Chapter 6
Chapter
Six
RUBY
SECRETS
Iwasn’t sure what I was doing, hugged up with Amari Snowden like he was my man. When he pressed for information about my past but didn’t force me to share my story, I cracked, wanting to cuddle into his goodness and accept every bit of comfort he offered.
After he kissed my hair a second time, I separated, trying not to mistake his kindness for something more. No man that fine or generous needed to be tangled up in my brokenness.
He was more than a Secret Santa. He was a bona fide angel and comforter. The thought of angels and Santa reminded me of the storm.
I lifted my head from his chest and frowned.
“Do you need to call someone and let them know you’re here? I’d hate for someone to worry about your well-being.”
Amari chuckled.
“Someone like who, Ruby? Are you asking if I have a woman at home?”
I grinned at Amari busting me.
“You’re a businessman with a lot of responsibilities.”
He gave me a yeah, right look.
“I texted my elderly neighbors to let them know I wasn’t around. Sometimes I drop by with breakfast for them. They’ll know not to expect me in the morning.”
Amari’s care for the elderly warmed my heart.
When I stared at his broad chest again, he reached for his shirt and put it back on. He buttoned it and dropped his eyes to his fingers as he spoke.
“Sorry for being so casual. This isn’t my house.”
But it could be.
I looked back at the boxes across the room instead of sneaking another peek at Amari’s chest. It was such a mess in my basement. If Amari were looking for a woman, I bet he wouldn’t want a messy one.
As if reading my mind, Amari asked, “Do you need help cleaning up in here? I’d love to come back one day to clear this space out. It’d be a great place for you to relax and unwind.”
I rose and walked toward the boxes that caught my attention before turning back to my guest.
“Maybe, but I’m not ready to part with these things yet.” I placed my hands on the boxes, caressing them as if they were my pets.
When Amari joined me, I was tempted to tell him to go sit down, but I held my tongue. There was no need to be rude at his offer to help.
He blew dust off the top of the banker’s box closet to him and lifted it, setting it on the floor before lifting another one and doing the same.
“What’s in this one?”
I eyed the one with the name LaRue printed on top. I gulped as my mouth went dry.
“Those were my baby’s.”
Amari lifted his hands from the box and placed them in his pockets before shifting lightly on his feet. He lowered his eyes before giving me a pitiful stare.
“I’m really sorry for your loss, Ruby.”
“Thank you.”
For the first time in a long time, I didn’t feel like crumbling. I wasn’t sure if it was being in Amari’s presence or time, but today felt different, as if I wasn’t alone and if LaRue was at peace.
“What can I do to make you feel better?”
“You’re doing it. Just being here and listening. It helps ease the pain.”
To my surprise, Amari reached for me and held me again. I hadn’t been hugged this much by a man who wasn’t related to me in years. Each time he squeezed me, I felt as if a part of my heart thawed.
Before Amari released me, the lights flickered on and then off. I held him tighter, clutching the back of his warm shirt as he cradled me. Although it was dark, I closed my eyes, inhaling our mixed scents. The thought of him being an angel came back to me.
Amari’s warm breath teased my cheek. I looked up, unable to see fully but remembering the handsomeness of his face. I imagined him looking down at me as our eyes adjusted to the darkness. Before I could speak, Amari’s wet lips descended on me, soft and as light as the snow falling outside.
“Your secrets are safe with me.”
His words teased my ears and tapped on my thawing heart.
“I know.”
Since Amari’s lips were close, I stood on my tiptoes and pressed my lips into his.
This time, our kiss was hungry and passionate.
Instead of pain, my heart leaped at the possibilities of what might be.
The joy that used to be in me flickered, tempting me to hope that this could be the beginning of something new.
I wanted and needed this connection, not just for me but to move on from my never-ending pain.
Like me, Amari knew loss. Because of that, I wanted to comfort him too.
“I’ll be what you need. If I can give it to you, I will. Just ask.” He whispered the words into my lips.
My mind soared at what that might look like.
“All I need is you. Only you.” I kissed Amari again, thankful for his protection and peace.