Page 44 of Conflicted
Ruby swallowed against the tears building behind her eyelids. “Why can’t I be in love with you?” She opened her eyes and stared into his kind brown orbs.
They now clouded with sadness, and Bob squeezed her knee. “It’s called chemistry, sugar, and we have none.” He took the used tissues from the table and rose. “Talk to them.”
Bob sauntered to the kitchenette, and she stared at his retreating back.
Chapter Eleven
After he entered her home the next Friday afternoon, Will bent to press a kiss on Ruby’s cheek. “Hi, baby,” he peered over her shoulder, “beautiful apartment.”
For almost a week, Ruby stewed on Bob's words and decided to be brave and take a chance. She invited the men for dinner and hopefully a long talk at her place.
She guided Will through the hallway and into the open plan living space. Nathan already sat on her couch and rose to greet Will.
“Coffee? Or, ah. Or tea, anyone?” Ruby stammered when both Dominants took a seat.
“No, thank you.” Will shook his head.
Nathan’s lips curved. “Maybe later. Right now, I’m curious why you invited us tonight.”
Ruby wrung her hands. Why is this so hard? She stared at the floor and opened and closed her mouth several times. Her sofa creaked, and a shadow fell over her. Ruby lifted her head. With a furrowed brow, Nathan stood in front of her. She managed a weak smile, before he bent and lifted her into his arms.
Instead of going over to the sofa, he closed the short distance to where Will sat on the loveseat and placed Ruby sideways on Will’s lap. Nathan then lowered himself beside the large Detective, pulled Ruby’s feet over his thighs and massaged her calves with strong, competent hands.
Ruby sighed in bliss and leaned against Will’s muscled chest. He curled a protective arm around her and rumbled, “So what was it you wanted to talk about?”
She tensed for a moment, but when Nathan’s knowledgeable hands pressed into a tight muscle the rigidity left her body again.
“I... ah, I want this.” She didn’t dare to meet their eyes.
Will moved his arm, so she reclined and they made eye contact. “Define this,” he demanded.
Ruby gestured in the space between them. “This. Us. Meeting outside the club. All three of us. Sp–spending time together.” She stared in his eyes helplessly. “Like friends. Lovers.”
Nathan hummed his understanding. “You want a relationship and not just club play?”
“Uh-huh.” Ruby bobbed her head, the movement slightly hindered by Will’s biceps against her cheek.
