Page 19 of Saved By Love at Christmas
My tongue moistened my lips, which had become dry, and I became aware of how Ben’s eyes had darkened. I couldn’t move, and my voice had lodged somewhere in my throat. My eyes were locked to his as I put my arms around his neck. My lips parted, and he slowly bent his head towards mine.
“Are you all right, Ruby?”
The noise of the stairs creaking and Grandad’s voice jolted us apart. Ben’s eyes were wild, and I could only imagine that mine were the same. I was shaking, and I wasn’t certain whether it was from my near-death experience or the intimacy I’d shared with my best friend.
“I’m Fine. Ben saved me from having an argument with the floor.”
“What were you doing up there?” Ben asked, indicating to the loft hatch.
“We’re just getting Christmas decorations out of the loft.”
Ben raised his eyebrows and let out a whistle. “It’s only the beginning of November.”
Grandad chuckled. “I know, but she loves Christmas so much. After what she’s been through, I thought it’d be good therapy.”
“Hey, don’t you blame me. You were the one who suggested it.” I stuck my tongue out at him. “Anyway, Ben, what brings you here?”
“I was wondering if you could walk Fred tomorrow. I’ve got to be at work for seven for an early operation, and I’ll probably be there until the evening.”
“Ouch, that’s a long time.” I winced.
“Yeah, one of the vets called in sick, so I’ll have to cover his shifts. Joys of being one of the partners.”
“Why don’t you bring Fred over in the morning on your way to work? The poor lad will be lonely all that time,” Grandad suggested.
“Are you sure?”
I smiled. “It’ll be our pleasure.”
“Oh, and Marie asked if it’s okay for her to call you. She’s been driving me nuts asking about you every day.”
“Of course she can. It’ll be great to hear from her.”
“Before I go, I think I’ll get up in the loft and pass the boxes down. I don’t think we want any further accidents, do we?”
We took Ben up on his offer, and just like that, we were friends again. But the way we’d almost kissed earlier had me questioning that.
CHAPTER7
BEN
When I arrived home after visiting Ruby and Tom, my head was a mess. If Tom hadn’t spoken as he came up the stairs earlier, I’d have kissed her. It was the way she’d wet her lips that set me off. That and her warm body against mine. I’dneverfelt that way towards her before. Well, okay, maybe a little. Why now? What had changed? I shrugged and breathed in deeply. Maybe it was her almost accident that had made us act that way. It left me with too many questions and no answers.
My phone beeped with a message from my sister.“Are you free for dinner? I’ve made my famous chicken and pasta.”I never could resist her chicken pasta dish. I fired one back, letting her know I’d be there in ten minutes.
When I pulled up outside her home on the outskirts of Woodbridge, my mind was still whirring about the almost kiss earlier with Ruby. I sat and twirled my car keys in my hands. A tap on the driver’s side window brought me away from my confusing thoughts.
“Did you want me to bring your dinner out here?” Marie’s arms were folded over her chest, and her eyebrows were raised in question.
“What?”
She put her hands on her hips. “You’ve been sitting here for over five minutes. What’s up, big bro?”
“Nothing. Just distracted.”
We went straight to her kitchen. It was rustic and shabby chic but with all the modern appliances. It sounds messy, but it really worked. Ruby had helped design it for her and sourced some of the items.
“Ben, what’s up with you today? Is it Ruby? Is she okay?”
