Page 37 of Freeing Ruby

She hesitates a moment, then blurts out, “We can share the bed.”

“Ruby.” Something tells me this isn’t a good idea. I know it’s not a good idea for me. Sharing a bed? “Are you sure?”

She nods. “Yes.”

Chapter 14

Ruby

“I’m sorry,” I say as we lie side by side on my bed in the dark. My heart is pounding, but it’s not from fear. Yes, I was afraid to sleep alone in my bedroom knowing there was a hole in the window. But it’s not fear that’s making my pulse run away now. It’s the knowledge that Miguel is in my bed. I know I shouldn’t feel this way, but I can’t help it. He’s a real-life knight in shining armor. I’ve never met anyone like him before. And he’s in my bed!

“You don’t need to apologize to me, Ruby,” he says quietly. Miguel reaches over blindly in the dark and takes my hand, linking our fingers together. “Not ever.”

I’m certain he’s going to make some comment about just doing his job, but he doesn’t, and I’m glad. He makes me feel safe, and that’s something I haven’t felt in years. I’d hate for him to trivialize it by saying he’s just doing his job. I know it’s his job, but for a little while I want to forget that and just enjoy his company.

“I’m sure there are other things you’d rather be doing,” I say, unable to stop myself from stating the obvious. It’s true. I know it is. I may have my share of problems, but I’m not delusional. I’m not going to kid myself into thinking he’s here with me because he wants to be. He’s being paid to protect me.

“Nope,” he says lightly as he rubs his thumb along mine. “There’s nowhere else I want to be right now.”

My chest tightens, and I feel tears pricking at my eyes. I close my lids tightly to stave off tears. I’m not going to ruin the moment by crying. “Thank you, for being here. For staying even after my dad was so rude to you. I’m grateful.”

He squeezes my hand. “You don’t need to thank me either. The door is locked, the security system is set, and you’re safe, I promise. Just relax and try to sleep.”

“Okay.” I turn my face to him, but it’s too dark for me to even see his profile. “Goodnight, Miguel.”

He releases my hand. “Goodnight, Ruby.”

I close my eyes and attempt to will myself to sleep, but no such luck. I’m far too aware of Miguel and the fact there’s a man in my bed. Pumpkin has no such qualms. He jumps up on the bed with a chirp and nestles in between us, purring contentedly. I, on the other hand, am feeling way too self-conscious to relax.

What if I snore?

What if I talk in my sleep?

I close my eyes and pretend I’m asleep. Before long, I hear Miguel’s deep, even breathing. It sounds nice. I turn over, facing away from him, and start counting sheep.

* * *

When I wake the next morning, Miguel is still asleep. He’s lying on his back, and I’m pressed up against his side, my arm slung over his waist. My pulse starts tripping.

Ohmygod.

I freeze, hoping not to wake him.

This is so wrong, so inappropriate. And yet, I don’t want it to end. I could lie here with him like this forever, just the two of us. I realize the drapes are open slightly, just enough to let in a bit of morning sunlight.

I steal a moment to study his profile, his warm golden brown skin, his dark dark hair, black as night, the dark slash of his eyebrow, the line of his nose. His lips are relaxed in sleep, framed perfectly by his trim beard and mustache. He says he doesn’t have a girlfriend, or anyone special, but if he did, I’d be so jealous.

He stirs, moaning softly as his chest rises on a deep breath. Then, to my utter shock, his left hand comes up and covers my hand. I know it’s just a reflex, because he’s still half-asleep.

He inhales deeply, then yawns. “Good morning,” he says, his voice rough from sleep.

I attempt to pull my arm back, but he catches my hand for a split second, then abruptly lets it go.

He turns on his side to face me. “How’d you sleep?”

“Pretty well, thanks to you.”

Pumpkin jumps up on the bed, purring like a motorboat, and walks across Miguel’s abdomen.

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