“You’ll be okay.”
“I receive that. Thank you. You too. Are you ready for your shower?” She lifted her eyes with an endearing look.
“Areyouready for my shower?”
Ruby extended her nail and raked it down my chest.
“Take off your shirt again, and I’ll let you know.”
I slowly unbuttoned my shirt and took it off. I placed it on the arm of the couch and rested my hands in my lap, waiting for Ruby to make the next move.
“Yes, I’m ready.” Ruby circled my nipple with her nail, causing the most delicious sensation to flow through me.
I sucked in a breath quickly as she bit her lip. Although Ruby remained silent, I sensed her anticipation and courage. I respected and understood her story now. She was valuable, compassionate, and thoughtful, a woman hiding behind a hard exterior to mask deep pain. Ruby was sweet and giving and was meant to blossom fully after darkness enveloped her for solong. She deserved vindication, but more than that, she deserved redemption.
I wasn’t going to let her ride her wave of grief alone. I was sent here for a reason. Ruby was meant to hold her head high and with hope for the future.
A future with me.
Chapter
Eight
RUBY
CLEAN UP MAN
Amari was exactly what I needed in every way, emotionally, mentally, and especially physically. As he listened to my tragic story with caring eyes, I was drawn to him. The shame that usually came when I shared my truth didn’t linger this time.
Was Amari a magician who knew exactly what it took to make my hurt disappear? I wanted him to wrap me in his strong arms until the sun came up. Something about him made me believe life would be better if he cradled me. Within a short time, he cracked a thick emotional wall I never thought another man would, and I liked it.
It was bold for me to offer Amari a shower, but his friendliness and care lured me in like a fish to bait. Although I didn’t have the words to express how attracted I was to him, I took a chance at inviting him into my private space and giving him a chance to remove some of his layers, literally andfiguratively. The darkness of my bedroom also gave me the courage to remove my mask, at least partially, as the howling winds rattled the two single-hung windows in the room.
Amari walked toward the bathroom, his eyes on mine the entire time. When he turned the round doorknob, he glanced back at me with the smoothest of smiles.
“Wanna join me?”
I perked up, surprised that Amari would be as bold as I was. I wasn’t ready to shower naked with him, but I wanted to watch him in action. I threw my cover off my legs and planted my feet on the floor. I placed my hands on either side of me on the couch to steady my body as my heart rate sped up and then slowed down. I sat like that for several seconds as Amari’s eyes pierced mine.
“I’d love to be your assistant.” I finally spoke the words, not fully understanding what it would mean to help Amari get clean but willing to do what he asked of me.
The tingling in my belly and the steady flutter of my heart alerted me that this was exactly what my body needed to wake it from its funk. My small bathroom would be my version of Las Vegas, where I could fulfill my voyeuristic fantasies without judgment. What happened between Amari and me would stay between us.
“OK.” I lowered my eyes, then took a big breath, mentally telling myself not to chicken out.
I walked to Amari, deeply inhaling his scent, an aroma that reminded me of the earthiness of nature.
Amari opened the door and stepped inside the bathroom, briefly pausing before entering. His head turned toward the medium-sized vanity, where I had lit several glass jars of lavender and vanilla soy candles.
“It’s cozy in here. Very modern.” He pointed to the floor. “Penny tiles were a cool, practical touch given the size of this space.”
I glanced around the bathroom. The minimalist design with gray walls and white and gray tiles on the floor and shower brought simple luxury to my home every day.
“Thanks. The first areas I renovated were my bathroom and bedroom. Welcome to my mini sanctuary.”
“I could help you take your keen decorating skills to the rest of the house.”
“I’d like that.”
