Page 60 of Cinnamon Strudel
“You need to stop being so darn sweet because I’m tearing up whiledriving.”
“Note to self: keep the heartwarming stuff for when Ruby doesn’tneedher vision. Got it.”
They did manage to arrive safely and when Ruby offered to take Blue to the pet area, he let her take the lead. Stepping into his home gave him a sense of serenity and safety, and the moment they laid down, he was out like a light.
The next morning, he woke up to findhimselfbeing the little spoon. As he settled into Ruby’s arms, he found that he quite enjoyed it. He didn’t move, praying that Blue didn’t realise thathe was awake. And like the good boy he was, Blue let them sleep in.
Just as they’d discussed the day before, Ruby offered to take Blue out, so he started on coffee. “What time is lunch?” he asked when they returned.
“I think it’s going to be a late one, but I’ll text Mom to confirm.”
“Perfect, that gives us some alone time.”
Ruby’s arms closed around him, lips kissing his spine and fingers roaming over his bare torso. “Mmhmm.”
He turned in her hold and danced his fingers over her arms. “I have another gift for you, but it was rather inappropriate to give it to you in front of your family.”
That seemed to pique her interest, tone pitching higher. “And what may that be?”
“A boudoir photoshoot.” He could sense her protest in the way her body tensed, so he cupped her cheeks and shushed her with his thumb over her lips. “It is for you to use as you please. There is no time limit, nor any restrictions. You can go by yourself, and don’t even have to show me the pictures if you don’t wish to. I picked a body-positive photographer with great reviews. Even if you never use it, that’s fine. You don’t even have to tell me you did it.”
Ruby inhaled a shaky breath, then exhaled around his thumb. “Thank you.”
“Now, let’s have breakfast and then I was hoping you’d let me run you a hot bath.”
“I would love that very much.”
Thirty minutes later, he was pulling towels from the closet. “What else would help you relax? I have some candles and I’m sure there’s a gift basket somewhere with some bath oils.”
“What if I asked you to join me?”
“I would start stripping right away.”
She giggled, and the water splashed as she settled into the water. “Well, you better put on a good show.”
He couldn’t be that patient. He shoved his sweats to the floor, then slipped into the bath behind her. Morgan spread his arms wide, tugging her onto his chest. She was running her hands through the water, breath calm in his hold. The moment was so overwhelmingly intimate that Morgan shivered.
“Do you mind if we stopped at my place tonight so I can grab some clean clothes?”
“We can spend the night there if you like. You can just drop me off tomorrow before you head into work.”
“That would be wonderful.”
“Blue and I will pack an overnight bag before we head out.”
Then she giggled, her shoulders vibrating against his skin. “You’ll be camping out on the couch for half an hour so I can make sure the floor is clear.”
“You don’t want to spend the evening with me in the emergency room?”
She turned her head and kissed his throat. “Sorry to disappoint.”
The morning was spent with lazy tasks, with Ruby working on a commission while he focused on Hogwarts. He thought it would be an easy morning, until frustrated sighs and groans echoed throughout the room not long after they’d gotten comfortable.
“What’s the matter, darlin’?”
“I don’t like how this is turning out.”
“May I see?”
