Page 32 of Waiting for Redemption

“Psst. Ruby.” I nudge her head with my shoulder gently, doing my best to wake her without startling her. “Hey, Honey. We’re about to land.” Her eyes begin to flutter open as she yawns and looks around the plane. She pulls her charging case out for her earbuds and drops hers in, looking around for a moment before I pull the other one out of my ear, wiping it off before I hand it to her.

“Oh, yeah.” She laughs. “Wait, you listened to it without me?” She pouts, making it damn near impossible not to fixate on her fucking lips.

“Nah, I slept for a while too. We can finish it later.” She looks at me with an unreadable expression before placing her case and the rest of the Sour Patch Kids we were sharing into her backpack.

When she steps into the main aisle, I notice a small red candy stuck to the back of her black leggings. I look around us and then make the quick decision to remove it in hopes of saving her from any potential embarrassment. When I go to pull it off I accidentally pinch her skin and she lets out a little gasp that makes my dick jump before turning on her heels to face me with wide eyes. I hear another small gasp from beside me and turn to see Lauren in her seat with her mouth hanging open.

“Did you just pinch her ass?” Lauren whispers.

“Umm, yeah kind of.” I look between the two of them and the blush that coats Ruby’s cheeks makes my dick stir even more at the thought that shelikedthat I pinched her ass, but I quickly redirect my train of thought. “There was a Sour Patch Kid stuck to your leggings.” I hold up the red candy and Ruby nods in realization.

“Oh,” she says, turning to exit the plane.

“Whew, I really thought I was gonna have to kick your ass right here on this plane, Landry.” Lauren tosses her brown hair over her shoulder as she readjusts the strap on her fanny pack.

“Lauren, you’re the same size as this Sour Patch Kid, I’d like to see you try.” I tease, making her narrow her gaze at me before she exits her row in front of me. She links her arm with Ruby’s as they make their way through the airport.

“Come on, gorgeous, we’re rooming together. I can’t wait to see you in that dress again. We didgood.” It’s Lauren’s voice I hear, but I can’t seem to peel my eyes off Ruby as she struts through the crowded building.

“You’re going to run into a wall if you don’t look up soon.” Max’s voice catches me by surprise as he throws his arm around my shoulder.

“What?” I ask, only partially aware of how long he’s been walking beside me.

“How’s that X-ray vision working out for ya man?” He raises his brow at me, making me scoff.

“Maybe Ididget my wittiness from you,” I mumble under my breath.

“Huh?” Max rears back in confusion.

“Nothing. I’m stopping for a coffee, I’ll catch up with you guys later.” I have no intention of having this conversation with Max right now—or ever, for that matter.

I’ve got to get my shit in check before I see Ruby in whatever dress Lauren was talking about tonight. There’s no doubt it’ll be something that will steal what little breath I have left when I’m around her. I’ll probably end up jerking off in the shower to thoughts of her perfect ass and the way she smells like cherry candy all the goddamn time like the desperate-for-her man I am.

CHAPTER13

RUBY

Laurenand I are sharing a hotel room and I don’t think I ever realized just how long it takes her to get ready. She’s always been the one who knows everything there is to know about clothes, hair, and makeup but oh mygodI could not do this every day. I think the worst part is that she doesn't even need it. Her skincare routine is just as high quality as her makeup routine. The woman’s skin looks like untouched butter, her brows are perfectly shaped and don’t even get me started on the length and fullness of her eyelashes. If I didn’t love her so damn much, I’d probably hate her out of pure jealousy.

“Which shoes go better with this dress?” she asks, holding up a pair of black platform heels and a pair of beige strappy heels.

“You’re askingme?” I look at her in disbelief. Lauren, the fashion guru of our group, asks the one who wears the same t-shirt and jeans at least twice a week for wardrobe advice.

“Okay, I hear your point. I know which onesIwould choose, but I want a second opinion.” She fusses, so I take a moment to look at the options again. The wine-colored dress she has on could really go with either pair. The dress is knee length and has short ruffle sleeves, her brown hair is set in loose waves, pulled up halfway in some cute ass hair twist, and she’s wearing a simple charm bracelet that wouldn’t clash with anything.

“The black ones are a little more edgy, the beige ones are more classy. Go with the beige,” I say confidently. She drops the heels at her side and holds one hand to her chest.

“Is this what being a proud mother feels like?” she teases. I give her a playful eye roll as I finish curling my hair.

Lauren helped me pick out a black satin dress for this event at a boutique in town last week, and it might be my favorite thing I’ve ever worn. It’s similar in style to our bridesmaid’s dresses for Shane’s wedding, but this dress is mid-length and has a slit going up my thigh. It hugs my mid-section a little tighter than I’m usually comfortable with, but the cinching in the bodice makes any self-consciousness a thing of the past.

“Here. These shoes are screaming to be worn with that dress.” She winks at me and holds out the black platform heels. I tilt my head at her and give an accusing stare, but she shrugs me off like it’s no bother. Once my heels are on we take one final look in the mirror before heading toThe Gallery.

* * *

I’m not sure what I was expecting when we showed up tonight, but this place has surpassed any expectation I could have fathomed. Shane’s artwork is absolutely stunning, as I knew it would be, and every inch ofThe Galleryis covered in coordinating designs. From the olive green dress shirts the caterers are wearing, to the red, white, and blue floral arrangements, not a single detail has been missed. No wonder Shane hated to leave this place, I’m sure it’s every artist's dream to work at a place like this.

Lauren and I met up with Taylor and Leah in the lobby and all rode together since Shane and Max came early to make sure everything was ready for the event tonight, but I haven’t seen Tank yet—or Tucker now that I think about it. I try to casually glance around the room without making it obvious who I’m looking for, though I’m not sure why I’m so worried about it, we are friends after all. Just as I think I catch a glimpse of Tank, Hugh takes the stage to welcome everyone so I turn my attention to him. He’s wearing a suit that’s tailored perfectly to every line and muscle and I’m sure not a single female in this building is letting it go unnoticed.

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