* * *
Ruby loved the sea breeze over her face. She didn’t often get a chance to take a leisurely ride these days. She was far too busy at the shelter so it was a nice change to have someone make her get out and about. Even if that someone was Simon.
But if he was trying to win her over, he was making a good start. It was sweet but it didn’t really negate the pain he’d put her through. She glanced over her shoulder. He grinned at her, wobbled a little and regained his balance. She had to give him points for trying but she wasn’t going to forgive him yet.
Ruby had gone online and checked him out – searching to see if he was involved with anyone since they broke up. There was nothing. Every event that was reported on, Simon either went alone or with Tyler. It seemed they were both still the geeky guys they always were despite their new found wealth.
He’d been photographed with leaders in the community for fundraisers and committee meetings but there was little personal information available. She didn’t even know where he lived now.
She slowed at the exit from the bridge pathway and waited for him. “Race you down the hill?”
His eyes bugged before a smile replaced his fear. “Sure. See you at the bottom.”
Ruby laughed and took off, peddling happily as the sun warmed her face. She didn’t dare look back in case she put Simon off. He was doing his best and she appreciated that but he was so far out of his comfort zone, she almost felt sorry for him.
Ruby stopped to help a gentleman whose wife had taken a tumble and grazed her knee. When she was sure they were okay, more embarrassed than hurt, she looked up the hill for Simon. She could see him in the distance, sedately riding his bike but managing to stay upright. He was doing well.
She grinned and continued on her way wondering what else he had planned. Because as much as she liked to think this wasn’t planned, she knew him too well. He was on a mission to win her over.
Ruby sat relaxed on the seat overlooking the harbor when he arrived, red faced and perspiring. She glanced over his legs and arms. No grazes, no cuts. “Good job, Simon. You made it in one piece.”
He gave her a wide, impossibly sexy grin. “Wasn’t too bad once I got over the nerves. I think I like it to be honest.”
“Really?”
“Well, maybe that’s a stretch. I hated those guys passing me on the bridge. Too close for comfort and I thought I was going to fall off but coming down this road to the water was amazing. You see so much more of the view on a bike. Get to appreciate it a lot more than crossing in a car.”
“I know, right? Let’s go get a drink. You look kinda hot and thirsty.”
And therein lay the problem at the forefront of Ruby’s mind. He knew her too well. Falling into an easy truce with Simon would do her no good.
She’d spent five years trying to get over him because there was no way they had a future together. In one foul swoop, he had her second guessing her feelings and throwing her back to square one all over again.
How was she going to go back to the beginning and get over him again? She didn’t know if she had the capacity for that struggle a second time around.
Chapter 7
“Cheers.” He held his glass up to hers before taking a long cool drink.
“Cheers.” Ruby looked out over the bay and relaxed. The town was buzzing as it did most Saturdays. People came in for the markets and restaurants, tourists flocked to see the stunning homes and history. She loved it because it was home, the only place she’d ever wanted to be.
“Talk to me. I can see the cogs turning in your brain.”
He always could read her too well. “I’m wondering what your goal is, Simon. I have an idea but I’m not sure what you hope to achieve.”
He put his glass down and met her gaze. “I want to spend time with you. I’ve missed you.”
“Hmmm, how come I don’t believe you? There’s more to this than you’re saying, isn’t there?”
“Can we just take the day as it is? Enjoy each other’s company for the good of the shelter and the amazing work you do?”
She looked at him from under her lashes. Simon was always a simple guy. No airs or graces and never conniving but something about this didn’t ring true to her. Something she couldn’t put her finger on.
“So, you’re not trying to convince me to get back with you then?”
He shook his head. “No.”
“This is purely business?”
He shrugged. “No, I’d be lying if I said it was. I like spending time with you and I believe in what you’re doing too. Always have and if I could throw money at your cause, then I would.” He leaned forward on the table with a cheeky smile on his face. “But I know you’d throw it back at me and call me pretentious so when Carly invited us to the fundraiser, I figured it was a good way to get involved and help out.”
“By paying one- million-dollars for seven day’s-worth of dates?”
He laughed and the sound went straight to her gut. “Not what I had planned. Call that a spur of the moment idea. But I’m glad I did it. I get to hang out with you for a week.”
“Sure.” She didn’t believe him for a minute.
“You mean you wouldn’t throw it back at me if you could and accuse me of buying what I want?”
Ruby put down her glass and ran her finger down the side, making patterns in the condensation. “Probably.”
“Because it’s what I’ve
