Chapter 6
CHAPTER SIX
CALEB
I don't think I've ever seen Ruby walk away from me as fast as when she heads into the store. It's understandable. We haven't been around each other in an enclosed space for months. Everything that's always gotten to me about her is right now, too.
The scent of her shampoo, the warmth from her body next to mine. I've been fighting a hard on since that kiss back at the house. The memories of all the times we've shared together, including Valentine's Day is fresh in my head. I've been thinking about it more often than I probably should have. Putting my credit card in the gas pump, I go about getting the tank full before she comes back out. I wish I could snap my fingers and us already be at the cabin. Being stuck in the Jeep with her is harder than I imagined it would be.
The pump kicks off, and I quickly put it back and finish up. Glancing toward the entrance of the store, my heart beats wilder. Ruby is coming out, carrying an iced coffee and a bag full of stuff. With her, I know there's definitely some sour Skittles, and a bag of hot fries. The closer she comes, the more my gaze is pulled to the ripped spot on her jeans. It's showing a glimpse of her thigh.
"Hey, they had your favorite energy drink, but I got you water, just in case." She gives me a smile, juggling everything in her hands.
"Thanks. Hey, wait a second." Walking around to the passenger side, I open the door, and hold it for her.
Standing with her back to my front, she turns and gives me a smile. "Thanks."
The tension between us is thick as I watch her hitch her leg up so she can scoot in. "No problem." Inhaling deeply, I let the scent of her perfume wash over me. "Did you have any issues inside?" I ask as she raises her eyebrows at me.
"No, just couldn't decide which drink to get you. Your favorites flip and flop, but you do have one that you always love."
I dip my knees and make a noise. "I've been trying to cut back, but please tell me you got the Ultra Black."
"Sure did." She holds the can out toward me.
When I wrap my fingers around the cold aluminum, we touch. It's one of the first times since the night we were on our back porch, when we gave in to feelings that are always there between us. No matter what's been going on in our lives, we've never had an issue with wanting one another. "Thanks," I lean in, kissing her on the cheek.
"You're welcome."
She turns to go back around to the passenger side of the Jeep. I follow her, holding the door open, and helping her in. Reaching over her lap, I buckle her in. "We've only got an hour and a half left." I'm not sure I can handle it, but I feel like I need to tell her and myself. That way we both know exactly how long we're going to have to keep our hands off each other.
With a squeeze of her thigh, I close the door, and head back around to the driver's side.
It's been an hour and a half of hell by the time we pull into the driveway of the rental cabin. I booked this place online, and I was worried it wouldn't be everything it appeared to be, but it's super nice. The wrap-around porch is everything I hoped it would be, and all I can pray is that the inside is as good as the outside is.
We don't say anything as we get out, and I walk around the back to grab both our bags.
Ruby comes over to where I am, and stops right in front of me. "Is this supposed to be so awkward?" She asks, her cheeks pink, lips red from her licking them so much. "We've been married for years, and it shouldn't be this awkward, right?"
Reaching out, I grab her hand in mine. "It shouldn't be, but we've let a lot come between us, Ruby. It's grown and festered, because we've let it. It's time we stop, we take a moment and remember who we are. I'm aware that I've been the cause of a lot of it."
Ruby reaches up, putting her finger over my lips. "We're here now. Let's stop blaming, even ourselves. The moment we step on that porch, the healing starts. I promise, if you do." She moves her finger down for me to answer.
"I promise."
Together we grab our stuff, close up the Jeep, and head to the cabin. We get to the steps, and come to a stop. Before I lift my foot up, she puts her hand in mine, and together we go up the stairs. Opening the front door is like opening a new chapter of our lives.