Braden:How's it going with Ruby?
Celeste:Stop it.
Braden:That's not a denial.
Celeste:We're having lunch. That's all.
Braden:Sureee.
Celeste set her phone down hard against the table.
Noah excused himself to use the restroom and as he did so, Ruby turned to Celeste. “Thank you,” she said. “For being so patient with the detour. I know it's not easy for you.”
“You're right, it's not. But it's not terrible either.”
Ruby's smile could have powered the entire town. “I'll take 'not terrible.' That's practically a glowing endorsement from you.”
“Don't let it go to your head.”
“Too late.”
They were laughing when Noah returned, and he looked between them with a satisfied expression. After lunch—which he insisted on paying for despite their protests—and after he'd also ordered them dinner and provided exact instructions on how to heat the pot roast, they walked back to the store.
The antique store owner led them up a narrow staircase Celeste hadn't noticed before, hidden behind a tall bookshelf. The stairs creaked under their weight, and Celeste had a brief moment of wondering if they were safe before Noah reached the top without incident.
The room was small but clean, with sloped ceilings and a window overlooking the street. There were hardwood floors, a kitchenette, a dresser with a tilted mirror and one bed.
Of course there was one bed.
The bed was a double, not even a queen. The kind of bed that would require them to be acutely aware of each other's presence all night long. That would mean lying in the dark,listening to Ruby breathe, feeling the mattress shift every time she moved.
“Bathroom's through there,” Noah said, pointing to a door on the far wall. “Fresh towels in the cabinet. Make yourselves at home. I'm closing up early to visit a friend, but I'll be back early tomorrow morning, just in time for the shipment to arrive.”
He was already heading back down the stairs before either of them could respond, his footsteps echoing in the narrow space.
“Hey.” Ruby's voice was soft, careful. “What are you thinking?”
“That we'd better hope Noah isn't a serial killer.”
Ruby laughed, the sound breaking some of the tension. “If he is, he's a really considerate one. Did you see him pay for our lunch? That's advanced-level manipulation.”
“I've seen too many cases of women being put in vulnerable situations. Things that seem innocent until they're not.”
It was true. She'd seen it over years of practice—women who trusted the wrong people, who let their guard down in the wrong moments. But that wasn't what was making her nervous. Not really. What made her nervous was how much being around Ruby made her inclined to let her guard down, which was equally as dangerous.
“We're going to be safe. I promise.” Ruby whispered, drawing closer. A pause. “Plus, I know martial arts. Krav Maga, to be specific, and Noah's like seventy. I could take him.”
Despite everything, Celeste smiled. “Martial arts?”
“Very beginner-level martial arts, but he doesn't need to know that.” She moved into Celeste's line of sight, ducking her head to catch her eye. The gesture was oddly endearing. “Seriously, if you're uncomfortable, we can leave right now. Find a hotel in the next town over. I shouldn't have pushed for this.”
Celeste met her gaze, seeing that Ruby's eyes were clear, with no trace of manipulation or hidden agenda. Just genuine concern.
When had someone last looked at her like that? Like her comfort mattered more than their own wants?
“No, it's—” Celeste took a breath, trying to organize her thoughts into something coherent. “I'm fine. Just not used to impulsive decisions.”
“I noticed.” Ruby’s tone was teasing. “Your spreadsheet probably has a spreadsheet.”
