Page 62 of Cinnamon Strudel
Once everyone returned and Ruby was whisked away, a soft hand found his arm, and Angela’s tender voice spoke. “If I made you uncomfortable, I’m sorry. I know you two have only just met, but I’ve never seen her like this. With Rick it always seemed like she hid part of herself, but not with you.”
“I was not uncomfortable by any means and I’m glad that she can be herself around me. It means a lot coming from you.” A gentle squeeze, one that Morgan was learning to enjoy. “Thank you for welcoming me with open arms.”
“You are a wonderful man, and I hope you two will have many beautiful years together. There will be ups and downs and times you can’t stand each other, but know you both have a place to come and people to talk to.”
Morgan thanked her and as she walked away, he couldn’t help the pressure that built behind his eyes.
Ruby
By the time she unlocked her front door and carefully guided Morgan through the mess on her floor, she was exhausted.
“Give me a few minutes.”
“I could try to help.”
“Please don’t. That would make me feel awful.”
“And I feel awful that you feel pressured to clean because of me.”
“Well, it has to be done anyway. I’m a real procrastinator when it comes to household chores.”
“What helps you do them in the end?”
“A random burst of energy, or people announcing they are coming over.” She connected her phone to the speakers and started scrolling through her playlist. “What helps you?”
“Hiring a maid.”
“Is that a perk that will stay available if I ever were to move in?”
“It is.”
Having Morgan there was more of a help than she’d thought. They talked the entire time, which kept her on task. Soonenough, clothes were in the hamper, clutter was back where it belonged, and the floors had been vacuumed. Once it was done, she clapped her hands and let out a cheer.
“All done, darlin’?”
“Yes, and feeling much better too. I forget how good it feels when everything is tidy around me.”
“Maybe I can persuade you to move in with me after all.” Morgan stood and offered her a hand, and she all but scrambled to get to him. “Now, show me to your bed.”
Desire pooled low in her gut, thrill cutting through the dominance in his tone. She took his hand and led him to her bedroom. “The bed is pushed against the left-hand wall, with a nightstand on the other side.” She stopped and stood beside him. “We’re standing at the foot of the bed.”
“What about the window, can people see inside?”
“No, the curtains are closed.”
“Good. I don’t share. Get undressed and kneel on the bed. If you’d like to keep the t-shirt on, take your bra off.”
She stripped, kneeling in front of him hands in her lap.
“I love when you listen so well.”
Everything—the stress, the exhaustion, the anxiety—fell off her shoulders and she exhaled a relieved sigh. “It feels good to do as you ask.”
“I know.” Morgan smirked and found her jaw, cupping her and guiding her to lean in. “I loved how you’ve taken care of me the past few days. You’ve always looked out for me and attended to my needs. Now you can relax, darlin’.”
She closed her eyes and almost purred as he ran his thumb over her lips.
“I want to fuck you hard and rough, but I’ll go slow if you need it tender tonight.”
