A Tempting Seduction (Protectors of Jasper Creek #5)
Chapter Ten
Ruby disappeared into the kitchen, and I took a moment to watch the way her hips swayed in that navy dress.
The soft fabric moved with her body like it had been designed specifically for her curves.
Jesus, when she'd opened the door tonight, I'd nearly been knocked flat again. The woman was absolutely stunning.
Carrie's words echoed in my head for what felt like the hundredth time tonight. When the right woman comes along, she'll knock you flat on your ass and you won't know what hit you.
My sister was a fucking prophet.
I stood up and started clearing the dinner plates, stacking them carefully to make room for whatever dessert Ruby had planned. The meal had been incredible. Every single bite proved that Ruby Miller had skills that went way beyond making coffee. The woman could cook like a dream.
“Are you sure you don't need my help?” I called toward the kitchen.
“I've got it all under control,” Ruby's voice floated back, warm with contentment.
I smiled and continued clearing the table.
The intimate dinner had been perfect. Better than perfect.
The way Ruby had laughed at my stories about Walker and me getting into trouble as kids.
The comfortable silences between courses.
The way she'd actually relaxed and let me see glimpses of the woman behind all those careful walls she normally kept up.
Ruby returned carrying what looked like heaven on a plate. The tres leches cake was pristine white, soaked in cream and topped with fresh berries. She set it down in the center of the table with obvious pride.
“This looks incredible,” I said, settling back into my chair. “Did you really make this from scratch?”
“Every last bit.” Ruby cut two generous slices and slid one across to me. “The chef at the restaurant where I worked said tres leches was all about patience. You have to let the cake absorb the milk mixture slowly, overnight if possible.”
I took a bite and nearly groaned with pleasure. The cake was moist and sweet but not cloying, with layers of flavor that developed on my tongue. Rich cream balanced perfectly with vanilla and a hint of cinnamon.
“Ruby, this is restaurant quality.” I took another bite, savoring the texture. “Have you ever thought about opening your own Mexican restaurant?”
Pink flooded her cheeks, and she shook her head quickly.
“No way. I'm happy where I am.”
“Why not? You've got the skills. Tonight's meal could compete with any restaurant in Nashville.”
Ruby shifted uncomfortably in her seat, focusing on her cake instead of meeting my eyes.
“I don't want that much attention.”
The response struck me as odd. Most people would be flattered by the suggestion. Ruby sounded almost afraid.
“What do you mean by that?”
Ruby deflected with practiced ease, changing the subject to ask about my favorite desserts growing up. But I filed that bit of information away. Another piece of the puzzle that was Ruby Miller. Another wall she'd thrown up the moment I'd gotten too close to something important.
The frustration that had been building for weeks flared hotter in my chest. Every time I asked about her past, her family, her dreams for the future, Ruby found ways to redirect the conversation. I was falling hard for a woman who wouldn't let me know her.
Time to push a little more.
“You know, I've told you about my family, my business, even my embarrassing teenage years.” I set down my fork and looked directly at her. “But I feel like I barely know anything about your life before Jasper Creek.”
Ruby's hand tightened around her fork.
“There's not much to tell.”
“I doubt that.” I kept my voice gentle but persistent. “I had a girlfriend four years ago. We met when I was working a job in Nashville. Her name was Lydia. We dated for almost two years.”
Ruby's eyes widened slightly, whether from surprise at my honesty or the sudden change in topic, I couldn't tell.
“We met through work, and I thought we might actually make it.” I ran my hand through my hair, remembering. “She was smart, ambitious, successful in her own right. On paper, we were perfect together.”
“What happened?”
“Life happened. She wanted the fast track to senior designer at her design firm, which meant eighty-hour weeks and constant travel.
I wanted someone who'd actually be present for a relationship.” I smiled ruefully.
“Carrie and Fiona were so thankful when it ended.
They never said a word while we were together, but afterward, Carrie admitted she'd been counting down the days until Lydia got tired of small-town life and moved on.”
Ruby listened intently, her green eyes focused on my face.
“Don't get me wrong, Lydia wasn't a bad person. She was kind, intelligent, hardworking. We just wanted different things. She needed someone who'd be content being an accessory to her career. I needed someone who wanted to build something together.”
I paused, then asked the question that had been burning in my chest all evening.
“Has there ever been anyone special in your life?”
Ruby's face went pale. She set down her fork with trembling fingers.
“I was engaged once.”
The admission hung in the air between us. I waited, giving her space to continue, but Ruby seemed frozen. Her breathing had gone shallow, and she was staring at her hands like they held the answers to the universe.
“What happened?” I asked gently.
Ruby's voice came out barely above a whisper.
“I found him in bed with my sister.”
The words hit me like a physical blow. Not just because of the betrayal she'd experienced, but because of the raw pain that radiated from her as she said them.
“Jesus, Ruby. I'm so sorry.”
She shook her head quickly, as if trying to dislodge the memory.
“It was a long time ago.”
But it wasn't. I could see that clearly. The wound was still fresh, still bleeding. And as I watched Ruby's face, I realized something important. The pain wasn't really about her fiancé's betrayal. It was deeper than that, more personal.
“Tell me about your sister.”
Ruby's face crumpled. Two tears spilled down her cheeks before she could stop them.
“Carla is nine years older than me. Beautiful, successful, everything I'm not. She's a natural blonde, size six, never had to work for anything in her life.” Ruby's voice was thick with unshed tears. “When I found them together, at least Lance looked embarrassed. But Carla...”
Ruby stopped, her whole body shaking with the memory.
“What did she say?”
“She told me I was lucky anyone wanted to marry me. That I shouldn't ruin this for the family.” Ruby's voice broke. “She said Lance was doing me a favor by pretending to be attracted to me, and I should be grateful instead of dramatic.”
Rage flooded my system. Pure, white-hot fury at the woman who'd devastated Ruby with such calculated cruelty. I watched Ruby almost relive the moment in her head, saw her shoulders curve inward as if she was trying to protect herself from blows that had already landed.
I couldn't stand to see her so forlorn.
I stood up and scooped Ruby into my arms, lifting her clean off her chair. She gasped in surprise, her hands automatically going to my shoulders for balance.
“You can't carry me,” she protested, her voice thick with tears. “I'm too heavy.”
I laughed, the sound rough with emotion.
“I just did.”
I carried her to the living room and settled onto the couch with Ruby on my lap. She felt perfect in my arms, soft and warm and exactly where she belonged. I pulled her closer, one hand stroking her hair while the other rubbed circles on her back.
“You don't have to say anything else,” I murmured against her temple. “I just want to hold you for a bit. And maybe you can hold me.”
Ruby pulled back to look at me, confusion written across her tear-stained face.
“You want me to hold you?” Her voice carried genuine bewilderment. “You need holding?”
The question stunned me. As if the idea of mutual comfort was completely foreign to her.
“Of course.” I cupped her face in my hands, thumbs brushing away the remaining tears. “I want to be with someone who I can be there for, and who can be there for me. That's what a real relationship looks like, Ruby. Two people taking care of each other.”
Something shifted in Ruby's expression. The confusion melted away, replaced by something intense and hungry. She leaned forward and pressed her lips to mine.
The kiss started soft, tentative, but quickly became something desperate and demanding. Ruby's hands fisted in my shirt, pulling me closer as her mouth opened under mine. She kissed me like she was drowning and I was air, like she'd been starving and I was food.
I let her lead for a moment, let her pour all her need and gratitude and want into the connection between us. But when she made that little whimpering sound that drove me crazy, I took control.
I deepened the kiss, my tongue sliding against hers with slow deliberation. Ruby melted against me, her body going soft and pliant in my arms. I could taste the sweetness of tres leches cake and something that was purely Ruby.
My hands found the hem of her dress, sliding underneath to stroke the smooth skin of her thighs. Ruby gasped against my mouth, her hips shifting restlessly on my lap.
“Ford,” she breathed, my name a prayer on her lips.
I kissed my way down her throat, finding the sensitive spot where her pulse fluttered wildly.
Ruby rolled sideways, so that she was now snuggled up to the back of the sofa.
Her head fell onto my shoulder, giving me better access.
Her breathing was coming in short pants now, her body trembling with need.
“Let me take care of you,” I whispered against her skin.
My hand slipped higher, finding the edge of her panties. Ruby's breath caught, her fingers digging into my shoulders.
“Please,” she whispered.