“I like her, too. She’s easy to be around, just like you.”
“Now I know you lie. I’m not easy to be around unless you know me. I’m cold and not good with groups. But thank you for pretending I’m not.”
Neal strokes my face in the dark, and I lean into his touch. “You’re not cold. You’re reserved until you get to know someone. That isn’t a bad thing. Who told you it was?”
Trevor. “It’s just something I’ve always known about myself.”
“Well, you’ve thought wrong all these years.” His hands lower to my butt. “Nothing cold about this.” I can’t help but giggle, and he says, “As for not being good in a crowd, I don’t see it. Don’t you know that extroverts love thinking you’re hanging on their every word?”
I snort. “Are you describing yourself?”
Neal nuzzles my neck. “I am. Don’t ruin my fantasy because I think you find me the most important person in the room.”
I snuggle against his chest and whisper into his ear, “I do. You’re the most important person in my world.”
“And you’re mine, Ruby. Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas, Neal.”
Chapter 36
Christmas morning means coffee and tea with presents then bacon, eggs, and pancakes afterward. When the aroma of caffeine floats upstairs, I become aware of the hairy leg draped over me. Waking up to Neal has made me a morning person, and I can’t help but rub my hand over his chest as I lean on my elbow and gaze down at him.
“Merry Christmas.”
Neal blinks and rubs his eyes. “Merry Christmas.” His voice is husky with sleepiness, and I’m tempted to rub lower. “I’m surprised you haven’t dragged me down to see what’s in the stockings yet. I took you for the hop-out-of-bed-for-Santa type.”
“I am, but I have the best present ever right here.” I move my hand down and press against his morning erection.
He flips me onto my back, and I let out a squeal. “I thought you said no sex in your mother’s house.” He nuzzles my neck and I sigh.
“Right, but maybe if we’re really quiet.”
Neal lifts up to laugh. Reaching between my legs he strokes me, and says, “This is the one thing you aren’t quiet about. But I’m willing if you are.”
I grip him and stroke right back, but even Neal’s fingers can’t keep my mind off the fact my mother is downstairs. I shake my head and stop. “I can’t. It just feels wrong, and it’s not like we can’t have sex pretty much anytime we want every other day.”
Neal groans. “Okay, but you’ll pay for teasing me like this.”
I get out of bed and say, “Happily.”
Minutes later, we descend to Christmas music and another fire. A teakettle thuds on the stove, and my mother calls out, “I’m putting water on for you, Ruby. Neal, how do you like your coffee?”
“Milk or cream, whatever you have.”
He walks into the kitchen as I wander toward the tree. Simply decorated with tiny clear lights, clear glass ornaments, and burgundy, pink, and gold ribbons, it’s elegant. When I was a kid, we had the traditional tree with the random collection of ornaments, but last year my mother went with something that appeals to her decorator heart. While I understand, and it’s lovely, I long for the old version.
I finger a crystal ornament and watch it catch the light, making it appear magical. Thoughts of my daughter drift into my mind. I wonder if she celebrates Christmas and if her tree has a tacky grade-school-created ornament. I shake off my sadness and realize it’s been weeks since I let myself drift off with those thoughts.
Neal has come over with his coffee in hand, and he slips an arm around my waist. I lean against his warm strength. He asks, “What are you thinking about? We lost you for a moment.”
“Just remembering past holidays. Our tree used to be tacky, with homemade ornaments. This one is prettier.”
“It is lovely, but I think the tacky ones are great, too. I like the stories that go with each decoration.”
I smile up at him. “And that’s just one more reason I love you. We have equally terrible taste.”
My mother hands me a steaming mug of cinnamon orange tea. “Let me guess, you’re complaining about my designer tree, aren’t you?”
Neal says, “No, it’s beautiful.” He winks at me.
I say, “Stocking time!” and prance over to the mantel to pull them down for everyone. Late last night, when Neal was in the bathroom and my mother had gone to bed, I sneaked down with things to add. I discovered Neal must have done the same when I was brushing my teeth. I guess my Mother made her contributions early this morning.
Mom says, “This is a free-for-all, so don’t be polite, Neal.”
He grins and moves to the floor to dump out the contents. My mother’s laughter rings throughout the room, and we both do the same. Usually I would take my time, picking things out to look at slowly, but I can’t resist switching things up.
A lacy red bra and panty set gets my attention. “Which one of you put this in my stocking?”
My mother smirks. “That would be me. I almost put it in Neal’s stocking.”
“Mom!”
Neal reaches over and takes it from me. Holding the bra up to the light, he says, “Nice choice, Rachael.”
I snatch it out of his hands. “Okay, let’s move on now that we’re all picturing me in red lace.”
Neal chuckles and sorts through his candy and trinkets to comment on the little things he received. When we finish I jump up again to hand out my gifts.
Mom says, “Ruby always wants to go first. She can never wait to see what I think of what she gives me.”
Neal says, “In that case, you go first.”
Paper tears as my mother rips into her present with flair. It’s satisfying to watch as it reminds me of her ability to dive into life, whereas I tend to hang back. Her eyes light up as she pulls out the pieces. Fingering the fine lace jacket, she says, “Oh, Ruby, how luxurious. I’m going to wear this to Christmas dinner with the girls, and they’ll be so envious.”
She gets up from her seat to give me a hug. “Thank you, your gifts are always so special.”
When she sits, Neal says, “My turn.” Not one to be outdone he, too, rips into his present with passion, making us giggle. He pulls out the purple silk shirt first and looks at me with wide eyes. “This is the limited edition silk, isn’t it?”
I nod and bounce a little because he likes it.
“It’s so soft, just like your skin.”
My mother gasps and then sighs a little. She’s an incurable romantic, and I’m sure Neal will forever be in her good graces for that statement.
I say, “There’s more.”
Neal says, “I know, I was just taking time to enjoy this.” He lifts up the pants. “Nice, and I bet they fit perfectly, don’t they?”
“They should, but I know a great girl for alterations.”
Neal slides closer to me for a hug and says, “Me, too. Thank you, love.”
My mother takes her turn next and gives Neal a pair of faux-fur lined leather gloves and me a beautiful hand-knit sweater.
Neal passes out his presents, and my mother gets a hand-painted silk scarf.
My box is smaller, and I open it slowly. Paper is smooth on my finger as I slide it under to release the tape. I’m not sure why I’m being so careful. A dark green velvet box is revealed, and I open it to a heart-shaped pendant with tiny blue stones set in it. Lifting it out, the chain is feather-light as it drapes over my hand.
“Neal, this is lovely. Put it on me?”
“It’s sapphires to go with your eyes and a heart because mine is all yours.”
Moisture fills my eyes as I lift my hair for him to do the clasp. I turn and hug him tight. “And you have mine, thank you.”
Mom gets up and wipes at her eyes, too. “I’m going to go start breakfast.”
When she’s in the kitchen, I say to Neal, “You’ve made me feel treasured. Thank you.”
“You make m
e feel that way every day. Thank you for my new designer clothes. When I wear them I’ll think of you.”
I don’t hold back the tears that want to roll down my face, and I kiss him. It’s tender, my heart nearly bursts with my love for Neal, and I know that’s the greatest gift of all.
Chapter 37
Christmas week in Breck is crazy busy, and Neal and I don’t get much time together. I’m back sleeping at my own house most nights so we’ll both get the rest we need. By the time New Year’s Eve comes I’m missing Neal in the worst way. I packed an overnight bag and plan to be what he finds in his bed no matter what time he finishes tonight.
My keyboard clicks as I plug numbers into a spreadsheet. I expect Neal any minute and am trying to finish in time for him to start on payroll. His laughter carries to me, and I guess he’s joking around with Lori before coming to the office. I rush to get the last few numbers in, and when he comes through the door, I say, “Yes!”
“Wow, now that’s how to greet me.”
I grin at him. His blue eyes twinkle as I stand to give him a quick kiss. “I finished the numbers just in time for you.”
His arm has slipped around my waist, and he pulls me tight against his chest. “God, I miss you. I’ll be glad when this week is over.”
I’m about to tell him I’ll be waiting for him tonight when he kisses me again and takes it to a level that leaves me void of coherent thought. When we break apart I get a glimpse of the store and realize there are too many customers for Lori to handle on her own. “I should get out there. But thanks, that was just what I needed.”
Neal slaps my butt as I walk out, and I jump with a gasp. Glancing over my shoulder, he winks at me, and it shoots right to my heart.
The morning goes by in a blur, and I don’t notice Neal leave. Lori and I barely get time for a bathroom break, and I’m grateful we both have been bringing our lunches this week so we can grab a bite whenever there’s a free moment.
Mandy came in at two to stay with me until ten, and at seven Lori is scheduled to leave. I ask her, “Do you and Kaleb have plans tonight?”
“We’re having a dinner party with Casey. Jason is cooking for the four us, and we’ll probably all collapse right after midnight.” The zipper on her coat hums as she tugs it up to her chin.
“That sounds fun, have a great time.”
“Are you going to do anything with Neal?”
“He’s working at Stone Soup and probably won’t get home until well after midnight. I’m on my own and don’t even care. I’ll probably go to bed before the ball drops.” I don’t tell her it will be Neal’s bed, and I’ll be naked waiting for him to wake me when he finally gets home.
“I hope you get lots of rest. You two can celebrate some other night.” She’s at the door and opens it.
I call out, “Happy New Year!”
“Happy New Year!”
Mandy and I stay busy until around eight, but by nine it’s dead. Mandy is touching up her makeup in the mirror, and mascara clatters on the table beside it. I think she’s anxious to get out of here.
“Mandy, I’m sure you have plans, and if you want to go now, I’ll be fine.”
“Really? That would be awesome. Thanks.” She practically runs to the office to get her things, and she’s gone so quickly I chuckle at her escape.
I wander over to Rhinestone Cowgirl and find Nika tapping her fingers on her phone. “Slow over here too, huh?”
“Yup, I was just texting my brother, it’ll be midnight soon on the East Coast.” Her phone clunks on the counter she’s leaning against.
I grasp a handful of necklace chains and let them slip through my fingers back into place. “Are you and Christian doing anything to celebrate?”
“Sleeping. I’m afraid I’m so tired this week I don’t have it in me to celebrate. This is also the first year I’m not with Derrick, so we’re going to delay our New Year’s Eve until he and Gretchen come out next week.”
Derrick is Nika’s twin and engaged to Casey’s best friend, Gretchen. They both moved back east to go to graduate school. “That’s a good idea. I think Neal and I will probably do something next week, too. Poor guy will be working and get chaste kisses from female diners.” But as soon as I say it I remember that Bianca works at Stone Soup, and my stomach twinges, wondering if he’ll kiss her.
I shake the thought from my mind. “I suppose I should get back to my side and tidy up before closing. I sure won’t want to do it in the morning.”
Nika nods. “Agreed. Happy New Year.”
“You, too.”
I keep myself busy organizing the clothes to hang by size until closing. After I’m out the door of Ruby Raines, I glance up at my sign before I begin to walk and get nostalgic. I never expected to be the owner of my own successful shop. Last year my life was bland in comparison. People litter the sidewalk, and I have to pay attention to where I step as I weave in out of them.
I indulge in fantasies of the future and imagine Neal and I living together, or maybe even being engaged at this time next year. I let a grin cover my face, and it stays as I jog up the steps to his apartment. Just before I reach the top, his door opens and a woman with wet hair, wearing just a towel, scurries past to the other apartment. I realize it’s Bianca and open the door to Neal coming down the hall from his bathroom—and bedroom.
He’s tucking in his shirt and says, “Did you forget so—” His eyes widen when he glances up to see me, and I notice his hair is wet too.
Bile rises to my throat. Oh, my God. I stumble backward, catch myself before I fall, and turn to run down the stairs. Oh God.
Neal’s voice yells after me. “Ruby!”
I can’t do a confrontation, so I don’t stop moving. The vibration of my footsteps tears through me, and I think I hear him call my name again when I’m on the sidewalk. But I’m too focused on getting away. How could he?
My lungs are burning when I pause to get in my car. Sliding over the cold leather seems to shock me out of my altered state. Please let there be a good explanation for why Neal would be home when he’s supposed to be working. And for why he looked as though he took a shower with a girl who clearly did take one at his apartment, even though she lives across the hall.
Yeah, no. My stomach rolls as if I’m going to vomit. There isn’t a good explanation, and I’m being a fool trying to convince myself otherwise. “Shit!” I slam my hand down hard on the steering wheel, and pain radiates up my arm. Neal’s sleeping with Bianca, just as I overheard Leanne say weeks ago.
I turn the ignition and race out of the parking lot. I notice Neal on the sidewalk, waving his arms to get my attention, but I don’t bother to let him know I saw.
I’m thankful the light is green, because Neal can’t possibly catch up to me now. I speed out of town toward home. As my anger dissipates, I slow down and take deep breaths. I wrack my brain, looking for signs I should have seen.
For the month before Christmas we were together almost every night. I can’t imagine how he had the time, unless it was quickies during the day. But Bianca had to know we were together. What kind of girl would be up for that?
No, I don’t believe he’s been cheating on me this whole time. No guy is that good at lying, and I think he does love me. But—oh, God. Or did. What if he discovered this week that it’s Bianca he really loves? What if he’s realized that he liked being a player?
Tears fall freely as I let reality sink in. No matter why they slept together, Neal has been with someone else. That means we’re over.
Chapter 38
My apartment is dark and lonely when I get home. Not bothering to turn on lamps, I let the small oven light illuminate my way. My keys clatter on the counter when I toss them. Text notifications cover my phone screen, but I don’t want to read lame excuses from Neal, so I power it off and throw it on the counter too.
I don’t seem to have the energy to gorge myself on ice cream and wander over to my couch. I slither out of my coat and let it drop to the floor.
I sit and tug off my boots, and they thud with my half-hearted attempt at pitching them across the room. Wrapping myself in a blanket, I assume the fetal position.
I cry the ugly cry and wipe snot on my sleeves without a care for the vintage lace I’m probably ruining. When I’m sure there aren’t any tears left, I wait for sleep to take over my exhausted body and spent heart.
***
At some point I wake to stumble to the bathroom and brush my teeth. I climb to my loft and manage to change into pajamas to climb into bed. Making sure my alarm is set, I find it’s two in the morning. “Happy freaking New Year.” Fresh tears burn my eyes, and I burrow under my covers, praying for sleep.
It comes, but my slumber is restless, and I rise before the sun. I usually drink tea in the morning, but I’m craving caffeine and will probably need it to get through the hell my day is going to be.
I find Garrett’s stash, and grounds swish into a filter as I scoop it out. I flick the machine on and glance at my phone. I should at least read the messages to make sure that my store hasn’t burned down overnight. While the chances of that are slim, I can’t stomach what else I’ll find just yet. I decide on a shower first.
I emerge with a cloud of steam and pour myself a cup of coffee. The bitter liquid needs milk I don’t have, so I stir in sugar, but no matter how much I add, the flavor is harsh on my tongue. Sighing, I brace myself for what I need to do.
White flashes on the phone screen as I wait for it to power up. Glancing at my texts I see Nika’s name and open hers first. They’re in reverse order, but my stomach drops when I read the first words. “Where are u, please b ok.”
I flick my finger to scroll down to the first one she sent at three am.
“Neal in accident. St Anthony.”
My scalp tingles, and sudden dizziness makes me slump to the floor in case I faint. Neal.
I read more and discover he has a concussion and was admitted for observation. Horrible scenarios of swelling brains and famous people dying from a concussion have me near panic, but at least he’s not in the ICU. I breathe a little easier as I text Nika back. “So sorry, I turned off my phone and am just seeing this. On my way.”
Exposed: New Adult Sport Romance (The Boys of Winter Book 5) Page 18