Page 83 of Christmas in Mistletoe
“I’m starting to believe that.”
Fran put a hand to Ruby’s face. Then she went to take it away. Was it too soon? Should she make Ruby wait longer?
But Ruby didn’t think so. She caught Fran’s hand as she moved it and pressed it to her cheek. “I want to pick up where we left off. I want to give us a go back in London.” She paused, fixing Fran with her stare. “I’m sorry for this week, more than you can imagine. When I said I want to start making the right decisions, this is my first one. Also, my most important.” Ruby took a deep breath. “What do you say? Clean slate from now on?”
Fran moved towards Ruby before she could stop herself. In seconds, her lips were inches from Ruby’s. “I’m still fucking mad at you.”
“I know.” Ruby’s breath was hot on Fran’s lips.
“But you’re asking for help. Finally.” Fran shook her head. “Let’s try a clean slate. Don’t make me regret doing this. Although, I don’t want to wipe out certain memories we’ve made together.” Fran flicked her gaze to meet Ruby’s own.
“Those memories are burned into my mind forever.” Ruby moved forward. “Can I kiss you now?”
Fran stared into Ruby’s vibrant eyes. Then she leaned forward and their lips met. Ruby’s mouth finally on hers after so much upset this week felt like salvation. Fran moved her hand into Ruby’s hair, and Ruby released a sharp breath against her lips that made Fran’s stomach dip. The bubble of resentment and worry that had built this week inside her burst on contact.
She didn’t want to be angry at Ruby. She wanted to be her girlfriend, and for them both to be happy. One of the ways that could happen was by Ruby kissing her exactly as she was at that moment.
A kiss that spoke of their future together. One filled with passion, romance and love. Ruby’s hand pulled Fran closer, and Fran didn’t resist. She didn’t want to. Now she’d given in to her heart, she was ready to embrace the next stage. Ready to embrace Ruby.
When they pulled apart, Ruby’s eyes were misty. “I wondered all week if I’d get to do that again.”
“Me, too.” Fran kissed Ruby once more. “But I have a first test of your commitment to us. I promised my dads I’d have dinner with them.”
Ruby stood. “I’ll leave you in peace.”
But Fran shook her head. “That’s not what I’m saying.” She took Ruby’s hand. “Would you like to join us for a spot of salmon en croute? My dad makes the best one ever.”
Ruby’s smile was so wide, it almost took up the whole room. “I would absolutely love to.”
Chapter 33
The next morning,Ruby jerked awake as pain shot through her foot. She sat bolt upright as her foot contorted. She tried to straighten it, but knew she was fighting a losing battle. When she glanced right, Fran was already awake, sitting up in bed, phone in hand. Her face wore a frown.
“Are you okay?”
“Cramp!” Ruby reached down and grabbed her foot, forcing it into a stretch. She let out a cry of angst. This was not the alluring wake up she’d been hoping to showcase on Christmas Day.
“You want me to massage it?” Fran dropped her phone and knelt up, giving Ruby an alarmed look.
Ruby gritted her teeth and shook her head. Eventually, she got her breath back and sat up the bed again, her back against the padded grey headboard.
Fran twisted her head and ran a hand up Ruby’s arm. “Better?”
Ruby’s body thrilled to her touch. She leaned down and kissed Fran’s arm. “Yes. Although I’ve just realised it’s Christmas Day and I don’t have any presents for you. They’re back at the house, so you’ll have to wait until later.”
“You mean Santa didn’t come?” Fran pouted.
“He came to the farmhouse,” Ruby replied. “It’s your first year here. He’ll know for next time.”
Fran jumped out of the bed and rustled in one of her bags. “In the meantime, I have something for you.” She sat back on the bed with a gift in her hand, neatly wrapped in gold paper with a matching bow.
However, Ruby’s attention was snagged by the mistletoe on Fran’s chest of drawers. She reached across to get it, then sat next to Fran, holding the sprig over their heads. “Here’s my first present to you.” Ruby pressed her lips to Fran’s, and Christmas Day got that little bit brighter. “Happy first Christmas, new girlfriend.” Ruby gazed into Fran’s eyes. “I’ll never get tired of kissing you.”
“You might, you’ve only been doing it a few weeks.” Fran gave her a wicked grin, then took the sprig from her hand. “Open your gift, please!”
Ruby laughed, and kissed Fran’s naked skin. She tore open the wrapping paper to reveal a red box. When she opened that, she pulled out an intricately made shiny golden star.
“I saw it and thought of you, because that’s what you are: a shining star.” Fran paused. “But now you’re holding it, I’m worried you’re going to think I’m being pushy again—”
