Chapter 19
19
CHUCK
"Alright, beautiful souls!" Leaf chirps, his voice dripping with new-age optimism. "Switch. Whoever just did the catching is now the one falling. Remember, this is about opening your hearts and embracing vulnerability!"
Ruby turns to me, her eyes wide with apprehension. "Um, maybe we should sit this one out? I… I don’t think I can catch you."
I shake my head, offering what I hope is a reassuring smile. "Come on, Brooks. Where's your sense of adventure?" I wave across the room and Leaf comes running.
“Dude, I’m sure it’s obvious to you that this woman here has no hope of catching me all on her own. Can you team up with her?”
Leaf’s face brightens. “Let’s do it!”
"Hey,” I say, “if I wipe out, you'll at least get a good laugh out of it."
That earns me a genuine smile. "Well, when you put it that way..."
I position myself in front of Ruby and Leaf, their arms interwoven behind me. I know this because I watched them prepare.
"Ready?" I ask.
"Let’s do this!” Leaf cheers.
I take a deep breath and let myself fall backward. For a heart-stopping moment, I'm sure I'm going to hit the ground. But then I feel hands on my back, strong and steady. They catch me like I knew they would.
“Thanks, guys,” I say.
Leaf shrugs one shoulder. “She did more work than me, my friend.” He pats Ruby on the back. You’re a strong one.”
Hmmm. I guess lifting library books will do that.
"What a stud you are,” I tease, ruffling her hair.
Ruby rolls her eyes as Leaf wanders off, but I can see relief on her face. "Don't get used to it, Newcomb. Your turn again."
We switch positions, and she’s buzzing, either with excitement or nervousness, or both. "Hey, I've got you, just like last time. Trust me," I say.
She nods, taking a shaky breath. Then falls.
I catch her easily, my arms wrapping around her waist. She's lighter than I expected, and the scent of her shampoo fills my senses.
"See?" I murmur. "Told you."
She turns her head to look at me, and suddenly we're face to face, noses nearly touching. Her eyes are wide, a deep blue. There's a smattering of freckles across her nose, barely visible unless you're close. Which I am. Very close.
For a moment, the world freezes. I'm painfully aware of every point of contact between us – my arms around her waist, her back pressed against my chest, her warm breath.
And then, before I can think better of it, I close the tiny distance between us and kiss her.
It's quick, almost chaste. Just a brush of the lips, really. But it sends a jolt through me like I've been hit by one of those giant bugs menacing our room last night.
When she stiffens, reality comes crashing back. Shit. What did I just do?
We spring apart like we've been electrocuted. Ruby's face is flushed, her eyes wide with shock. I'm sure I don't look much better.
"I... uh..." I stammer, running a hand through my hair. "Sorry, I don't know what..."
"It's fine," Ruby cuts me off, not meeting my eyes. "It was just... the moment, you know? Heat of the... trust fall."
"Right," I say, latching onto the excuse. "Exactly. Just a trust fall thing."
An awkward silence falls between us. Around us, other couples are still engaged in their exercises, oblivious to us.
"Hey," I say suddenly, desperate to break the tension. "I have a surprise. I booked us some spa treatments earlier. You know, as a... as a thank you for putting up with me. What do you say we blow off the rest of this workshop and go get pampered instead?"
Relief washes over her face. "God, yes. I mean... that sounds great. Thank you so much."
We make our excuses to Leaf, who looks disappointed but wishes us well on our ‘journey of relaxation and self-discovery.’ As we walk toward the spa, the awkwardness between us is thick as molasses.
We are greeted with a serene smile. "Ah, Mr. Newcomb, Ms. Brooks. We have you booked for our Couples' Serenity package. If you'll follow me, we'll get you started in separate treatment rooms."
I catch Ruby's eye, and we share a moment of mutual embarrassment. Couples' Serenity. Right.
As we're led down the hallway, I can't help but watch Ruby walk ahead of me. The yoga pants she's wearing are doing wonderful things for her...
Stop it, Newcomb. Don’t be an asshole.
This is Tyler's sister. Your teammate's sister. Off limits.
Just before she disappears into her treatment room, Ruby turns back, catching me mid-stare. I wave awkwardly, feeling heat creep up my neck. "Have fun," I call out, cringing at how forced it sounds.
She gives me a small smile and a nod before vanishing into the room.
I follow the attendant to my own room, my mind reeling. What the hell is happening? Ruby's not my type. Not at all. She's quiet, bookish, sarcastic – everything I usually avoid in women. So why can't I stop thinking about that kiss?
As I settle onto the massage table, I try to push thoughts of her out of my mind. Our kiss was just a moment of weakness, that's all. A fluke brought on by too much trust-falling and not enough common sense.
But even as I think it, I know I'm kidding myself. Because the truth is, I'm starting to see Ruby Brooks in a whole new light.
It’s strange. Uncomfortable. And distressing.