Page 13 of Lonesome Man
When she looked up again, her eyes were bright and filled with joy. “You love this…doing this, don’t you?”
All I could do was fucking nod, unable to take my eyes off her. The sincerity of the emotion in her gaze, of how moved she was by my work—knowing how much I loved it and what it meant to me—was a fucking punch in the chest.
She nodded, running her fingers over different pieces. “I can see it. God, I can feel it in every piece on this table.” She looked up again. “I’m so happy for you, Tuck, that you have this. Not everyone understands what it’s like to create something they love, something that they’re proud of. You did that.”
Jesus, my fucking throat felt tight. “You do,” I said. “With your writing, and when you’re acting.”
Her smile widened, but it didn’t seem to reach her eyes. “Yeah,” she said. “Exactly.” She motioned across the room. “So what’s up the stairs?”
“A guest room. Cash and Riley use it when they come and stay.” There was a look in her eyes I couldn’t read, and I wanted to know what was going on in her head right now. I had no right to push for more from this woman, she didn’t owe me more than she was already giving me, but I couldn’t stop myself. “Talk to me. Tell me what you’re thinking.”
She laughed softly, trying to make light, to pretend I hadn’t seen what I had in her eyes. “Oh nothing, ignore me.” She motioned to the table. “Just…not all of us are as talented as you, Mr. Smith. I’ve had a script with my agent for close to a year, and no one’s biting.”
“They will,” I said.
She laughed again. “You’re sweet.”
“Not being sweet, Ruth. Okay, sure, I’ve only known you a handful of days, but I just…I know I’m right.”
“See, totally sweet.”
I winked. “What’s the play about?”
She stilled, blinking up at me. “Lost love.”
Her voice had grown husky. “Yeah?”
She nodded.
“You writing from experience?” I asked, because I had to fucking know.
“I am,” she said, her gaze sliding from mine.
Why the hell did I feel, shit, jealous, of whoever this asshole was who had loved Ruth, then let her slip away? “Sorry to hear that, darlin’, but that’s why it’ll be too good to pass up. I know it’s only a matter of time before you sell it.”
Her eyes sparkled. “Thanks, but now I’m going to blame you for jinxing me if nothing comes of it.”
I grinned. “If anything, I’m manifesting it for you. The universe will have to listen now.”
“You’re very charming,” she said out of the blue. “But I think you know that.”
I knew no such thing. Still, I winked. “I try.”
She closed the short distance between us and looked up at me. “I’m glad I came here and that I’m getting to spend time with you.”
There was nothing but sincerity in her pretty eyes.
Fuck, I liked this girl.
Tucking her hair behind her ear, I slid my hand down the side of her lovely face and held her chin. “I’m glad you’re here too, darlin’.” Then I went with it, this moment that was genuine, and real, and leaned in and kissed her.
I’d kissed her quite a few times now, but only when we were playing. This was the first time I’d kissed Ruth, and she was just as eager now as she’d been the other times. She pressed her curvy little body more tightly against me and wrapped her arms around my waist. Gently squeezing her soft hip, I pulled her closer and slid my other hand into her hair, kissing her deeper.
When I finally lifted my head, I smiled down at her, trying to keep things light for now. It wasn’t easy when all I could think about was bending her over my workbench and fucking her. As much as I wanted to do that—and I got the feeling Ruth would be down for that as well, going by her shaky breaths and the hot look in her eyes—it would have to wait. We’d been out most of the day, taking longer than I’d expected. “I need to feed you before I fuck you again,” I said and gave her another soft kiss.
“I’m fine. Honestly, I’m happy to wait—” Her stomach rumbled, loudly.
Her cheeks went up in flames, and I had to bite back my moan. Fuck, I loved those blushes. “What were you saying?”
