Page 35 of Saved By Love at Christmas
“Hey, Ruby?”
I jumped as a hand touched mine. My eyes flew wide open, expecting to see Jamie towering over me. All I saw was Marie, her eyes soft with concern.
“Sorry.” I pressed my fingers to my temples. “I had another bad memory. He really did a number on me.”
“Well, he can’t touch you anymore. You’re safe now, Ruby. It’s time to believe in your vision for your craft again.” She smiled. “Tell me about your thoughts for the hotels.”
And just like that, I was pulled away from my horrid memories to a much happier place. One I would fight to get back.
By the time we’d finished lunch, it was getting late. I checked the clock above the bar, my eyes wide.
“It’s almost four.”
Marie giggled. “I was going to say I had to get back to the office, but I didn’t want to stop you when you were on a roll.”
“Marie, I’m so sorry. I hope you haven’t got too much work to catch up on.”
“No. And anyway, it was worth it. You have the fire and enthusiasm back in your eyes. Just like you had before you left for Spain.”
Tears misted my eyes at her words. “I really felt as if I’d lost myself for good. It’s hard to put into words how Jamie made me feel. I knew each time he went out without me that he was with other women. The expression love is blind was very true in my case.”
“But you had the strength to realise what he was doing to you and got out before he could do anything worse.”
“Hmm, yeah. You’re right.” I shivered as I remembered how hard he’d hit me.
“I cannot wait to get started properly on this project with you. I may even come to the reclamation yards and antique shops with you.”
Her exuberance made me smile. “That would be great. And don’t forget all the soft furnishing suppliers. Oh, and the auction houses,” I added. Knowing how much she loved this side of the business too.
“Just like old times.”
We sipped our coffees, and I watched as the Christmas lights twinkled around the bar, feeling relaxed and content.
“Ruby,” she said, taking me away from my musings.
I raised my brows, waiting for her to continue.
“You know you said love is blind.”
“Yeah.”
“Well.” She stirred her coffee with the small silver spoon, seeming to struggle with her reply. “I think you need to get your head around something.”
I focused on her eyes. Eyes which were so like her brother’s.
“Well… don’t shout at me. But I think Ben might be crushing on you a little.”
I opened my mouth to protest, but then it had me thinking. The fact that Marie had even mentioned this, made me wonder if there could be more between us.
She held up her hand. “Please, just let me finish. If I’m honest, he’s always had a thing for you, Ruby. Even in high school.”
“Are you sure you’re not just making this up? I love Ben. He’s my best friend. But it’s never been anything else butfriends.” I emphasised the word, hoping she’d drop it. I was too afraid to even let my heart believe we could have more.
She leaned over the table, coming closer to me. “Ben would kill me if he knew I was saying this. And I know you’ve been through hell. But I think my brother could be what you need right now.”
I understood what she was saying, and I was concerned our relationship had blurred lines appearing. The last thing I wanted was to have anything other than friendship in case it ruined what we had now. I worried at my lower lip.
“Sorry. I should’ve kept my thoughts to myself. I honestly think you’d be good together, though.”
