Loving Ruby: The Riverstone Series Book 2 - Standalone

by Roya Carmen

  The job starts next Monday, and I would like you to start then if possible. Please get back to me at your earliest convenience.

  Sincerely,

  August Hyde

  I suck in a deep breath as I click Send, knowing I really shouldn’t.

  Ruby

  I can’t believe I’m here. When I got the email, I went crazy. He sure made me wait for a while, but it was worth the wait. I follow Millie eagerly as she gives me a tour of the main floor of the house.

  My first day. I hope I do well. I haven’t seen him yet. Millie told me he’s upstairs because he starts his day with a workout. I imagine he has some kind of gym up there.

  As we walk through the halls, I take in the craftsmanship again – this home is amazing. She brings me through the gourmet kitchen with traditional décor and all modern amenities and appliances, including the largest hanging pot rack I’ve ever seen – it must be about twelve feet high. It holds a collection of steel and copper pots and iron pans.

  My gaze is drawn to the intricate mouldings and the cathedral ceilings about twenty feet up. “Wow, it must be a pain to try to dust up there.”

  She laughs. “Something I don’t have to worry about. There’s a coffee station in your office, but if you want a snack, don’t be shy, sweetie. We have everything. Especially cheese. Do you like cheese?”

  I smile, wondering why everyone seems to be pushing cheese on me. “Uh, yes, I like cheese. Thank you.”

  “I make lunch every day, and you’re welcome to join us. You’re not too fussy, are you? Because around here, you eat what I make.”

  I nod. “Sure, yes, I eat anything.” God… I hope she doesn’t serve beans, mushrooms, beets, radishes, broccoli, or cauliflower.

  A wide smile almost breaks her face in two when she perks up. “I want to show you something.”

  She scurries to the pantry, and I’m hot on her heels as she opens the doors wide to reveal quite a nice collection of goodies. Chocolate-covered blueberries, Pringles chips, spicy beef jerky, and gourmet rice crispy squares.

  “You can help yourself whenever you want,” she says.

  “Oh, wow,” I can’t help but say. “Thank you. I think I might get fat if I’m in here too often.”

  She rolls her eyes to the impossibly tall ceiling. “Nonsense… a little thing like you.”

  The tour continues into the offices I’ve already seen. August’s office – absolutely stunning, all dark and intense – is perfect for a dark romance writer. Then there’s mine, equally charming but smaller and brighter. She also shows me the powder room, coat room, and a living area with large leather sofas.

  As we explore the halls, I ask about the beautiful paintings. “All these canvases are amazing. Do you know the artist?”

  As she stills and turns to me, her smile fades. “They were painted by Mr. Hyde’s late wife.”

  “Oh…” So there is a late wife. I want to know more, but I don’t dare ask.

  “She was an artist and extremely talented.”

  “Yes, they’re the most striking paintings I’ve ever seen.” As I take in the canvases lining the walls, sorrow washes over me. He loved a woman. And she died. So damn sad. I want to know more. I don’t believe the rumours. They can’t possibly be true. He seems like such a good man – underneath the stodgy exterior. I know he is. As we walk past a closed door, curiosity gets the best of me again. “What’s in there?”

  Millie stops in her tracks, turns to me again, and doesn’t say a single word. I find myself inching closer to her and leaning over her tiny frame.

  “That door is always closed,” she whispers. “I have no clue what’s inside. Trust me, sweetie, I’m dying to know too. It wouldn’t be right to peek.”

  Disappointment fills me. “Oh…”

  “If you ever find out, let me know. It drives me crazy.”

  I worry my bottom lip. Aiden has worked on a complete renovation of this home, so he must have seen this room. Maybe he could offer some insight. I’m so nosy. I hate myself for that.

  A stunning, mysterious house full of intrigue. This is the perfect home for a beautiful, reclusive dark romance writer.

  I finally settle into the comfy leather of my swivel chair. There’s a small remote with two buttons on my desk, and I’m not sure what it’s for. I click the “on” button, and the flames in the electric fireplace come to life. How perfect for a cold winter day. This is so cool. I’ve never had my own office before, let alone one with my own coffee station and fireplace. This feels like a dream.

  I hop on over to the coffee station, grab the bowl of chocolates, and move it over to my desk. One chocolate to start. A little bit of energy.

  Just as I pop a chocolate in my mouth, Mr. Hyde makes an appearance at my door. I instantly freeze. He’s the principal, and I’m the lowly, misbehaving third grader.

  “Hello, Miss Riverstone,” he offers. No smile. No fanfare.

  “Hello,” I say meekly as I struggle to scarf down my chocolate. Finally, I swallow and clear my throat. “Hello,” I say again, my voice more authoritative this time.

  He looks amazing wearing a chocolate turtleneck, his sleek wet hair parted to the side (he’s obviously fresh out of the shower), but I’m not sure he shaved this morning. The five o’clock shadow only makes him even sexier. As he inches closer, I notice something odd – his eyes are green, not blue. Striking nevertheless. Feeling ill at ease, I settle my gaze on the sheet of paper on my desk.

  He stands next to my desk and looks about seven feet tall. “Have you had a chance to look at the list I gave you?”

  No good morning or how are you? So this is how it’s going to be.

  I stare at the printout. “I-I’ve – I just sat down and I really haven’t had a chance… but I’m reading it right now.”

  “I just wanted to go over the basics. Is now a good time?”

  I nod enthusiastically, like a tacky bobblehead on the dash of a car. What can I say? I’m eager to please. I don’t want to lose this job. “Sure.”

  He makes his way around the desk, and I breathe in his scent, that same intoxicating scent that brings me back to long hikes in the woods with my family. He leans into the large screen and clicks on the keyboard. The blue screen lights up, blinding me a little. I make a mental note to change my desktop to a photo of Ginger or Trevor.

  “Uh, would you like to sit down?” I ask.

  “No, you’re fine there. Here… right on the desktop, you have a document with all my buy links and social media links and Web site. I want you to familiarize yourself with all my books and… and me.”

  Will do, sir. Will definitely do. I perk up. “Yes, I can do that. I’ve actually read the first book in your Her Heartless Master series.”

  He turns to me, wearing what can only be described as a roguish expression. “And what were your thoughts?”

  I swallow hard. What were my thoughts? I was captivated, consumed by the fictional world he created, filled with lust as I’d never been before while reading a book. I wanted to be in the heroine’s shoes. I wanted to be desired by Mason, restrained, choked and dominated by him, touched, licked, and thoroughly fucked.

  All I manage to choke out is a meek, “I liked it.”

  Mr. Hyde cocks a brow and pins me with his gaze, urging me to say more.

  “I-I liked it very much…” Say something intelligent but not too sexy. “It… was very seductive. I enjoyed Mason’s dominant nature and Sophia’s strength. She was submissive but very strong.” Not too bad.

  A hint of a smile curves his lips. “Yes, that’s what I was going for. No weak heroines in my books. I like strong, feisty women.”

  “And she was pretty good on those five-inch heels,” I add, teasing. “I wish I could run like that in heels. It’s a skill I just don’t have.”

  He smiles again, and I cling to the elusive grin. “It’s a skill every woman should have. You never know when your purse might be snatched and you might need to chase down a thief.”

&
nbsp; I laugh. “True.”

  He worries his lip. “Speaking of heels, do you enjoy wearing them?”

  His question catches me off guard. “Yes, I love shoes. Typical girl…”

  He smiles again. “I noticed you were wearing them for the interview. You looked quite lovely.”

  “Thank you,” I say, suddenly shy. I stare at my shoeless feet with pink socks and dark leggings. He’s still looking at me when I bring my gaze back to his. “I-I didn’t dress up today. You and Millie were dressed pretty casually when I came for my interview. I felt a bit overdressed.”

  “Oh no, you look fine. I just thought you looked very smart the other day, that’s all.”

  He liked the shoes… and the suit. I stare at him for the longest time, and he doesn’t pull his gaze away. Heat spreads across my lower belly, and it surprises me. With just a look, he’s managed to reduce me to a puddle. Fuck… what is happening?

  “Would you like me to dress up in the future, Mr. Hyde?” I ask breathlessly.

  He smiles just a touch. “That would be nice, Miss Riverstone,” he says, all business. “Well, I should get going. I’ve got a lot of writing to do. You should note that between ten and one o’clock, I cannot be disturbed. Do not, under any circumstances, disturb me.”

  I stare at him, wide-eyed. “Yes, sir. Between ten and one o’clock… noted.”

  He lingers at the door for a moment. I am a statue glued to my chair, anticipating his next words. I know they will be important, and I need to pay attention.

  He clears his throat. “Although you look very lovely today, I also like you with your hair down.” He disappears in a flash.

  I bring my hand slowly to my messy bun and freeze. Did he just say what I think he did?

  So inappropriate. Yet so fucking sexy.

  August

  I am completely appalled with myself. I can’t believe my actions. At this rate, our work arrangement will not work out. She had barely sat down at her desk before I was coming on to her. I hadn’t planned to utter those words, but she was just so beautiful, even in that everyday wear. Those ruby-red lips transfixed me. And once we started talking about shoes, I was a lost cause.

  I need to set a new plan into action. I will ignore her in the morning – I’ll just leave a quick note on her desk to go over the day’s duties. I specifically told her to leave me alone between ten and one while I write. Then I’ll have lunch at my desk, like I always do, and in the afternoon, I’ll keep her busy running errands. We can communicate mostly by email and notes. There’s no need for face-to-face interaction. I can work with this woman and still behave.

  I can’t quite focus as I revise chapter twelve. My thought process ebbs and flows but not in the usual ways. Wayward thoughts of the lovely Miss Riverstone disrupt my process. I know it will pass soon enough as I get used to her being in close proximity. Perhaps I’m just uneasy with the idea of having a stranger in the house. Although I do not venture out, I am usually completely at ease in my home. Perhaps having a person who doesn’t quite belong here unsettles me and disrupts my peace.

  At one o’clock on the dot, Miss Riverstone saunters into my office. “Mr. Hyde?”

  “Come in, Miss Riverstone.”

  “Come in,” Miko squawks.

  She smiles at him. “Hello, Miko. How are you this morning?”

  Miko bobs his head, cocks it to one side then the other. Makes a popping noise. He’s happy. He’s happy to see her. “Miss Riverstone,” he sings.

  She and I gape at each other.

  “You must have left quite an impression, Miss Riverstone,” I tease.

  Bright-eyed, she says, “I must have.” She steps closer to the cage. “Call me Ruby,” she tells Miko, then she looks at me with a smug expression. “Just Ruby. Ruby. Ruby. Ruby.”

  Miko tilts his head. “Ruby.”

  She smiles so wide, her whole face lights up. She’s perfect. Even without much makeup and no fuss, she’s striking.

  I get up from my seat to join her. “Do you want to pet him?”

  “Yes,” she says, excited as a child.

  I open the cage, and Miko perches on my hand. She inches closer and touches the feathers on his back softly.

  “Gentle,” I warn. “He doesn’t mind being touched lightly, but he’s generally not very keen on it.”

  “Can he fly?” she asks.

  “Barely and not very high. His wings were clipped when he was young.”

  Her mouth hangs open as she fixes me with an appalled expression.

  “Oh no, no, it wasn’t me. I got him from a rescue centre. So many people get exotic birds not really knowing how to take care of them properly. Grey parrots are very high maintenance. They require constant attention.”

  “You’re very sweet.”

  I find myself blushing like an imbecile. “Thank you. I love birds. I…” I am about to talk about my passion for birds but think better of it. I settle Miko back on his perch and get right to business. “What can I do for you, Miss Riverstone?”

  “Ruby,” Miko calls in his typical raspy voice.

  We both laugh, and I shake my head.

  “Ruby,” I say slowly, finally conceding.

  A lovely smile stretches across her lips. “Yes, Mr. Hyde, I like Ruby best.”

  From the first moment I met her, I knew she was beautiful. But one thing about Ruby Riverstone I hadn’t anticipated was how endearing she would be. I barely know her, and I can already feel the pull, feel myself getting caught up in her, tangled in her sticky-sweet web.

  “You can call me August,” I say, knowing that I’m breaking one of my own rules.

  She grins. “Okay… August.”

  Years ago, I adopted a pen name simply for anonymity. I felt I could be less inhibited if I were hiding behind a pen name. But since Olivia’s passing, August Hyde has become my new identity, the new me, almost as if I’m pretending to be a whole other person. I know I am. I’m trying to let go of the old me, the torn and shattered man. A new name. A new home. A new me.

  I like the sound of my name on her lips even if it’s not my actual name. In fact, I more than like it. I love the sound of my new name on Ruby’s gorgeous lips. It actually makes me a little hard.

  Damn. I’m in a bad place already. “So, Miss… Ruby… what can I help you with?”

  She settles into the seat across me, straightening her shoulders as if she knows playtime is over. “I’ve had a chance to check out the graphic site and all the graphic files, but I’m still not sure what you’re looking for.”

  Yes, I know I need to go over the specifics with her for the upcoming promos, and I vow to do it quickly. I reach into my desk for a binder – book 5. I plop it on the desk in a loud thud. “I’ve highlighted excerpts of text and dialogue you can use for promos. Find some suitable photos on the site and see what you can come up with. I want sexy, dark, and emotional. I want jarring.”

  “Oh, okay.”

  “You have experience with graphics,” I remind her. “You have amazing stuff in your portfolio. I’m sure this will be no problem for you. I’ve set up on your computer all the software you need.”

  She perks up. “No, absolutely. I’ll have fun with it.”

  “And oh,” I add, suddenly remembering what is of uttermost importance. “I need you to grab a few office supplies this afternoon.” I hand her the list and a credit card. “There’s a Staples in town, as I’m sure you know.”

  She sits there for a moment, still as a statue.

  “We’re done, Miss Riverstone.”

  “Oh, okay.” She grabs the binder and the list and rises to her feet. “Thank you, Mr. Hyde… uh… August.”

  I give her a quick nod, a not-so-subtle signal to go. The quicker she makes her way out of my office, the better it truly is for the both of us.

  Ruby

  I decide to break for lunch – I’m starving. Millie always serves a late lunch – August likes it that way. I’ve had just about enough of this cold-hot game he’s p
laying. One minute, he’s friendly and tells me I can call him August, and the next, he’s his old stodgy self and calls me Miss Riverstone.

  Millie is milling about in the kitchen, making some kind of yummy-looking concoction.

  “Is that chicken?” I ask.

  She smiles at me. “Yep, I’m making the curry chicken wraps Mr. Hyde likes. I can make you one if you’d like.”

  My stomach growls and presses me to take up Millie on her offer. “Sure, I would love that. Can I help you with anything?”

  “You can set the table for the two of us,” she suggests. “Mr. Hyde usually eats at his desk.”

  My hearts sinks just a bit. I don’t know why any part of me wishes to suffer through lunch with the intolerable, volatile man, but I do. I find myself drawn to him, but I realize that is mostly to do with his striking beauty and that enigmatic, sexy quality he has.

  Truth be told, I kind of hate him a little. He can eat his stupid wrap in Siberia for all I care. Despite the fact that he’s been kind enough to give me this job, I really don’t care for him at all. Okay, a little bit, I must admit. I like his smile, and his bird is kind of cute, albeit a bit weird too.

  I shake my head. It’s time to do some investigating. In hushed tones, I ask, “So am I the first assistant Mr. Hyde has ever had?”

  She spoons the curry chicken onto soft tortillas. “Yes, you’re the first, I believe.”

  “How long has he lived here?”

  She cocks a brow. “Well, I’ve worked here for about two years, and I’m pretty sure he had just moved in when I started here.”

  “Did you ever meet his wife?”

  Her gaze drifts as she rolls up the chicken wraps and shakes her head. “No…”

  Her mobile buzzes, and she quickly wipes her hand with a dish towel before she answers. She passes me one of the plates and waves in apology.

  “I’m at work,” she tells the person on the phone.

  I settle myself at the kitchen table and start eating. I can’t help hearing bits and pieces of her end of the conversation.