“No worries. I’m fine.” He skates away, looking back at me.
“You okay?” Trevor pulls me up and over to the benches that line the rink.
“Bum kind of hurts.” I rub the offending area.
“Can I kiss it later to make it feel better?”
“That’s one of the best ideas you’ve had all night. But can I get a kiss now to feel better?”
Trevor throws my legs over his lap, pulling me in closer. A wicked grin lights up his face. “Your wish is my command.”
ChapterSix
RUBY
It’s been the best few weeks that I can remember having in a long time. I’ve had another session with Trevor on my tattoo, and should finish up with one more. The level of detail that he puts into his work blows me away. Every time I think he can’t get any better, I see something that tells me otherwise.
And the man himself blows me away. Trevor and I spend as much time together as we can. He works late in the shop, so we see each other most weekends with my school schedule.
He texted earlier that he wanted to meet at the park by the shop for a late lunch, but I haven’t seen him. It’s a cool, fall day. The changing leaves crunch under my feet. With the sun high in the sky, it’s the perfect day.
Or it was until I see Trevor meeting with someone. A very feminine someone. Ducking behind the nearest tree, I watch them with rapt attention. As far as I know, we were supposed to be exclusive. He looks comfortable with this person. Too comfortable.
He’s giving her that smile that I thought was only reserved for me. Every thought after my ex left me slams into me.Why wasn’t I good enough for him to stick around? What did I do to make him leave me? Was he seeing someone else while we were together?
The last thought turns my stomach to acid. But why would he come to meet me for lunch if he was with another woman? Did he forget?
I don’t know how long I’ve been stuck in my thoughts until Trevor and this mystery woman are right in front of me.
“What in the world are you doing Ruby?” Hunched behind the tree, I must look like a crazy person.
“I should ask you the same thing!” My voice squeaks out.
Trevor just gives me a puzzled stare as the woman standing next to him sticks out her hand. “Hi, I’m Imogen. I’m Trevor’s sister-in-law.”
My mouth hangs open as I shake her hand. “Sister-in-law?”
“What’d you think?” Trevor’s furrowed brow is aimed in my direction, but no sound comes out as I try to answer him.
How could I even begin to think this wonderful man would cheat on me? I feel like the worst sort of person.
“Imogen, could you give us a minute?” She nods in his direction, as I support myself against the tree.
“I’m such an idiot!” I slap my forehead.
“Wait, did you think I was dating her?” Trevor’s voice is loud as he ducks down, trying to catch my gaze.
“I’m sorry!” I yell, looking up into the eyes I’ve fallen in love with. “I just saw the two of you together, and you looked so comfortable and I don’t know! My mind went to the worst place possible. Probably because you’re the first man I’ve fallen in love with since my wanker ex left me and what woman wouldn’t want to date someone so sweet and kind and thoughtful and sexy and it just drudged up all these feelings!” My breath leaves me on an exhale.
“Got it all out?” Trevor’s warm hands move to my shoulders, pulling me in closer. “Nothing untoward was going on. Imogen and my brother Harry are married, and I’m helping her plan a party for him. He hates them, so it’s going to be even better.”
“Sounds like something you’d do.” I try to smile, but it’s weak.
“But I want to get back to something else you said when you were spewing words all over the place.”
Oh bugger. I was hoping he wouldn’t have caught that. Not exactly the time to tell someone you’ve fallen in love with them when you think they’re seeing someone else.
“You love me?” He’s smiling now. A smug smile that tells me he has me right where he wants me.
