As we finish our meal, the thought of letting her leave taunts me. An arrow of pain shoots straight through my heart, and I know I need to find some way to keep her here longer. “Would you like to stay and watch a movie?” I blurt out the first idea that pops into my mind.
Ruby bites her juicy bottom lip while thinking about my question. “Sure.” She shrugs. “But I’ll have to leave right after the movie ends. Butters doesn’t like to be alone late at night.” That makes two of us. I’m competing with a furball for my girl’s attention.
After leading her down to the entertainment room in the basement, I grab a blanket out of the closet and sit next to her on my black leather sofa. As she snuggles into my side, I order my cock to behave. The fucker has been growing painfully since my mate walked in the door. Ignoring the asshole, I reach for the remote. “Let’s find something to watch.” I lean over and kiss the tip of her nose. Visions of having her with me for eternity flash through my mind, reminding me what’s at stake. Take things slowly, I order my overheated body, but it doesn’t want to listen to reason.
A while later, I glance down and notice my mate is sound asleep. I’m tempted to carry her to my room and enjoy the quiet time holding her curvy body close, but I remember the furball. Fuck. Leaning over, I place a kiss on her soft lips and whisper, “Hey, sleepyhead.” Her stunning eyes blink open sleepily, and I smile down at her. “It’s time to get you home.”
When she stretches and sighs, my cold, frozen heart completely melts. “Sorry.” She bites her bottom lip. “I’m a horrible date.”
Standing, I pull her close and shake my head. “You’re the best date I’ve ever had.” There’s no way I’m going to let my drowsy mate drive herself home, even if her house is less than a mile away. “It’s late and you’re tired.” I lead her out to my SUV. “I’ll drive you home.”
She resists, “I can drive myself. It’s right up the road.”
I ignore her protests and help her into my vehicle. “A lot can happen between here and there. I wouldn’t sleep if I let you drive yourself.” She sits back and I lean over her to grab the seatbelt. As I hook it, I drink in her sweet scent, needing something to remind me of her during the long night ahead.
The silent ride takes less than a minute. All too soon, I’m walking her to the front door. “I’ll have Edward bring your car home in the morning.” Thinking fast, I come up with a reason I’m not able to do it. “I’ll be tied up until dinner time tomorrow.” It’s mostly true.
The mutt comes running and dances at Ruby’s feet. I pull her into my arms and kiss her soft lips. Needing to get away before I lose control and devour her, I press her, “Dinner again tomorrow night?”
“Why don’t you come here? I’ll cook for you,” she offers, and we agree on a time.
CHAPTER 6
Ruby
When Edward dropped off my car earlier, I asked him if Silas likes Italian food. His, “He’ll eat anything you make,” was kind of vague, but I decided to cook the one thing I never screw up. After sticking the lasagna in the over, I rush back to the bathroom to finish getting ready. My heart pounds in my chest as the memory of his strong arms holding me tight flashes through my mind. Oh, man. I have it bad for my hunky neighbor. Living in this small, isolated town is looking better and better.
Biting my lip, I fight to ignore my silly insecurities. My suspicious mind is telling me there’s no reason for the handsome, worldly man to take a second look at me while my heart is begging me to jump in with both feet. I take a deep breath and tell myself to forget these worries and see where things go.
My stomach clinches when he knocks on the door. Show time. I lean over and hiss to my furry wingman, “Be good tonight.” My dog turns his head to the side, giving me a bored look. “I’m going to get rid of your boo-boo treats if you act up.” Butters realizes I’m serious and trots over to drop onto his bed while glaring at me. The threat of taking away his favorite snack is too much for my spoiled dog.
Pulling the door open, I smile up at him. “Hi.” Lame. Even after my earlier pep talk, I’m still acting like a lovesick fool. I resist the urge to slap my forehead and step back for him to follow me in.
He shocks me by wrapping his strong arms around me. “I missed you, Sweets.” My heart pounds in my chest as his warm, firm lips close over mine. “Seventeen hours without you is too long.”
“I missed you, too,” slips out before I’m able to stop myself.
My jealous dog breaks up the moment by growling ferociously at Silas. “Stop that.” I lean over and shake a finger in Butters’ face. “You need to be nice.”
Silas kneels in front of my pet and scratches him behind the ears. “Don’t worry. We’ll work out our differences.” He glances up and assures me, “The furball and I are going to be good friends.” My dog’s eyes narrow as he stares at the competition. I’m not confident in Silas’ ability to win him over, but I’ll withhold my judgment.
Something is off. I’m having a hard time figuring out what is going on, but I can tell Silas isn’t enjoying the meal. He’s saying all the right things, but it’s obvious he’s barely managing to choke down the lasagna.
“Is it okay?” slips out before I’m able to stop myself.
“Wonderful.” He glances up and smiles. “This is the best lasagna I’ve ever eaten.” He appears genuine, but I can’t forget the look of displeasure that crossed his face when he tasted it for the first time.
After we finish, he insists on helping me with the dishes. “We can knock this out in no time working together.” He smiles and carries his plate to the sink. My eyes slowly move down his back. His tight jeans hug his powerful body, and I blink several times, trying to look away. Staring at his firm, perfect rear end causes my mouth to water. What is happening to me?
At the end of the evening, I walk him to the door. Heat flashes through my body when he wraps his arms around me and pulls me close. He kisses me and lights burst behind my closed eyelids. His hardness presses into my soft belly, and I gasp against his lips. All too soon, he steps back. “I need to leave before I devour you.” Wow. I should be terrified, but I’m not. I barely resist begging him to do it. “Thank you for a lovely dinner.” He runs his finger over my swollen bottom lip as hunger flashes in his dark brown eyes.
Swallowing, I smile up at him. “I’m glad you enjoyed it.” Before turning to leave, he leans over and places a soft kiss on my forehead.
“I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Over the next week, we spend every evening together. He’s sweet and loving, and his touch makes my heart pound. But something isn’t right. One morning, I run by his home during the day because I’m missing him, but no one is there. When I call his cellphone, he only answers after six o’clock. All the little inconsistencies start to build up. Silas is always “working” during the day, but he never discusses his job. He’s a large, powerful man, yet he barely touches his meals. It’s obvious he’s rich, but I can’t find any information about him online. A little voice in my head keeps whispering warnings. I ignore the signs for several days until I finally admit to myself that I need to know the truth. My heart already belongs to him, and I’m terrified it’s going to be smashed into a million pieces if he’s been untruthful. God. Is my Mr. Nice Guy married?