Page 31 of Cupid Loves Curves

“Different good,” I say quickly. “But maybe both? I don’t know,” I say honestly. I put down the breakfast sandwich and take a long drink of coffee, relishing the caffeine as it hits my bloodstream. “It was unexpected.”

Ruby watches me closely, and her red hair bounces as she shakes her head. “Girl, you’ve got it bad. I thought you were over him?”

I sigh. “I thought so, too, Ruby. I did. But then he walked up to me on the street, and it was a bunch of ‘what are you doing here?’ and ‘you wouldn’t believe me if I told you,’ and then we did the date. I thought it was a ‘let’s do this thing since we’re here,’ but it turned into a capital D date.”

“Hmm,” Ruby says. I can tell she wants to say more but is holding off. “So what’s next? Are you two gonna see each other again?”

“I hope so.” I fidget with the hem of my sweater as I imagine Luke’s calloused hands lightly gripping my hips. “He said he’dcall. And the way he kissed me…” I trail off, biting my lip as the memory sends shivers down my spine.

“Kissed you?” she presses, eyes alight. “Do tell.”

“We were flirting half the night, and then we ended up at Flashback Games, and things escalated. It was like it was before. I know nothing can come of it, but it was like being in a bubble with someone perfect.” I sigh, unsure of whether to feel happy or frustrated.

“Jessica Pierce, you’re blushing!” Ruby teases, wiping her mouth with a napkin. “But, hey, I get it. I know how much you cared about him. Did he say what happened? Apologize for hurting you?”

“No. It was…surreal, I guess. But it all felt real. Like,reallyreal. I don’t think he could have faked all that.”

“What’s there to fake? You’re a hot babe. You both have history. Maybe he finally realized that he lost an incredible woman.”

I half-snort. “Maybe. Doesn’t change what happened, and it’s not like it could go back to the way it was. Besides,” I sigh, “my brother would probably kill Luke and me if he knew what happened.”

“Maybe your brother should allow you to make your own decisions about who you give your heart to,” Ruby says, a hard tone in her voice.

Ruby doesn’t have a brother, so she doesn’t understand that it’s not that Jake wants to control me but that he’s the standard over-protective brother. After we lost Dad, he became very protective of me.

“Oh, he’s just protective of me. It’s not like he tries to control me. He wants what’s best for me. I know he was furious with Luke about how he ended things.”

“I suppose,” Ruby concedes, though I can see she’s doubtful. “But what about you? Do you even want to try again with Luke? Or do you just one last roll in the hay with him?”

I can’t help blushing, and that sets Ruby laughing. “Maybe?” I admit. “But I’m trying not to get ahead of myself. It’s just...” I pause, swallowing the sudden lump in my throat. “What if this is real? I don’t know if I’m projecting, but it was amazing to see him and be with him last night.”

“Then you grab it with both hands and don’t let go.” Ruby’s voice softens, her playful demeanor giving way to sincerity. “You deserve this, Jessica. You deserve someone who makes your heart race and your knees weak. But you damn well make sure he treats you properly this time. You deserve to be worshipped, not discarded without an explanation.”

I sigh, my smile fading as my heart fills with conflicting emotions. “Ruby, he’s ghosted me before. After everything seemed perfect. How do I know he won’t just disappear again?”

“Jessica, look at me.” She grips my shoulders, her touch steady and sure. “Luke would be a fool to let you slip away a second time.”

“Maybe.” I chew on my lower lip, the uncertainty gnawing at my insides. “But—”

“No buts.” She wags a finger. “If you want him, and it’s plain as day that you do, open your heart and give it a second chance. Otherwise, you’ll always wonder what if.”

Maybe this timecouldbe different.

“Okay, so it’s your turn to spill. You’ve seen me through every disastrous date—what’s your secret to staying optimistic?” I ask Ruby as I walk to the kitchen to make more coffee. One cup was absolutely not enough.

“Optimistic? I’m just realistic. There’s a difference. I’m determined to find that mind-blowing connection—you know, the kind that knocks you right off your feet.”

“Passionate, huh?” I tease, watching as she playfully twirls a curl of red hair around her finger. “I can see that. But what about commitment? Do you ever think you use your humor as a shield? That maybe you’re scared to get too close to someone?”

“Scared? No,” she replies. “I think I understand what you’re trying to ask. Commitment isn’t a trap, Jessica,” she replies, her tone softening as she reads the concern etched on my face. “You put yourself out there, and sometimes you get hurt. But when it’s right, it’s worth it.”

“Maybe,” I concede, chewing on my lip. “But with Luke... it feels like playing with fire.”

“Then turn up the heat,” Ruby declares, her laughter filling the room. “Make him realize you’re the flame he can’t live without. Seriously though,” she continues, “I’m a firm believer in love at first sight. Or at least lust by the first fuck.”

I nearly choke on my fresh coffee, coughing as I set my mug on a stack of old magazines. “Ruby!” My voice lifts an octave, incredulous yet amused. “You can’t be serious.”

“I’m absolutely serious! Come on, Jessica. Tell me you’ve never felt that zing—the kind that makes you want to rip someone’s clothes off with your teeth?”

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