Page 130 of Almost Ours

“So what if I am?”

She frowns. “Don’t be a weirdo.”

“You look fucking good, Rubes. I love it when you wear my clothes.”

Ruby’s mouth opens a little and her eyes drop to the T-shirt. “You do?”

“Yeah.” I take a tentative step forward. “A lot.”

Ruby frowns. “What is happening? Why are you looking at me like you’re trying to memorise me?”

“Maybe I am.”

“Are you feeling alright? You’re behaving a bit nutty.”

I laugh. “Am I?”

“Kind of.” Her eyes narrow. “You’re freaking me out.”

“You’re a headcase.”

“Josh, you’re sweaty because you’ve sprinted over here and you look a bit like you’ve never seen a woman before. All caveman and Neanderthal-like. Not to mention you’re creeping towards me and saying strange things about me being in your clothes.”

“All I said is that I like you in my clothes.”

She shifts the flask into one hand when I take another step towards her, tracking me with increasingly suspicious eyes. “I’m sorry but why are you walking like that?”

“Like what?”

“Like a three legged cat who wants to skulk about.”

I snort. “What the fuck does that even mean?”

“It means you’re moving weirdly.” She shifts sideways when I take another step, eyeing me like I’m a stranger. “Slow and suspicious.”

“I’m walking.”

“No, you’re prowling.”

“Make your mind up. Am I a cat or a caveman?”

“You can be a caveman cat. I’m not limiting you.”

“Ah, cheers.”

“No worries.” She points the flask at me when I get closer. “And now you’re doing it again.”

“Doing what?”

“Coming towards me.”

“Rubes, there are only so many places I can go in my own flat.”

“Well, to be honest, you could stay over there.”

“Yeah,” I take another step. “I suppose I could do.”

“You’re being so fucking weird right now. And you’re smiling. I can see your teeth.”