Page 11 of Catcher

4

RUBY

After I startle awake, I forget where I am for a split second. Then everything comes rushing back to me. Drinking, laughing, joking, storytelling, reminiscing, and spending the whole night sneaking glances at Catcher.

What’s puzzling me is that I can’t even explain the draw I feel toward him. I know practically nothing about him, yet there is this unexplainable pull. There are times I look at Catcher, and I see nothing behind those dark eyes of his. Then there are moments when they are filled with so much pain and longing. I’ve also noticed how his brothers treat him, especially Riggs. It’s as if he knows of the evil torturing Catcher’s soul, but knowing how the club works and how these men cherish their brotherhood and the bond they share, if they do know Catcher’s story, it’s one they wouldn’t share openly, not even with their own women.

Rolling over, I reach for my phone sitting on the nightstand. It’s three in the morning. Rubbing my eyes, I turn back over and stare at the closed door, hyperaware of the man sleeping in the room next door.

I’m suddenly kicking myself for having one too many drinks. It’s not unusual for Sadie and me to crash at the clubhouse, only now it feels different. Closing my eyes, I try to push thoughts of Catcher out of my mind to find sleep again. After a while, I abandon my efforts and sit up. Maybe some hot tea will help me sleep.

Climbing out of bed, I walk barefoot to the door and pull it open. I don’t think any of the guys would mind if I used the kitchen. Leaving my door open, I make my way down the long hallway. I push past the swinging door and come to an abrupt halt when I catch a shirtless Riggs bent over the stove with a kettle in one hand and a mug in the other.

“I’m sorry. I couldn’t sleep, so I thought a cup of tea might help. I can come back.” Just as I turn to leave, Riggs calls out, “Ruby.”

I look at Riggs, and he tosses me a crooked grin. Then he jerks his chin toward the table. As I take a seat, I watch him open the cabinet and pull down a second mug. “Tea helps Luna sleep too,” he rumbles, dropping a tea bag in each cup, then filling them with water. I smile at the sight of a big, bad tattooed Riggs waking up in the middle of the night to make tea for his woman. It’s such a delicate gesture for a man like him. Luna is one lucky woman. Any woman who lands one of these men is fortunate.

“What’s that smile for?” Riggs asks.

I shrug. “I was thinking how lucky Luna is.”

Riggs’ face turns soft. “I’m the lucky one.”

“Yeah,” I whisper as he turns and sets a steaming mug down in front of me. “I’m glad you two have each other.” Then I think about my friends and smile. London and Everest are new, and I can see how in love they are. I’m truly happy for them.

Tipping my head back, I look at Riggs. “I’m glad Promise has Nova, and London has Everest. I love seeing my friends happy.” The smile on my face dies when my thoughts drift to Catcher. I can’t help but imagine what it would be like to have with Catcher what my friends have with their men.

“Sweetheart,” Riggs says, and I’m taken by how gentle his tone is. I look at him. His gaze doesn’t waver from mine as something I can’t decipher works behind his eyes. The pause between us lasted long enough to make me self-conscious, but I don’t dare say anything. When Riggs finally does speak, his words confuse me. “Give it time.”

“What?” I ask.

Without missing a beat, he replies, “Catcher.”

Suddenly, my face goes hot, and I stop breathing. Oh my God! Riggs knows. Have I been that obvious?

“Ruby,” Riggs says, sensing my panic.

“Riggs.” I shake my head. “I don’t. I mean⁠—”

“Ruby.” He crouches down in front of me. “You have nothin’ to be embarrassed about in front of me. I’ve noticed the way you look at him. The way you watch him.”

“Oh God. Can we not talk about this? I feel so stupid.” I bury my face in my hands.

“You’re not stupid, Ruby. And I don’t think anyone else has caught on, except, of course, your girls. Normally, I wouldn’t say anything because I’m not about being in my brother’s business. It’s also not my place to say why Catcher is the way he is.” I swallow and look at Riggs as he continues, “What I will say is give my brother time and be careful.”

I drop my hands to my lap. “I’m not… I mean, I would never… there’s nothing…” God, I sound like an idiot fumbling over my words. “What I’m trying to say is, yes, I like Catcher, but I know nothing is ever going to happen. I’m not naïve.”

“Know that, darlin’,” Riggs says, his tone still gentle.

Wanting the exchange to be over, I add, “Are we done now?”

Riggs chuckles under his breath. “Yeah, Ruby, we’re done.” He stands. “Drink that.” He jerks his chin toward the cup of tea in front of me. “And try to get some rest.”

I nod but don’t say anything else as Riggs saunters out of the kitchen.

I don’t know how long I sit at the table mulling over Riggs’ word, but when I realize my tea has turned cold, I decide to head back to bed. As I make my way down the dark hallway, I notice Catcher’s bedroom door is slightly ajar. The sight inside the room stops me in my tracks. Catcher is sitting up on the edge of his bed, back hunched over, elbows to knees, and his head in the palms of his hands. I shuffle closer but stop. I open my mouth to ask if he’s okay, but nothing comes out. Whatever Catcher is going through right now is not my business.

Then, I watch his entire body become alert. Catcher’s head twists. My body freezes in place, and I’m held captive by his piercing gaze. Several seconds pass with neither of us saying a word.