Page 59 of Saved By Love at Christmas
She stalked towards me, went up on her tiptoes, and kissed me softly, running her hands through my hair.
“They’re bigger, so one person can sit behind the other, or face-to-face, and share a soak.”
“Oh, I see, you want to take advantage of me in my tub, huh?”
“Absolutely,” she breathed against my mouth before kissing me again.
A loud bark pulled us away from each other. We gave Fred a fuss.
“I thought the kitchen door was closed.” Ruby stroked Fred’s head.
“Yes, I closed it. But if I’m too late getting up, he’s learned how to open the kitchen door with his paws.”
Ruby laughed and bent down to hug my dog. “You’re a clever boy, aren’t you? Do you want to go for your walk?”
Ben rolled his eyes. “Now he won’t shut up until we take him out, and I’m gasping for a coffee.”
“Come on, grumpy. We’ll take him out and then you can have your caffeine fix.”
I slapped her ass. “Hey, I’m not grumpy.”
Her eyes sparkled at me, and I was stunned by the reality that we were now progressing our relationship.
“Ben?”
“Have I told you how much I love you, Rubes?”
Her eyes softened. “Yes, and I don’t want you to ever stop telling me.” She kissed my lips again and whispered, “I love you to the moon and back. Always have and always will.”
* * *
RUBY
It was very chilly on our walk. I was glad I’d brought my hat and gloves with me. Walking along holding hands with Ben while Fred snuffled about was perfect. This was something I wanted to do every day for the rest of my life. I’d never felt such contentment. Being closer to Ben was like all my Christmases coming at once.
“We have a lot to tell Grandad and Marie.”
“I’m working from one ‘til six today. Shall I come over later so we can tell him together?”
“That sounds like a plan. I’ll prepare some dinner for us. Oh, and when you take me back, we’ll take Fred too.” I didn’t add that having Fred with me would make me feel safer after the revelation about Jamie.
“We can tell Marie tomorrow, maybe have you and Tom over to mine for dinner too?”
“Hmm, we’ll do that.”
When we got back to Ben’s, I gave the chickens their feed and gathered up the eggs. Ben fed and watered Fred and put his beloved coffee on.
“The ladies have laid six this morning.”
Ben was just pouring coffee into mugs. He looked up and smiled, I returned his smile.
“How do you fancy pancakes, crispy bacon, and maple syrup?”
I moaned my appreciation. “Ben Driscoll, if I wasn’t in love with you before, I am now.”
Placing the eggs down on the table, I closed the gap between us and kissed him senseless. An excited squeal broke us apart. Marie stood in the doorway, a huge smile on her face.
“Finally!” She squealed again.
