Page 65 of Cinnamon Strudel
“I have something in the workshop for you.”
Morgan cocked his brow. “Did Alexander put you up to this?”
“Nah, and he doesn’t have to know if you don’t want him to.”
Morgan laid his hand on Jack’s shoulder and followed him.
“Step,” Jack warned before the scent of fresh sawdust and cedar wrapped around him. “One sec, let me find it.” Jack rummaged around before letting out a triumphant sound. “They’re hooks you can attach to the bed and are rather discrete in case anyone wanders into the bedroom.”
“Like nosey brothers.” He held out his hand, and Jack dropped a small metal object into it. A plate had three holes while the ring that was used for the rope was on a hinge so it could be moved if needed. “How do I attach them?”
“You drill them into the frame or even under the mattress on the box spring. I can come by and help you if you like.”
“I think that would be best, if you don’t mind.”
“Not at all.”
“You sure they didn’t put you up to this?”
Jack chuckled and Morgan handed over the hook. “I had some leftovers from a client.”
“And of course you had to think of me.” He couldn’t help but feel grateful. “I appreciate it.”
“Thank your brothers. If they hadn’t mentioned it, I wouldn’t have offered. Or… better not mention it, they know enough as it is.”
As soon as they were in the garden again, Ruby appeared by his side. “Did you two sweethearts bond?”
“Very much so,” he confirmed with a kiss to her hair. “Do you mind if we sit?”
“I would love to. I do hope I can stay awake till midnight.”
“Where’s the alcohol?” Jack asked, seemingly already heading off to find her a drink.
“So how many of those drinks until you dance for me?” he asked as Ruby sat down beside him.
“You want me to dance for you?”
“Yes, like no one is watching.”
“I’ll dancewithyou,” she countered.
“Then why the heck are we sitting down?” He pulled her back to her feet and laid his hand on her waist, the other lacing their fingers together. He was never a good dancer, but there was a slow, twangy country sound filtering through the air, so he got away with twirling them around in the same spot. “Close your eyes, darlin’. Forget anyone is watching. It’s just the two of us now.”
She pulled his face down, demanding a kiss as she followed his lead. Sometimes not knowing how many eyes were on him was a blessing, one he wanted her to experience for just a moment.
“It’s been a whole four weeks since you asked me out, darlin’.”
“Feels like forever.”
“It does, doesn’t it?” he hushed against her lips. He couldn’t help but stare at her gorgeous features, eyes still closed as they slowly twirled around in a circle. “We’ve already managed so many hurdles, meeting our families, talking about boundaries…”
“It felt right though.”
“It did. Everything fell in place perfectly and all because you were brave enough to ask me to wait up on you. I can’t wait to see what the new year will give us.”
“More cake dates, evenings drawing and building Lego, family dinners and lunches.”
“Maybe even that Christmas trip to Germany?”
