Jay and Brian started chatting, and Alex couldn’t wait to move closer to Ruby. She whispered into her ear, “So, he’s the English guy, huh?”
Ruby lightly shook her head, trying not to look at Brian so he wouldn’t know they were talking about him. Alex raised her brows in surprise.
“Oh? But he’s good looking,” Alex whispered.
“And taken,” Ruby replied quietly.
Alex sighed. “Damn, aye?”
Ruby grinned at her friend.
Their drinks arrived, and Alex gratefully sipped her hot chocolate. Lately, it seemed she could not drink enough hot chocolate.
“We’re here on business,” Jayden said to Brian.
“Where are you staying?” Brian asked.
“The Anna’s Hotel,” Jay replied.
“Ah.” Brian nodded.
“We’ve already booked a room for Ruby. Deluxe suite,” Alex added, turning to her friend. “I hope you don’t mind. I couldn’t book one next to ours. But yours is only a couple of doors down from ours.”
“That’s fine, Alex,” Ruby chuckled. “I’m sure I’ll survive.”
“Why that particular hotel?” Brian asked with restrained interest.
“The owner is my business partner,” Jay replied. “He insisted we stay there.” Jay failed to mention that everything was all paid for by this new business partner of his, including Ruby’s room.
“I see,” Brian said under his breath.
“So you are coming, right?” Alex said to Ruby.
Ruby widened her eyes curiously at her friend.
“The ball. The charity ball.”
“Oh, yeah.” Ruby muttered. “Totally forgot about that.”
“But you are coming, right?”
“Yeah. I already agreed, didn’t I?”
“Yeah, of course you did,” Alex said, turning to her husband. “Oh, that means we’ll have to go shopping. I haven’t got my dress. Jay, would you like to come along, darling?”
“Are we going this afternoon?” Ruby asked suddenly. “I’m rather tired. Mind if I stay in?”
“Of course, we’ll do it tomorrow,” Alex said.
“That means I can’t come along, sweetheart,” Jay said to his wife. “I have a business meeting.”
“Well, yes, of course. We’ll just go by ourselves.”
“Remember to take your BlackBerry with you, sweetheart, as you do tend to get a bit lost.”
Alex glared at her husband. It was so unkind of him to mention that in front of Brian. Of course, she was never good at getting her bearings in another country, but he just had to bring that up.
“Don’t worry,” she retorted in annoyance, her cheeks blushing a becoming pink. “I’ll use Google maps if I have to. But I’m sure I’ll find my way about.”
“There’s one more thing,” Ruby interjected meekly, and all three looked at her expectantly. She cast her eyes down, focusing on the cup of her coffee as she said, “I’ve lost my wallet.”
“Oh. When? Where?” Alex asked.
Ruby bit her lip. “I’m not sure,” she lied.
“Don’t worry, Ruby, I’ll take care of it,” Brian said. “How about I take you tomorrow to the embassy? I have a few friends there. I can pull some strings.”
Ruby smiled at Brian gratefully. “Thanks, Brian.”
“Should we get going then?” Jay said. “Ruby looks rather worse for the wear.”
“Yes, please,” Ruby replied eagerly.
“I won’t detain you much longer then,” Brian said. “Ruby, look after yourself, love?”
Ruby nodded, and Brian came over and hugged her tightly.
Ruby took the opportunity to ask him another favor. “Please don’t tell him where I am, okay? I’ll be leaving soon anyway.”
Brian hesitated for a slight moment, a worried expression contorting his handsome face. If anything, he knew Alec would stop at nothing to find her—come hell or high water. Ruby just didn’t know Alec well enough yet. But Alec was his friend since childhood, and Brian knew how stubborn and determined he could be. God, if only Ruby knew that she was actually staying in Alec’s hotel. If only she knew she was going to his charity ball. Yes, the charity ball, where he and Susan would be. And yes, the same place Alec would be, hosting.
He nodded, reassuring her that he would not tell Alec where she was. He knew he didn’t have to say anything because sooner or later, they’d meet again, and then what? All hell would break loose, probably.
They parted ways at the café, and Ruby followed Jayden and Alex to the hotel.
“There you go,” Alex said, opening the door for her. “If you want anything, just call room service. It’s all been paid for.”
Ruby suddenly became extra-sensitive and wanted to cry. Maybe everything was too much to handle right now; perhaps that was why.
“Thanks, Alex,” she managed to get out.
Alex took her friend into her arms and hugged her. “Hey, what’s wrong? Are you okay?”
Ruby wiped tears from her eyes and nodded unconvincingly. “I’m fine. I think I just miss home very much, that’s all.”
“There, there,” Alex chuckled. “You’re usually the one who gives me therapy, not the other way around.”
Ruby managed to laugh. That was usually true, but now—
“Everything will be all right, Ruby. It’s only a couple more days. You’ll be home soon,” Alex said reassuringly.
“Thanks again,” Ruby muttered, moving back. She looked up at Jayden and managed to give him a smile. “Thanks so much, Jay. I don’t know how—” She broke off.
“You should go and get some rest. That journey from Edinburgh must have really tired you out.”
“Yeah, thanks again, guys,” Ruby said before she went in, closing the door.
Alex turned to her husband. He gave her a handsome smile that always made her heart flutter. She cleared her throat and said, “Something is not right.”
“What’s not right, sweetheart?” Jay asked.
They strolled the short distance to their own room, and Jayden inserted the key-card into the lock. He opened the door, and they entered.
“Ruby isn’t right,” Alex said, throwing her purse onto the seat near the entrance.
“How is Ruby not right?”
“She seems sad or something. It’s like something is missing. She’s not herself.”
“Maybe she’s just tired and really does miss home.”
“I guess,” Alex said, but she was not convinced of it.
“Come here,” Jay called. “How’s my wife and baby girl doing?”
Alex came over, and Jayden wrapped his arms around her waist before kissing her slightly swollen tummy.
“How’s my sweet girl doing? You’re not tired today, right?” he said to the tummy.
“Why are you asking an unborn child that question? You should be asking me,” Alex remarked teasingly.
Jay looked up at his wife and chuckled. “I need to know before I do something.”
Alex frowned. “What something do you plan to do?”
He pulled her down to him. Before Alex understood what he meant, he kissed her gently, but passionately.
* * * * *
Chapter 22
“What do you think?” Alex asked.
Ruby turned and saw Alex holding up a lovely, white-laced, one-shouldered gown. It was really beautiful, and Ruby wondered how on earth she could afford that. It was the type of gown movie stars wear in Hollywood, to the Oscars.
“Do you think?” she asked, a sudden panic rising up in her chest. “I don’t think I can afford it. In fact, I don’t think I can afford anything in here, not even this glove.” She held up one white glove and peeked at the tag again, nearly freezing in place just seeing the price.
Alex chuckled. “Oh come on. Don’t be a wuss. I don’t think; I know. Now, come on, let’s try it on.” Alex pulled her friend by the arm and led her into the changing room.
Hanging the gown on the hook, Alex look
ed at her friend seriously. “You don’t seem yourself lately, Ruby. I mean, it’s like you’re sad. Surely, you don’t miss your wallet that much.”
Ruby wanted to laugh. Her wallet? She hadn’t seen the damn thing since that day in Edinburgh when Alec picked her up. A rush of overwhelming sadness coursed through her, and she wanted to cry. She cleared her throat, avoiding Alex’s eyes. “I’m just a bit tired, that’s all.”
“You know you can tell me anything,” Alex commented, sensing something was deeply amiss. But of course, she couldn’t force it out of her friend. That was overstepping the boundary.
“Yeah, I’m fine. I’m just tired. I guess I’m ready to go home.”
Alex looked at her friend suspiciously. Perhaps whatever happened this time, it cut very deep and was really personal.
Ruby turned to touch the smooth fabric of the gown, gently signaling for Alex to go. Alex understood. “Okay. I’ll be just outside. Come out when you’re done.”
“Okay.” Ruby nodded.
Alex shut the door.
Ruby continued to feel the soft fabric in her hands, biting her lower lip, tears filling her eyes. Could she really tell Alex what was on her mind? Could she really tell Alex about Alec? About how he kidnapped her, imprisoned her, and stole her virginity and her heart? Her friend would think that the whole thing was a joke, and probably laugh at her. But then again, that was not Alexandra. She knew Alex would understand and comfort her. But at the moment, she just didn’t feel like she was ready to tell anyone about Alec yet. And maybe never would. Maybe it was better to pretend nothing happened. Pretend Alec didn’t exist. Pretend she never met him. Yes, perhaps that was the best thing she could do.
Ruby sighed and turned to look at herself in the long mirror. Yes, she noted that she did look a bit too pale and her eyes were sunken. Then the image of Alec appeared in her mind. Unshed tears stung her eyes. God, she missed him. She missed the way he looked at her, the way he touched her, and the way he called her “my lady.” She even missed his Scottish brogue.
She took off her jersey and jeans and picked up the gown and tried it on. Seeing herself in the mirror, she thought it didn’t look at all too bad, like she initially thought it would.
“Are you ready?” Alex asked.
Ruby came out, smoothing the soft fabric about her flat tummy.
“Oh! Whoa!” Alex grinned. “You look really good in that, Ruby.”
Ruby turned to look at herself once again in the full-length mirror. Yes, she had to admit she did look good in it. Then her stomach did a flip. She wanted Alec to see her in the dress. She wanted him to see how beautiful she looked. But that would never happen because, well, it just could never happen because she would never see him again.
Once Alex paid for the dresses with her credit card, Ruby thanked her friend whole-heartedly.
“Honestly, Alex, I feel so awful. I could have bought the dress myself.”
Alex chuckled. “What? My husband is a billionaire, and if I can’t afford to buy my friend a designer dress after I begged her to come to a charity ball with me because I won’t know anyone there and need company…”
“Well, it’s not like that,” Ruby said defensively. “I just—”
Alex chuckled. “I know what you mean, Ruby. Now, come along. We’re meeting my husband for lunch. He’s supposed to be finished with his meeting half an hour ago. He must be waiting for us.”
Ruby nodded, and they headed out the door of the boutique.
* * * * *
Again, Jayden looked at his new business partner, Alec Hasting, across the study desk, noting the handsome man’s paleness. There were dark circles under the grey eyes that told him the man must’ve had many a sleepless night and he wondered what could have caused it. Surely, not the new company they were building together. Everything was going according to plan.
After both sides signed on the dotted lines, Jay shut the folder.
“The room has a great view, by the way,” he said, noting again the lapse in Alec’s concentration, as the man had a faraway look in his eyes.
Alec blinked for a moment and turned his attention to Jay. “I knew you’d like it. And your friend in the other room? He’s enjoying the view, too?”
“Actually, he’s a she,” Jay corrected him.
Alec cocked his head to one side, speculating. But of course, it was none of his business what his new partner was doing.
Jay chuckled, knowing what Alec was thinking. “She’s my wife’s best friend, here on her OE trip, as the Kiwis call it. In fact, I think they’re having a fine time right now, spending my money. Alex is pretty good at doing that lately.”
Alec chuckled. “Women,” he commented.
“Yes, Alex is a handful. But she’s amazing.”
Alec’s heart hammered in his chest. The look Jay had on his face pretty much said how the man adored his wife. Alec wondered if he also looked like that when he thought about Ruby. Thinking of her now, however, evoked a series of sad images rushing through his mind. He gritted his teeth and his face contorted with the turmoil of conflicting emotions. But it only lasted for a flash second, as he knew he shouldn’t have been showing how he felt in front of other people.
“You just got back from the Highlands?” Jay asked.
“Yeah, but no excuses for being tired,” Alec muttered under his breath. There were other reasons for his lapse of concentration. Ruby. Bloody hell! He couldn’t stop thinking about Ruby and why she left him.
“You’ll meet them at the charity ball,” Jay said.
Alec jolted back to reality. “What?”
“You’ll meet them at the charity ball,” Jay repeated. “Actually, I’m meeting them for lunch now. Would you like to join us?”
Alec thought for a moment, but shook his head. “A meeting with the Mrs. Clarity, the charity organizer.”
“Ah, of course,” Jay replied as he stood up. “Very well then.” He extended his hand, and Alec shook it. “See you at the ball.”
“I’ll escort you back,” Alec said, leading Jay to the door. Along the great hallway, and going down the lift, they talked of the weather in London. When they came out of the lift, Alec said, “See you at the ball.”
“Yes, see you then,” Jay replied.
Alec headed the other direction and Jay watched him go. Just as Alec disappeared from sight, he turned to the foyer and saw Alex and Ruby coming through the door.
He grinned at his wife, who seemed all too happy to see him. From the logos on the bags she and Ruby were carrying, their shopping expedition must have gone very well.
Jay grabbed his wife in his strong arms and kissed her on the lips in front of Ruby. “Did you find Ruby a nice dress for the ball?”
“Of course I did,” Alex said. “It’s very pretty. You just wait and see.”
“Come along then. I’m starving,” Jay said.
“Did you not invite Mr. Hasting to come to lunch?” Alex whispered to her husband.
“I did, but he’s busy.”
“Oh, that’s disappointing. I was hoping to meet him.”
Jay knew she was not disappointed about meeting him. She was disappointed that Ruby didn’t get to meet Alec Hasting. After Alex found out that his new partner was single and very handsome indeed, she devised a plan to match-make the two.
“You’ll meet him soon enough, my love,” Jay said, leading the two girls to the door.
* * * * *
Chapter 23
The soapy water was so cozy and warm that Ruby closed her eyes and drifted off into her own dreamland. There she saw Alec, tall and handsome, waiting for her. It was as if he were beckoning her to come to him. Oh, how she wanted to go to him, but she knew she couldn’t, and wouldn’t. She turned her back on him and began to walk away. When she looked behind, he came running after her, and before Ruby could do anything, she was in his arms.
“You can’t run from me, my lady,” he said softly, and then…
Ruby woke up with a jolt. She bli
nked several times to clear her head, finding she was still in the tub. She touched her forehead, sensing a headache approaching. She sighed and cursed herself for thinking about Alec once again. God, when would she finally forget about him? Why was love so damn hard?
The phone rang, and Ruby scrambled out of the tub, putting on a robe, and rushing into the bedroom. She picked up the receiver and said, “Hey.”
“Ruby? The makeup artist and hair stylist are here. We’ll come over now; is that all right?”
Shit! She forgot all about them. “Yeah, okay.”
“Okay,” Alex said, and Ruby terminated the call.
Ruby rushed back into the bathroom and pulled the plug. Then she returned just in time to open the door for her friend and the other two women to come in.
“Ruby, this is Michelle, the makeup artist, and Lena, the hair stylist.”
“Hi,” Ruby greeted them.
The women put their equipment on the bed and proceeded to get ready.
“So, what do you want done first? Hair or makeup?” Alex asked excitedly.
“I’ll go for hair,” Ruby replied.
“Okay,” Alex said.
Ruby sat, trying very hard not to think about Alec while Lena did her hair. When, half an hour later, she was done, Ruby looked at herself in the mirror. Her hair was now full of curls piled high on her head. She looked rather lovely. By that time, Michelle was also done with Alex, and they swapped. It was an hour later when Ruby stood gazing at herself in the bathroom mirror. With her dark hair styled high on her head, a beautiful rose on the left side, near her ear, her face made up flawlessly, and her white, one-shouldered gown on, she looked absolutely, well… gorgeous, and she couldn’t believe her own eyes. She bit her full ruby-red lips, a fluttering feeling beginning in the pit of her stomach.
“Hey, what are you doing there?” Alex said from the door.
Ruby turned, a nervous smile on her pretty face. “I was just looking at myself.”
Kiwi Bride: Volume 1 (Kiwi Bride Series Book 3) Page 45