Page 17 of Cinnamon Strudel
“I didn’t offer you a drink because I want to get you drunk and take advantage of you. It was because I often have a glass after a stressful day and wanted to offer you the same.”
Her lips curled into an apologetic smile. “I didn’t mean to question your motives.”
“I know you meant it as a tease, but clarity helps.”
“It does.”
“If you want me to, I’ll sleep on the couch.”
Her smile brightened. “I think I’ll take that wine after all.” Ruby flipped her hand, entwining her fingers with his. “Thank you for talking that through with me. I liked that.”
“I seem to remember that it was on your list of things you wanted to do differently in your next relationship.”
“It is. I was afraid to ask, but now I feel silly.”
“Don’t, you did well.” Then with his fingers curling a loose strand of her hair, he added, “I liked how you told me that you used nonverbal cues but then realised what you were doing and that you’re trying to work on that too.”
“Is that why you asked me to come closer? To see my reaction?”
He nodded. “Sometimes it’s frustrating to rely on words alone. And let’s be honest, you are precious, and I could never tire of looking at you.”
Ruby’s cheeks tinged pink and her gaze dropped. “Thank you.”
“Look at you, accepting a compliment so wonderfully.”
Her lips pressed together as she suppressed her grin. Before he could enjoy the moment even longer, water bubbled over and hissed behind her. She spun out of his grip and disappeared from sight. He sat down with his glass of wine, imagining what it would be like for that blob of colour to be just as clear as she was moments ago. “Tell me more about your family,” he said. “You mentioned one of your brothers lives overseas, right?”
“Yes, Roy moved to Germany with his wife.”
“Have you visited him?”
“Not yet. I was thinking of going for a Christmas, Roy says it’s gorgeous there during the holidays.”
“And what better thing to do for a Christmas fanatic like you, but to travel and see the markets for yourself. Where do the others live?”
“Remi is in Seattle, and every time I have visited so far it has been raining. Rhett lives in Katy—just down the road from my parents which they were thrilled about. Now they basically see my niece every day.”
“A real family woman it seems.”
“I am. I think I would feel lost if I weren’t so close to them. Other than going behind your back and strengthening your character, do you get along with Manuel and Alexander?”
“I do. They can be jerks but let’s be honest, I wouldn’t be who I am today without them. My parents live in Dallas, so my brothers are the only close family I have.”
“Did work bring you here?”
“Yes, it just seemed logical and has paid off far better than we’d hoped.”
“Not me over here being jealous.”
He shook his head, impatiently waiting until her steps turned towards him again. Once she was within reach, he found her arm, thumb stroking over her soft, warm skin. “How old are you?”
“Ah, we’re getting down to the bones,” she giggled, setting her glass down with a softclink. “Twenty-five. You?”
“Older,” he quipped.
“Come on, I told you.”
“Thirty-six,” Morgan grumbled hesitantly.
