Page 10 of Cinnamon Strudel
“Why does he get a cute nickname, but the guy who you’re on a date with doesn’t?”
“Because I haven’t found one I like yet.”
He playfully frowned but couldn’t hold it for long. Already grinning so bright it hurt his cheeks when he settled into the passenger seat, Blue curled up by his feet. He waited for Ruby to be seated beside him before he asked, “So how do we find a suitable one?”
“Not sure. How did you come up with darlin’?”
“You like that one?”
“Quite a lot.”
Morgan shrugged. “It felt fitting.”
“So you don’t call all your dates that?”
He cocked his brow at her. “You make it sound like I’m some kind of playboy. Did you forget I was being stood up when you found my sorry ass.”
“I think you handled it better than I would have. For what it’s worth I’m glad she backed out.”
“Just admit it—you talked her out of it.”
“Ah, a magician never reveals their secrets,” she playfully teased.
Fuck,he loved how easy this was. There was no force to keep a conversation going. Her personality was like a breath of fresh air. “Well, in that case, I should thank you.”
“For forcing myself onto you.” She let out a sweet laugh. “You’re very welcome. I’m glad I jumped over my shadow too.” There was a moment of pause before she asked with a hesitant tone, “I need honest feedback on the date. Did you like it?”
“Adored it and would like to have more like them.”
“Oh, that’s a relief. When I told my brother what we were doing, he thought I was going crazy.”
“Even if I had no vision whatsoever left, I would have enjoyed it just as much as I did.”
Ruby let out a long breath. “I’m glad I didn’t make a fool out of myself.”
“You didn’t.”
When she stopped and turned off the engine, he and Blue got out. He let her say goodbye to his furry companion before offering her his hand. The heartbeat it took her to accept the invitation was agonising. But the moment her hand was in his he pulled her closer. His free hand ran up her arm, fingers dancing over her shoulder before he laid his palm against the side of her neck and tugged her even closer. “I loved every second of today.”
Her pulse thundered beneath his palm. “Loved?”
“Yes, darlin’. It was perfect and I can’t wait to do it again.”
“Me neither.”
He leaned in, his thumb softly caressing her throat as she swallowed hard. His lips softly pressed against her warm cheek before he stepped back. “Don’t forget to text me the shopping list. And don’t you dare buy anything yourself.”
“Okay.”
He reluctantly stepped away, signalling Blue to guide him into the apartment. His heart fluttered all the way up to his front door. After taking off Blue’s collar and giving him some water, he stood in the midst of his living space, feeling rather… lost. Well, that might not have been the right word, but maybe he should have invited Ruby inside. He knew it was just their first—and a half—date, so perhaps giving her time to process was a good thing.
He grabbed his phone, texting her to let him know once she made it home, before returning the missed call from Alexander.
“Why the fuck do I have to hear about your dating life second hand throughthe baby of the family?”
Morgan chuckled, putting his brother on speaker as he made his way to his Lego room, fiddling through a pile of blocks. “Word travels fast.”
“So, how was the date you didn’t care to mention to me?”
