Jayden, page 20
part #5 of Heroes at Heart Series
Jayden looked up from the engine he was working on and said, “In another week.” Seeing Tom grin, he asked, “Why?”
Tom answered, “Seriously? On the days that she’s here, the coffee is a helluva lot better, and she brings in doughnuts.”
Cas slapped Jayden on the back as he walked by, chuckling. “Yeah, bro. You gotta admit that your coffee sucked. It’s the same old coffee maker so I don’t know what she does, but it’s a lot better with her.”
Shaking his head, Jayden replied, “Just keep in mind that making you guys coffee is not her job. Neither is bringing in doughnuts.”
He looked over at Cas and admitted, “But I can’t wait until she’s here full-time. Right now, she’s running herself ragged, doing her last week of house cleanings, working here in the afternoons, and then going in and working evenings a couple nights at Grimm’s. I told her to just skip coming in here for another week, but she’s only taking this afternoon off.”
“I wondered where she was today.”
“Yesterday was kind of rough on her, and then last night her grandmother called, afraid that she may have heard something behind her house. I went over and checked but didn’t find anything. Once I was sure they were locked up tight I left, but Ruby probably didn’t get a lot of sleep.”
As the men went back to work on their vehicles, Jayden moved into the office to finish the payroll. As he sat at his desk, his mind was filled with how Ruby would be there, full-time, starting next week. At that thought, he grinned, anxious to get see her that evening.
26
Guilt was eating away at Ruby as she sat in the coffee shop across town. She had not wanted to take a chance that anyone she knew might see her having coffee with Kevin, so she chose a location that was not familiar.
She thought back to the last time that she had been with Kevin, the day she broke up with him. Granny had only been out of rehab for a week, but he could not stand that she was spending all of her time and attention on her grandmother. Finally gaining the courage to break up, they had argued. As usual with Kevin, the argument turned physical before he stormed out, his words cruel.
Blowing out a shaky breath, she wondered why she had ever agreed to this meeting. What was I thinking? I shouldn’t be doing this, and I certainly shouldn’t have kept it from Jayden. With renewed determination, she stood and walked to the door while pulling out her phone to send Kevin a message saying that she was having to cancel.
Before she could hit send, the door opened right in front of her, and there he was. She blinked, staring up at Kevin, stunned at the change in his appearance.
In his younger years, Kevin had been tall and thin, making him an easy target of bullies. As he matured, he bulked out, building muscle, loving the way that women would finally look at him. His appearance was important to him once he discovered the lure of a random hookup. His hair was styled. His clothes clean and somewhat trendy. As he always searched for the next money-making scheme, he wanted to look the part. Ruby could never figure out what part he was trying to look like, but it seemed important to Kevin.
As life did not hand him the breaks he thought he deserved, he began to drink heavily. She never saw him use anything other than alcohol but had her suspicions. Of course, by that time, he had become manipulative, keeping her always on edge.
By the time she finally became brave enough to break up with him, he had gained a beer paunch, his hair was longer and unkempt, and his clothes disheveled.
The Kevin standing in front of her right now did not look like any of the Kevins she had ever known. His body was thinner, but it was difficult to tell underneath the large jacket. His hair was now to his shoulders, but instead of being thick, clean, and sexy like Jayden’s, it hung about his shoulders in thin strands. What was most surprising to her was the beard that covered his face and neck as though he had not shaved since the last time she had seen him.
“Kevin?” she said, unable to keep the incredulity out of her voice.
He smiled and gave a quick nod. “Ruby, you look good.”
Her mouth opened to politely repeat the line to him but simply stammered instead. “You look…uh…well…uh…different…”
His hand came up to scratch his jaw and he said, “Yeah, thought I’d try growing a beard.” He chuckled nervously and glanced behind her at a table. “You have coffee yet?”
Shaking her head, she said, “No. I was just…uh…I don’t have much time.”
“Well, let’s have a cup before you have to go,” he said, motioning toward the table to their side.
Not able to think of an excuse, she tried to smile but knew her lips were forming a grimace instead. Turning quickly, she moved to the chair as he ordered two coffees. Sliding into the seat opposite him, she felt his perusal but kept her eyes on her hands resting on the table.
The uncomfortable silence surrounded them, and Ruby searched her mind for something innocuous to talk about but came up blank. Grateful when the server set the cup of coffee in front of them, she busied her hands pouring in the cream and sweetener.
“My Ruby always liked her coffee sweet,” Kevin said.
Her gaze jerked up to his, seeing him staring intently at her. Quietly, she replied, “Kevin, I don’t want to sound mean, but I’m not your Ruby.”
Something flashed through his eyes, but she was unable to identify whatever emotion he was feeling. Unease slid through her, and as she brought her coffee cup to her lip, she noted her hands shook slightly. This is such a bad idea…such a bad idea! The coffee scalded her tongue, but she forced down a sip, determined to hurry through as quickly as she could.
She watched as he stirred his coffee, his hands shaking slightly, also. “You said you wanted to see me, Kevin. I really don’t have long this morning, so perhaps you could say whatever it is you feel like you need to say.”
“You always were a busy girl, Ruby,” he said.
She was unable to determine by his tone of voice if that was a compliment or criticism, so she remained silent.
“We were good friends once,” he continued. “I always thought we’d just stay together. I could’ve taken care of you, you know, so you wouldn’t have to clean houses anymore or work as a waitress. If you could’ve just given me enough time, I would’ve hit it big, and we would’ve lived large.”
Still uncertain what response he expected, she did not reply but busied herself taking another sip of coffee. It did not seem to matter to him if she spoke or not, as he continued.
“I was telling you the truth the other day when I said I wanted to say I was sorry. I know sometimes I could get a little rough, but I would never hurt you. You were just always so busy that I never felt like you were giving me enough attention, I suppose.”
Ruby felt anger slowly coursing through her but tried to tamp it down. This is not the time or place. Clearing her throat, she forced her words to steady as she said, “I was busy working. I was earning money so that Granny and I could live, Kevin. You know what the bills were like after Mama got sick. I had to be responsible. I had to work jobs that I didn’t care for so that food could be on the table. We were not your responsibility, so I never expected you to help out. But I had no choice other than to do what I did. I had no choice but to work as hard and long as I did. And considering that you moved into the house while Granny was in rehab but did not pay any of the bills, it would’ve been nice to have had your understanding.”
With his hair hanging down toward his eyes and his scraggly beard, it was hard for her to discern his facial expression, but she could tell by the way he huffed he did not like what she was saying.
“Yeah, good ol’ Ruby was always the one thinking she did everything.”
She pushed her cup away and added, “Kevin, this is old business. We had a friendship once and tried to make it more. That was a mistake. I’ve moved on and I’m happy with what I’m doing and where I am right now. I wish the same for you.”
She placed her palms on the table and pushed her chair backward, grabbing her purse and jacket as she stood.
He jumped up as well and said, “Wait, Ruby. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
He shoved his hands in his pockets and looked down. For a moment she could see the uncertain, beaten-down teenager that she had befriended many years ago.
Sighing softly, she gentled her voice and asked, “Then what did you want, Kevin?”
He lifted his gaze to her, and once again the specter of something undefinable passed through his eyes.
“I really did just want to say I was sorry for how we ended,” he said. “I also wanted to see how Granny was doing…I know she’s gettin’ up in years, and you never know when something will happen to her. I just don’t want you to be all alone. It would be important at that time for you to have a friend who had known you for a long time.”
Startling, she blinked, uncertain what he was saying. “Granny is doing just fine and should have many years of good life in her, so you don’t need to be concerned about that. And I appreciate your apology. It does make our parting easier.”
They had walked out of the coffee shop and were now standing on the sidewalk. He stepped closer and said, “Do you think there’s a chance for us again?”
The coffee in her stomach soured, and she shook her head. “Again, I’m not trying to hurt you, but I’m seeing someone.” She watched as his body seemed to tighten in response, and she took a step back.
“Yeah, I’ve seen you with him. Big man on a motorcycle,” he growled.
“Have you been spying on me?” She instinctively took another step back, but his hand snapped out and grabbed her forearm, squeezing to hold her in place. She jerked on her arm, but all that did was cause pain, considering his hold was tight.
Filled with fury, she warned, “Let me go or I’ll start screaming right here on the street.”
“I wasn’t spying, I promise. I was just driving by one night, that’s all.” He squeezed her arm again, his eyes wide and filled with something that looked like desperation. “I need some money, Ruby,” he groaned, giving her arm a shake. “I owe some people. Please, you gotta help me.”
Her struggle stopped as his words hit her. Of course. This had nothing to do with an apology. Nothing to do with him changing, me leaving, him seeing the error of his ways. He needs money.
His anger had fled, and standing in front of her was a desperate man who was begging. Stomach still clenching, she sucked in a ragged breath and let it out slowly. Thinking about the tips that were still in her purse, she said, “This is it, Kevin. I can give you a little cash today for old time’s sake. But this is it. No more. I don’t want you to call me again, or text me again, or try to see me again.”
His head nodded in a jerky motion as he agreed. “Yeah, yeah. I promise, Ruby. I’ll leave you alone after this.”
Her hands still shaking, she reached inside her purse and pulled out a wad of rolled up bills. “There’s over three hundred dollars here. That’s it. That’s all you’ll ever get from me again.”
He took the money she was holding out to him and said, “Thank you, Ruby. You won’t regret this.”
He looked as though he was going to say something else, but clamped his mouth shut and headed down the street around the corner. Still shaking, she thought, I already do regret it.
A chill ran through her, even though the day was warm. She pulled on her red hoodie, zipping the front up to her neck, reveling in the comfort of her favorite item of clothing. Sighing deeply, she headed home to spend a few hours with Granny before going into Grimm’s. Once Zander’s other server came back from maternity leave, she could work full-time for Jayden. Deciding to focus on that instead of her disastrous meeting with Kevin, she hurried to her car.
27
Jayden looked up, mesmerized by Ruby’s blue eyes holding him captive. He had gotten the message from Zander’s bouncer that she was safely in her car and on her way to his place. Standing outside, he met her as soon as she drove up.
Greeting her with a kiss, he had said, “So glad you’re almost finished at Grimm’s and done with the houses.”
She had thrown her arms around his shoulders, staring up at him with a smile on her face. “And then I’m yours.”
He knew she was talking about working for him, but the words leaving her lips hit straight to his heart. “Yes. And then you’re mine.” He hoped she took the full meaning of his words, and they were not just about working at the garage.
They walked into his apartment, and he nudged her toward the shower, knowing she wanted to wash the scent of the bar off her. “Go on, baby. I’ll lock up and meet you in bed.”
Now, thirty minutes later, with only the moonlight shining through the window, she slipped off her robe, and he worshiped her body.
She was so tiny compared to him, he was always afraid of hurting her, but she accepted him with enthusiasm. He had been sitting in bed when she came out of the bathroom, a dark red robe tied about her waist. Flipping off the lights, she had bathed the room in moonlight before sliding the robe off and crawling on top of him.
She straddled his hips as he reached up and palmed her breasts, tweaking the nipples. Her head fell back, her long hair hanging down to her waist and the delicate line of her pale neck beckoning.
After rolling on a condom, she shifted so that his cock was at her entrance, and slowly settled, sheathing him in her tight body. She leaned forward, her fingers digging into his shoulders, and he watched her exquisite face as her lips curved.
Her beauty undid him, and he held his body still as though to savor the moment just a little longer. Her eyes opened and she smiled as she moved up and down on his shaft. Her body was ready, and the friction created with her movements cast all thoughts from his mind, other than giving her pleasure.
As she began to tire, he moved his hands to her hips and lifted her slightly. Feeling he had the strength of a Titan, he pistoned his hips, continuing the friction they both craved. It did not take long; it never did with his Ruby, for her to tighten her grip, squeeze her eyes closed, and cry out her pleasure.
As she fell forward onto his chest, he barely felt her weight, as slight as it was. Still firmly planted inside her, he rolled, pressing her body down into the mattress. With his weight held off her chest, keeping his forearms planted on the bed next to her shoulders, he clasped her hands into his. He continued to thrust but was determined to savor every feeling. He slowly pressed in and out until she was squirming underneath him.
Her eyes opened once more, and with the moonlight capturing her face, he could see the shadowed blue. Wide and expressive. Without thinking, the words slipped from his lips, “I love you, Ruby.”
She sucked in a quick breath, but he could not hold back his feelings and felt no regret in having said the words.
He watched, fascinated, as moisture pooled in her eyes, and as she blinked, two tears slid out, both trailing toward her ears. With his thumbs, he wiped them away before leaning down and kissing each salty trail. “Don’t cry, baby.”
Her words, starting as a mere croak, then becoming stronger, said, “They’re tears of joy. I never thought I’d be lucky enough to have someone like you in my life.”
“It wasn’t luck. It was destiny. The moment I saw you in your red hoodie, struggling with that lawnmower, I felt something. I was a pussy for walking away that day, but fate granted me a second chance with you.”
Two more tears slid from her eyes as she said, “I love you, too. With everything I have and everything I have to give.”
He closed the distance to her lips, his mouth sealing over hers in a kiss that also sealed their love. He began to thrust once more, this time his tongue matching the actions of his cock. He felt her inner muscles begin to squeeze, and her fingers, still linked with his, tightened.
As though to reach the very heart of her, he plunged deeper, hitting that place that sent her soaring. “Look at me, babe,” he bit out, wanting to see into her eyes as they came together.
Biting her lip, she kept her gaze on him, and he watched as her second orgasm moved through her. He followed immediately after, also forcing his eyes to stay on her as his body tensed, every muscle screaming out.
His arms shook as he continued to hold himself off her chest, his orgasm depleting his strength as his heart raced.
Letting go of her fingers, he rolled so that they were facing each other, his now softening cock still in her body, their legs tangled, chests pressed together. They lay for several minutes, not speaking, their hearts pounding, breathing ragged. Slowly they recovered, their eyes still pinned on each other, smiles etched onto their faces.
“Did you mean it?” she whispered.
He knew what she was referring to and wanted to assure her that his vows of love were not wrung from him in a moment of sexual ecstasy. “Oh, yeah, I meant it. I love you with everything my heart, body, and soul can possibly give.”
Even in the moonlight, he could see the blush that moved over her face as her smile widened and her eyes lit from deep inside. “I love you, too,” she whispered, and their lips sealed once more.
He left the bed only to deal with the condom, then slipped back in, pulling her close. She was exhausted, and as he tucked her back tightly to his front, wrapping his arms around her, he said, “Sleep tight.” It appeared she had already fallen into slumber, and he followed soon after.
Moonlight had given way to sunlight, and Jayden woke to the feel of Ruby still in his arms. She usually left after they made love to go back to Granny’s house. But last night, she smiled as she said Granny did not want her driving in the middle of the night and that since she was perfectly capable of being in the house by herself now, she wanted Ruby to stay.
As exhausted as she had been, he was thrilled that she was able to sleep a little later. He had already told Cas that he would not be in early today and to go ahead and open up the shop. As far as he was concerned, this morning was for him and Ruby.
