Ruby's Choice (Ditch Lane Diaries Book 1)

by D. F. Jones

  Ruby placed her hand over her stomach. “The food was so delicious. I love it up here. I’m kinda glad we’re walking to the concert to burn off some of this pie. How much time do we have?”

  Reed waved to the waiter and asked for the bill. “Not much. We should be able to get there in about fifteen minutes. I’m not sure if Seger has a warm-up band. I’m so glad you liked dinner. My parents and I came up here last spring.” Reed placed the money in the server folder with the bill. “Come on, let’s go, pretty girl.”

  Bob Seger rocked the house. Sometimes they danced in their seats, and the other times they stood up and looked on, screaming along with the other fans. She and Reed always had such a good time together. He made her laugh all the time. Laughter should never be underestimated.

  After the concert, they walked back to their hotel hand-in-hand. The Nashville streets were still full of people. Several musicians were playing acoustic guitars at the corner near their hotel. Reed and Ruby listened as they strummed a George Jones song. After the song ended, Reed put money in their guitar case and placed his hand on the small of Ruby’s back, ushering her into the hotel lobby.

  Reed guided her to the hotel lounge. “Let’s get a nightcap before we head back upstairs.” He ordered them brandy.

  Reed seemed as nervous as she was. Ruby took the glass from him and she quickly drank the shot.

  He laughed. “Ruby, I want you relaxed, not passed out.”

  Ruby felt the sweet, warm rush of alcohol seep into her bloodstream in an instant. “Well, I’m relaxed. I promise not to pass out.” She leaned across the bar and ordered a glass of water. The lounge had deep mahogany walls and the recessed lighting had been set low. The candles on each table were lit in beautiful crystal hurricanes which cast a soft glow across the room. A man played a sweet, soft melody on the piano.

  Reed brushed his lips against her cheek. “Would you like to dance?”

  Ruby glanced around and didn’t see anyone else dancing. “Reed, I’m not sure we’re supposed to dance in here.”

  He swooped his arm around her waist, and the next minute they were dancing on the small floor. The piano player smiled at Reed and nodded. Reed held her hand curled next to his face and his other hand rested low, right above her behind. They swayed slowly back and forth to the sad, sweet tune.

  Reed buried his face in her hair. “You’re so beautiful. I’m the luckiest man on earth right now, with you in my arms.”

  She was enjoying herself. “You’re going to get lucky,” she teased. Ruby placed her hands on his hips and linked her fingers in his pant loops, pulling him closer to her.

  “Mmmm, I love the sound of that. Feeling a little frisky, are ya?”

  Ruby rose on tiptoe, placed her lips close to his ear, and said, “Very frisky.” Reed bent over and kissed her.

  After paying their bar tab, they walked in silence to the elevators. Once inside, they were alone as they watched the floors zoom past them. He whispered in her ear, “Tell me, Ruby…tell me you want me to make love to you tonight.”

  She turned to face him and her arms went up around his neck. “I want you to make love to me, more than anything else in this whole wide world, Reed Jackson. I want to feel you inside of me.”

  They ran from the elevators to their hotel room. The room was dark, except for the Nashville skylights. Reed walked over and flipped on the little light on the table beside the bed. He turned, and the look he gave her had the air backing up in her lungs.

  “Reed, I’ll only be a minute.” Ruby closed the bathroom door and looked at her reflection in the mirror. Her cheeks flushed, and her skin heated. Ruby had left her night bag in the bathroom before they went to dinner, so she pulled out the new, luscious, ivory silk and lace chemise she had bought for tonight.

  The body-kissing A-line skimmed her thighs and felt amazing next to her skin. She hoped Reed loved it. Her see-through lace panties stretched perfectly over her curves. She thought it was perfectly cheeky and giggled. She brushed her teeth and hair and took a deep breath and she walked back into the bedroom. Reed stood shirtless closing the blinds, and then he turned around sucking in a deep breath.

  Reed’s eyes wandered over her, as she stood across the room. She could barely breathe, and she couldn’t wait to touch him. Reed had a body that would make Adonis weep with jealousy. She grinned smugly at him and pressed her hand against the wall. “So, I gather you like what you see?”

  “Honey, you are truly beautiful. I have no words sufficient enough to express how truly beautiful you are to me. And you’re so incredibly sexy in that lingerie, I think I could probably rip it off with my teeth pretty damn quick.” He crossed the room to her in two strides and pulled her up tight against him. He inhaled deeply and then slid his hands around her bottom, giving her a gentle squeeze. “Kiss me, Ruby.”

  Reed ran his fingers through her hair to the nape of her neck. He slanted his mouth over hers and slid his warm tongue deep into her mouth with slow strokes and she met him with demanding strokes of her own. Her hunger for him grew wilder with every passing second. She was fiercely clutching his arms; even with their bodies melted to one another she wanted to be closer, pulling at him. She could feel her heartbeat hammer so loudly in her ears. His thigh muscle tensed against her until he trembled. She pushed him slightly away so she could view him. His skin felt hot under her touch as her fingers traced over his powerful chest.

  “Reed, you’re so gorgeous.” He unzipped his pants, his rock-hard erection responding to her compliment as they fell away to the floor. This was the first time Ruby had seen a man, up close and personal. She ran her hands over his thighs and his glutes tightened. She followed her urge to touch him and reached out, placing her hand around him. He let out a moan. She never had a man of her very own and she ran her hand over him. His skin felt velvety smooth and Reed stilled her hand.

  His voice was low and husky. “Not fair, princess. You’ve seen mine. Now it’s my turn to see yours.”

  They stood facing each other as he slowly began to slide her chemise off her shoulders. It fell to the floor. His lips slid down her neck to the tender place in her throat and then back up to her mouth. She wanted to close her eyes to his touch but was too curious and anxious she’d miss something. She stood before Reed, tall and proud.

  Reed ran his finger over her breast. “Do you want me as bad as I want you?” The look in his eyes drove every thought from her brain.

  His ravenous perusal of her body made her stomach muscles clench tight. He began to gently caress her breasts, and then he leaned over and placed her breast in his mouth. She closed her eyes and arched her back as he suckled her nipple. Her skin felt like it was being turned inside out as she shivered with pleasure. Reed caressed her with his expert tongue and then moved his mouth to her other breast. Ruby became molten liquid under his touch and took a deep breath, she smelled him—soap, Aramis, and man.

  Ruby sighed. “Mmm, that feels so good.” Reed chuckled against her skin. “Oh, Reed.” Her fingers twisted in his hair and her response was met with him devouring her breasts. Something deep inside her throbbed and shivers shot up her spine.

  He was driving her crazy with desire, and then he dropped to the floor on his knees and slowly removed her panties with his teeth. “Oh, you’re so wet. You’re killing me.”

  Her knees buckled when his fingers slipped over her outer folds. She looked down at him. “Killing you? Geesh, I can barely stand up.”

  Reed stood and scooped her up in his arms and laid her gently on the bed. She felt weightless as he began to press feather-light kisses along her inner thighs. Ever so slowly, he trailed his fingers over her legs and then under her knees toward her bottom. He pressed her legs open wider, and then he trailed his tongue along the most intimate part of her.

  She was so restless under his touch and his hands seemed to be everywhere, which drove her insane. He pressed kisses against her, tasting her. She cried out, gripping and twisting the sheets in her fists as he s
troked her. She had uncontrollable passion for him. She felt wildness in her. It was wonderful and terrifying—demanding, but still so tender.

  She wiggled under him when she heard him make a “yummy” sound and had to bite her tongue not to laugh. The most insane thoughts ran through her mind. She felt intense love and desire, and at the same time, embarrassment and laughter—all of these new emotions rolled up in one.

  Ruby had a “Reed fever”—when she heard him say, “Mmmm,” his voice vibrating against her skin. He was kissing her with his delicious mouth between her legs, making her moan and arch against him. Ruby’s muscles were tightening and contracting. Something was building inside of her, higher and higher, until she felt an explosion of vibrations. Then the freaking dam broke and she shuddered against him as wave after wave of pleasure rushed from her. Reed’s fingers slid over her soft flesh with artful strokes and her insides throbbed and pulsed against him. Her skin was so taut, threatening to split her apart.

  Reed lifted her bottom off the bed and her muscles began to quiver, violently. He held onto her for another moment until she could take it no longer. She grabbed onto his hair and screamed out his name. Her mind had escaped into a dream world feeling the aftershocks of her orgasm rock her, leaving her weak in sated bliss.

  “You’re the sweetest, honey. Did you like that love?” He rose above her, crawling his way up the bed to position himself over her.

  “Uh huh.” She finally opened her eyes to see he had risen above her. His bulging biceps were placed on either side of her shoulders.

  * * *

  Reed nuzzled against her neck, taking little nips, and then he moved his mouth to her ear, running his tongue on the inside. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. It had taken all of his control not to just plunge hard and deep inside of her. He had never wanted to make love to someone so bad in his life. He whispered, “I love you, Ruby Jane.” He positioned himself, slowly sinking inside her—and then met the resistance of her hymen.

  Reed’s eyes flew wide open and he jerked back. “You’re a virgin?” he said, in shock, trying to scramble away from her.

  Ruby held onto him tightly as he was trying to quickly extract himself from her grip. “Stay inside me, please. I’ve dreamed of this moment with you, and that’s not a line. It’s the truth. I had a dream about you the night before I met you at the general store. Reed, you’re my destiny.” She looked up at him with a shy expression and her cheeks flushed pink and her look hit him hard between his ribs.

  Reed stilled and his eyes softened; his voice was barely a whisper. “Ruby, darling, are you sure?”

  Ruby nodded her head yes and ran her hands down his arms. “I want you. That is all I’m sure of.”

  Reed pushed deep inside her and broke the barrier between them. He sank deeper and Ruby cried out. He stilled, again, his heart filled with so much emotion.

  “I’m so sorry, honey.” His eyes watered as he gazed down at her. “I don’t want to hurt you, ever.”

  “Please don’t apologize. I couldn’t stay a virgin forever.”

  A tear spilled over her cheek and he stopped it with his lips. “You’re my girl, you hear me? You’re mine.” Reed bent over, gently brushing his lips across her cheek and back to her mouth as he languorously slid inside her. He murmured in her ear that it would be okay. He told her how much he loved her and he would always take care of her.

  He had seen her fear, but she gave way to such tenderness and love that mirrored in his own eyes. Ruby began to move underneath him, following his rhythm as he rocked his hips slowly back and forth.

  Reed clamped his arm around her, bringing her closer to him. “I’m not sure I can hold on much longer.” He kissed her deeply, pulling her lower lip with his teeth. He held her hips, stretching his fingers across her bottom. She felt so good and he wanted to go wild, but didn’t. Being inside of her so tight and warm sent him out of his mind with desire. He kissed her neck, and then he slowly ran his tongue across her lips and inside her mouth.

  Ruby couldn’t tear her eyes away from him his gaze. Her eyes were bright and her pupils were huge and glazed over with desire. Making love to her was more than he could have ever imagined. His movements were painstakingly slow. With a half cry, she said, “Reed, I love you so much.”

  Reed had been holding himself in check, pacing himself as he eased in and out of her. Her long slender fingers were digging into his back as his movements became faster until at last, with one hard thrust, his body tightened and he cried out her name. His muscles relaxed and Reed collapsed on top of her. He rolled onto his back and pulled her under his arm. She rested her head on his chest, and he said, “Geez Louise.”

  * * *

  A smile curved Ruby lips. Reed had just uttered Ruby’s favorite two words. They lay in each other’s arms. He adjusted the angle of his face to look more clearly in her eyes.

  With a look of concern, he said, “Next time, honey, I promise you’ll feel nothing but pleasure. If I had known, Ruby—you didn’t tell me. Why?”

  She took a deep breath and replied, “I didn’t want to scare you away. Would you have slept with me if you had known I was a virgin?”

  He teased, “Probably not. I would have run for the hills.”

  Reed stroked her hair, and right before she drifted off to sleep, she heard him say in a whisper, “I love you, Ruby Jane.”

  * * *

  Ruby stretched her arms out and rolled over in the bed. She felt wonderful. Like all was right with the world. She glanced over at the clock on the nightstand and it read eight o’clock. She didn’t want to sleep the entire weekend away.

  Reed rolled over and pulled her next to his chest and nudged his face against her cheek. “I’m going to draw us a hot bath. The warm water will help to ease any soreness and, well, I can’t wait to get you naked in the bathtub!”

  She laughed, and said, “Oo-kay, that sounds lovely and a little wicked.” She grabbed for her lingerie, but he stopped her.

  “You won’t need any clothes, darling. I want to see you.” He pushed the covers off the bed and traced the line of her curves. “Baby, you’re too sweet. I’m not going to be able to keep my hands off of you.” His voice made her insides quiver.

  She pushed him back on the bed. “My turn.” She noticed instantly her perusal had aroused him.

  “Are you through ogling me, woman? Let’s get in the bathtub.” He shot her a grin and got out of bed.

  Reed started running the water into the bathtub. He sat on the edge and poured in some bubble bath from the hotel.

  Ruby watched him, in all his glory. ”Bubble bath, eh?”

  With a lifted eyebrow, he said, “Yeah, I thought we might as well take full advantage of our stay here.”

  Ruby massaged the muscles in his neck and he rolled his head back. “That feels so good.” He motioned her to the tub. “After you, princess.”

  Ruby kissed his head and stepped into the tub. She slid down until the water covered everything, except her head. “This is completely divine. Come in with me.”

  “I’m coming. I just want to get a few towels.” Reed grabbed them a couple of towels, rolled one up, and stepped into the tub behind her. He scooted her back between his legs, sliding down a little to let the water run over both of their bodies. Ruby relaxed against his chest and he caressed her.

  Reed ran his hands up and down her arms, lathering up her skin with the scented soap. “How are you feeling this morning? Do you hurt very badly?”

  Ruby placed her hands over his. “No, not really. I feel fine. The water does make me feel good, and I love having you next to me. I’m better than all right. I’m great!”

  The hotel bathroom was lit with recessed lights, and there was a full-length mirror along one wall. A warm tan tile covered the other walls and the floor was marble. Ruby felt like a princess in the beautiful hotel room.

  Ruby flipped over, sliding around on his chest to face him. Reed made the “yummy” sound again and she gigg
led. “Reed, you’ve made that sound three times.”

  “It’s because you’re so freaking delicious.” He ran his hands down her back, scooping her butt cheeks in his hands and sliding her up to him for a kiss.

  “I thought after we checked out today, we could go walk Broadway, have a drink at Tootsie’s and walk along the riverfront. What do you say?” Reed asked.

  Ruby said teasingly, “Mmm, sounds delicious.” A smile touched her lips. “Do you think we could try making love again before we leave?”

  “Ruby, I’ve never slept with a virgin before. I didn’t want to—I don’t want to hurt you.” He gently embraced her.

  “I’m not a china doll. I won’t break.” Ruby moved atop him. She brushed her lips over his and she could see the darkening of his eyes. She wanted to give herself to him, not just the making love part, which was killer. But when they were joined together, it felt as though they became one person, one soul.

  Reed was so gentle with her. He scooped her out of the tub and carefully dried her off. Reed picked up her hairbrush and began to brush out her hair. He placed scented lotion on his hands and began to apply it to her shoulders and then her back. He poured more lotion on his hands and moved to her chest, caressing her breasts as she lolled her head back. He rubbed lotion over her stomach and then down to the V where her thighs joined.

  Ruby closed her eyes to the wonderful pleasure it gave her, having his hands on her. He held her foot in his hand, massaging the lotion into her heel, and then applied more lotion to his hands, rubbing her calf muscles and then her thighs. He pulled her to a standing position and rubbed her bum with the remaining lotion on his hands.

  Reed carried her into the bedroom, laid her down on the bed and stretched out beside her. His kiss was as soft as a whisper. His hands gingerly caressed her arms as he ran his fingers up to her shoulders. Then he massaged her neck for a moment before he continued to her back. His hands moved lightly down her thighs, making her moan in vexation.