My phone pinged from the center console and I already knew it was her.
Ruby: Am I being stood up?
Chuckling, I considered my words carefully before typing out my response.
Jay: Hell no, I’d be a fool not to show for a beauty such as yourself. I was just admiring you for a bit.
I looked back just as she lifted her gaze and scanned over the parking lot as if searching for me. She had no idea what I drove which made the confused look on her face even more enjoyable. Back and forth she roamed, seeking me out.
I couldn’t resist adding in another message to ensure her I was in fact watching her.
Jay: Red looks good on you.
I waited with a smile on my face as she looked back at her phone and began to type.
Ruby: Okay creeper join me or I’m leaving.
I’d be worried if I didn’t notice the huge smile stretched out over her lips.
Turning off the ignition, I grabbed my keys and opened the door. Instantly I saw her find me and she lowered her phone, placing it back into her purse. With each step I took I felt my chest grow tighter and I wondered if this feeling was what I’d heard Xavier, Eli, and hell, even the twins mention so many times before. That desire to be near someone, even if there was nothing going on, the mere presence alone was all you truly needed. I didn’t know her so much, but it didn’t take long for me to realize she was different. Not a bad different, a desired different. Sweet, smart, Ruby was a breath of fresh air.
“Should I be worried that you linger in parking lots and watch girls?”
“Not girls.” I stepped up onto the curb and did my best to contain the joy I felt rushing through me. “Just one.”
A rosy color filled her cheeks and it was yet another sign of just how sweet and timid she was. She didn’t flaunt, but she flirted. She didn’t come off sleazy, but the interest was there. All this only made me want to know her more, no, need to know her more.
“So…” she tucked her chin toward her chest as if attempting to hide her blush. “Should we grab the tickets?”
I reached out and as she turned, I placed my hand against the small of her back, leading her toward the front entrance.
After buying the tickets we stopped at the concession stand and got popcorn and drinks. I tossed a bag of Reese’s Pieces on the counter and she looked back over her shoulder with a smile. “What?” Shrugging, I replied, “Every salty needs some sweet.” Arching a brow, I dared her to argue with me but she only smiled wider and turned back to the young girl behind the counter who was watching us closely.
It had been a long time since I’d felt this relaxed, this eager.
Chapter Twenty
Ruby
Don’t be nervous, just be yourself. I sat next to Jay consistently repeating Darcy’s words in my mind. Be myself, really, that was her advice. Come on, that had never before gotten me were I was now. In fact, it was acting out of character that had gotten me here.
I was a nervous wreck, though I truly hoped he didn’t pick up on it. My stomach was in knots, my palms sweaty, and my heart, I swear it was going to beat right out of my chest.
I could hear the movie, see the screen, but I couldn’t tell you what the hell it was about. I was entirely too focused on the way Jay’s shoulder kept brushing against mine or the occasional touch of his hand against my own when I reached for popcorn.
There was a silence between us, but talking in the theater was a little difficult.
“Not a fan of action?” Jay’s hot breath fanned out over my cheek as he leaned in to whisper near my ear. Turning too quick, my mouth skimmed over his check. He didn’t pull back, only smiled, which managed to make my heart race even faster. The calm, cool, and collected demeanor I was going for was completely shot when I looked up and found his gaze locked on mine.
I wished more than anything that I was put together like Darcy. Right then she would have some sly remark, one that would give her back the control in the situation.
“You make me nervous.” Okay, that was not what I meant to say. Not even close. “I mean―” What was the freaking point? I’d already allowed my mouth to get ahead of my brain. Immediately I covered my face with my hand and tried to hide myself.
I swore I heard him chuckle, which only made things worse.
Darcy said be myself, yep, mission accomplished.
The feeling of his hand touching mine and the way he began to tug it away from my face only heightened my embarrassment.
“Here’s a little secret.” I looked up at him and he was smiling. “You make me nervous too.” For a few seconds neither of us said anything more, we just stared at one another. He’s nervous too? Hmm.
Instead of him letting go of my hand, he lowered it to the space between us and continued to toy with my fingers. I focused on the feeling, watching it more than I watched the movie. It was strange but amazing, which I know is pathetic, but I’m that girl who had never had the attention of a guy. It was a sweet change.
When he threaded his fingers through my own and brought our now joined hands to rest on his thigh, I sat holding my breath, awaiting the rush of nerves to swarm me, that feeling of overwhelming
