Page 65 of From Wink to Kink

"Open it."

I shine my phone light into the bag and find... a pack of Red Vines. My favorite candy, which I'm pretty sure I mentioned in passing a few days ago.

"Chuck," I say with exaggerated drama. "You remembered." I wipe away an imaginary tear.

"You know, Ruby Brooks, I took a big risk on an extravagant gift like this. I’m relieved to know you don’t feel I’m pushing too hard.”

“Well, it is kind of eager, and some might say bordering on desperate. I don’t usually get Red Vines from a guy ‘til the second or third week we’re dating. But I guess here in the jungle, things happen faster.”

We’re quiet for a moment after being shushed by others, and in that moment, something shifts. My doubts, my insecurities, they don't disappear, but they fade somewhat into the background. They’re not gone forever because, after all, I am me, and I’ll always worry about something, but they do seem pushed away. If only for a moment.

Because here, under the stars, is a man who listens to me, who makes me laugh, who looks at me like I'm something precious. If that can’t chase away doubts, nothing can.

Before I can overthink it, I lean in and kiss him.

32

RUBY

We’re returningfrom stargazing when Chuck whoops behind me like Tarzan or something, then plucks me off my feet and slings me over his shoulder like I weigh nothing.

He thunders up the stairs and into the bathroom before setting me down. We are laughing as he turns on the water and strips off his shirt. Then he turns to me.

He unbuttons my dress before easing it off my shoulders, leaving it puddling around my feet. His lips brush mine, and he motions for me to get in the shower.

The hot water cascades over us as Chuck works shampoo into my hair then rinses it, following it with conditioner.

“Were you a hairdresser in a previous life?” I ask. “Because you’re really good at this shampooing thing.”

“Actually, I felt I needed a backup plan in case hockey didn’t work out, so I did go to hairdresser school.”

“How’d that work out for ya?” I ask.

“Hmmm. You tell me. I mean, obviously, I think I’m pretty good. But I can only prove it to you if you let me cut your hair later. Whaddya think?”

“I’ll get back to you,” I murmur as his long fingers stroke my back.

I moan under his touch, his soapy hands reaching every inch of my flesh. My nipples harden and I grow wet, and when his teeth nip at my ear, I shiver.

Then his hands go to my back again, giving me another long, slow rub. He maneuvers me directly under the spray and watches as the suds swirl down the drain.

“All clean,” he says huskily. “My turn.”

Without a word, I pick up the shampoo bottle and pour a bit into my hands before lathering his long hair.

Following his lead, I soap up my hands and massage his back in long, firm strokes, working my fingers into the muscles.

“Fuck,” he mutters. “That feels really good.” He breaks off as I move one hand around to cup his balls and lightly squeeze. “Ah, fuck yeah. That.” He hisses as I squeeze one more time before urging him under the spray to rinse the soap away.

Then, tossing him a wicked grin, I sink to my knees.

“Ruby,” he breathes as I lick his cock from balls to tip. Once, twice, long, languid tastes that have him tangling his fingers in the wet strands of my hair. “Oh, God.”

“Mmmm,” I murmur. “I love the way you taste, Chuck. I love your cock and what you can do with it.”

“Yeah? Show me.”

I lick him one more time before taking him deeply into my mouth. He mutters something, what I am not sure, and I let my hands rest on the back of his thighs as I worship his cock.

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