Page 16 of Saved By Love at Christmas
I’d wanted Ruby to help me with her interior design knowledge and ideas when I’d first viewed the property, but she wasn’t around. As I’d walked around the house, I kept picturing her in my head and imagined her reactions to each room. Her smiles, enthusiasm, and concepts would’ve spilled from her like a waterfall. I sighed. But she was here now, and that was all that mattered.
She nudged my elbow. “Penny for them.”
“I was just thinking about something.”
“What?”
“I’d really love your help with the interiors of my place.”
“I wish I’d been here when you first saw it,” she whispered.
Again, I imagined Ruby going from room to room. Her hands would be waving around animatedly while she talked about colours for the walls and which soft furnishings would be best.
“Ben? Hey, you disappeared on me again.”
And I had. Lost in my thoughts. Thoughts about my friend that maybe I shouldn’t be having.
“Sorry,” I said as we watched Fred look towards the water. “We have a lot to catch up on. And no way do I want to heap unnecessary pressure on you.” I paused to gauge her reaction. “But would you consider helping me with the interior of my home? I don’t mean right away. You know, when you’re feeling stronger. I just need to turn it from a house to a cosy home.”
Her eyes widened and a beautiful smile formed on her lips. This was the Ruby I knew and loved.
“Oh, Ben, I’d love to. I miss my work so much, and helping a friend make his dream home a reality would be amazing.” She surprised me by kissing my cheek. “Thank you for thinking of me.”
Where her lips had touched my skin, there was a warmth that seeped down into my bones. We gazed at each other, the light from the moon reflecting in her eyes. So many mixed emotions surfaced that they clogged my throat.
Fred barked, bringing us back to reality.
“I’ll always think of you, Rubes. Never leave like that again, will you?”
“I won’t. You have my word on that.”
CHAPTER6
BEN
Our walk lasted about an hour, but I’d wanted it to go on forever. We didn’t say much, but we didn’t have to. We were so in tune with each other that even silence was comfortable. I was just happy to see my friend looking better than she had earlier in the town. And if helping me to design my home aided her recovery, I was all in. By the time we reached my home, my stomach was growling like a wild bear.
“Would you like to come in?”
“Another time. I really should get back. I’m still a little tired. I think part of that is all the walking I’ve been doing. Enjoy your stew.” She bent down to give Fred another cuddle. When she looked up, she seemed to have made a decision. “Look, Ben, I have an idea. You can tell me to back off if you want.”
“What is it?”
“Well, I wondered if you’d like me to take Fred for walks when you’re busy with work.”
“Are you sure? He can be quite a handful as you’ve seen.”
“He’s a sweetheart, and… well, I think he’s the kind of therapy I need. I love walking and so does Grandad. We’ll both enjoy it. It’ll give you a little more time to relax after a busy day too. It’ll also help me to clear my head and give me another positive thing to focus on.”
“If he helps you to feel better, that’s fine by me. Anything to help a friend.” Another thought came to me, a question that wouldn’t go away. “How did you put up with it for so long? It must’ve been hell.” I flinched, wondering if it was too much too soon. “Sorry, you can tell me to mind my own business.”
“No, I don’t mind you asking. And you know me.” She smiled. “I’ll soon tell you to shut up if you ask too much.”
And she would too.
“Just give me a little time, okay? I’ll answer another day.”
I pulled her to me, almost squashing the life out of her. “You take all the time you need.”
