Everyone responded letting her know not to worry about it and that they hoped they saw her again soon. As she turned, I placed my hand on the small of her back to lead her out the door and felt a shudder run through her but she didn’t move away from my touch.
It was a natural, innocent touch, but would stay with me longer than I should probably admit. Each time I’d seen Ruby something had drawn her to me and I had to fight the feeling she brought forth. She felt familiar and it was instinct but not knowing what she was going through it was not the best choice.
As we moved outside, I was just about to drop my hand away when she pressed back into my palm as if seeking comfort and I couldn’t bring myself to let go. I led her to my truck while checking our surroundings. It was second nature to me but I also didn’t have a clue what had Ruby spooked, so I was being extra vigilant.
“Where are we going? My car is over there.” She pointed across the lot and my hackles rose thinking about her alone in dark places and someone bothering her. I needed to teach her a few things so she was more aware and took better safety measures.
“Let’s take mine and then I’ll bring you back here when we’re finished.” She turned and my hand dropped from her back.
Looking at her car, the building, and then back at me, she said, “I don’t really know you so I’m not sure that’s smart.”
Good girl.I was beyond glad to see she was being smart about some things. I wouldn’t push but I knew she was shaken up so it looked like I would be divulging my other job sooner than I thought.
“Ruby. If it makes you feel better, not only do I work with all the guys here atNo Surrender,but I’m also a cop.”
Each time we’d been at the hospital I’d been there with my group of friends and I’d never been in uniform, so as far as I knew she had no idea about my profession. When her eyes widened with shock, I figured I was right.
She sputtered a little but nothing came out. I found it adorable.
I wasn’t sure if she had something against cops but I found myself hoping it wasn’t the case. Not only did I need her to trust me so I could help her, but I also wanted her to like me and that was a revelation. It had been a long damn time since I cared if a woman liked me.
“Ruby, does that bother you?” She still hadn’t said anything and it was something I should find out. I wanted to help but if she was uncomfortable with me then I would get one of the other guys to talk to her.
Her eyes sparkled by the light of the moon in the sky lined with hues of blues and black, as a cool night breeze lifted her red locks and blew her hair into her face.
Fighting to keep my hand at my side and not brush it away, I held my breath waiting for her answer.
“No, I was just surprised I guess. I trust you to drive me.” Once again her eyes got big as if she was shocked at her words.
Trust.
I let out the breath I’d been holding and tried not to be too obvious about how pleased I was at what she’d said.
“Thank you,” I told her as I unlocked the truck and opened the passenger door.
As much as I liked spending time with the group, I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be. Even if there was a significant other in her life. But thinking about it again, my curiosity peaked and it got the best of me. I opened my mouth and finally asked the question I’d been seeking since she walked in. One I’d been wondering about each time I’d seen her before that evening.
“Is there a husband or significant other that should join us for the conversation we’re about to have?”
Pausing from climbing in my truck, she pulled her foot back down off the running board and placed it on the ground, whipping around in my direction. She squinted at me and cocked her head to the side. After the debate I assumed was going on in her head cleared, she addressed the question catching me off guard.
“Is that something you need to know for the job or is that a personal question, Mr—?” She paused. “I guess maybe I should know your last name too if I am going to trust you as I said. And maybe you should enlighten me if you have a special someone inside I pulled you away from?” Her eyes sparkled with a little bit of mischief and interest about the answers she was looking for.
Since first meeting Ruby at the hospital when Teal had gotten hurt, I’d noticed she wasn’t afraid to talk to anyone else, but she’d seemed reluctant about speaking to me. Now there we were, just the two of us, and while we knew basically nothing about one another, there was still something familiar in her presence.
“I guess to answer your question honestly, it would be a bit of both. And the name is Lyric Knight. Also, if I had a special someone inside as you called it, you would have known because I wouldn’t have walked out without talking to her or kissing her thoroughly. There is nobody in my life right now that would get that kind of attention.”
Now it was she who was caught off guard. She was speechless, but only for a brief second.
Then she laughed with wild abandonment.
One eyebrow cocked upward in question wondering what in the world she found so funny. But I couldn’t help but smile at the charming sound of her laughter as it hit my ears. It was a sound I could listen to for a very long time. She leaned over holding her stomach with one hand and with the other slapped her skin-tight jean covered perfect thigh and my gaze went to her legs and my mouth watered.
The mixture of Ruby was lethal.
Her laughter died down and she took a couple of deep breaths. “Knight. Like a knight in shining armor. How perfect could that be when I came to you for help. Well everyone, but here you are.”
I was nobody’s knight in shining armor but somehow I found myself wondering if I could be that for Ruby. Shaking my head because we were getting way off track, I motioned for her to get in the truck. “We better get going.”
