CHAPTER EIGHT
Kingston
The bear in me rumbles with ease. An ease that I’ve never felt before. She whispers deep into my ornery soul without even speaking a word.
The look on her face pierces my heart and her pink cheeks are smiling all the way up to her sparkling, blue eyes. I could swear that even her freckles popped a little brighter.
“I can’t believe you guys are going through all this trouble just for me.”
I take her shoulders in my hands, fighting the urge to touch her honey colored hair once again, which felt even better than I could have ever imagined. It’s silky and soft like a new cub’s fur. “You have to quit doing that.”
She tilts her sweet face to one side. Her little nose crinkles and I know she doesn’t understand.
“Don’t minimize yourself. When you say things like ‘just for me’ it makes me want to throat punch somebody. Hard. You’re important. You’re special and you should be made a priority.”
Liquid pools in the corners of Ruby’s warm eyes. I barely notice the sliver of a gash that is scabbing over across her cheekbone. The cut is recent. She’s wounded inside and out, this girl. She’s definitely running from something.
I tip her chin up to meet my gaze. “Hey, what’s in the bag?”
“Oh, yeah.” She holds the bag high in the air. “Is it too early for a lunch break?”
No water or electricity and this little chick has wrangled up chow for me and the boys. She’s a giver. A real nurturer.
“It ain’t nothing but cold sandwiches, chips, and some fruit, but it’ll get the job done.” Her lips curl at the ends and twitch into a wicked, yummy grin.
“Sounds perfect.”
*
The hours pass by too quickly. I’m not ready to leave. Surely something else needs to be done. Something needs to be added or fixed.
“So, explain to me again how the water works.”
Saved by the bell of Ruby’s sweet voice.
I walk, and she walks behind me. Because it feels right, I rest my palm on the small of her back. The slight curve of her frame makes my body react and pump heated blood through my veins.
“Well, we didn’t think it would be fun to have to wait for us to dig a well. Laying the groundwork would take way too long. So, this here is a quick fix.” I point to the water barrels with the hoses attached to the tanks in the back of the truck. “See these ones here? We’ll keep filling these tanks and using the pumps to siphon water to the tanks running to the cabin. Once the boys get the walls up for the bathroom, we’ll install the shower panels, toilet, and sink and you should be good to go. The generator will keep your lights and hot water heater running.”
“Seems like a lot of work. I can just get water from the marina. And I’ll make sure not to use the generator too much.”
“You can use the thing all you want. I don’t want you to go without. And, well, I thought you might want a shower.”
She does that cute thing where she bobs up and down on her tiptoes. “Holy shit! I can take a shower? With actual hot water?” Her eyes glaze over and she looks off in the distance. “Oh my God. I can wash my nasty hair, like a dozen times!”
This girl. “Yeah, I think your hair is just fine, but sure, if that’s what floats your boat. Although, I wouldn’t recommend it. You’ll run outta water before we get the tanks filled. You wouldn’t want that.”
“No, yeah, of course. But how’d you get all of it done so quick? Is there anything you can’t do, Kingston Mercier?”
I shake my head and scratch my dark beard. I’ve always been uneasy with compliments. Receiving them anyway. “There’s a whole hell of a lot I can’t do. But for you, Ruby, I’d give damn near anything a real good try.”
*
“Woo-hoooo, check you out, stud muffin. No need to ask where you’re headed.” Fournette takes a chug off his can of Budweiser.
“Fuck off. It’s better than hanging out with you losers. What are y’all gonna do? Binge watch Pawn Stars and choke back a case?”
Wyatt throws his hat across the room, aiming for my head. “What’s so wrong with that? After the day we just put in? You’re lucky I’m not making you read me a fucking bedtime story!”
“Whatever.” I kick his cap up onto the toe of my boot before snatching it and tossing it in the overloaded trash can.
“Asshole.”
Now it’s my turn to gut laugh. “Later losers.” I slam the door behind me. Fuckers are always giving me shit. I have been on cloud nine ever since I mentioned picking up a cold twelve pack and a pizza to celebrate, and Ruby answered with a big smile hugging her cheeks. She made me promise to give her enough time for a shower and I reluctantly agree, not wanting to leave in the first place.
Shit, I had to practically pry myself away. It’s not like I didn’t need a good ass scrubbing of my own. Now, as I’m rounding the last corner heading to the cabin, I’m like a horse drawn to water.
But I wasn’t prepared for the flood of desire that fills my empty, aching core when she opens the door.
Ruby is standing in front of me wearing nothing but a pair of jean shorts, cut off all the way up to the top of her creamy thighs, and a black tank top that’s ribbed and tight, hugging her perfect frame. But what really does it? What really sends me over the edge?”
Her chocolatey, wet hair hanging down around her shoulders. Little beads of water freckle her neck and that perfect spot nestled between her round tits.
The animal in me wants to give that special spot a proper tongue lashing. Hell, the man in me might want it even more. I’m not used to that, the man winning out over the bear.
“Hey, looks like the water lines are holding up.”
“Yeah,” she moves outta the doorway to allow me room to enter. “It’s great. I tried to make it quick, but it just felt too damn orgasmic.”
The word makes my balls tighten.
“I think you get a pass this time.” I open two cold Abita Ambers and pass one off to her. I watch her take a long pull and find myself jealous of the damn beer bottle.
What the fuck is wrong with me?
Ruby snags a piece of pizza and plops done on the squeaky mattress. “I can’t thank y’all enough. Seriously. I’ll try not to wear out my welcome.”
“Don’t be crazy. You have a home as long as you need it. “I try to put her at ease by sitting in one of the chairs across the small space, which is even more cramped after installing the tiny bathroom.
She drops her head but lifts her gaze to meet mine and those damn lashes make my heart race.
“I’m not exactly used to kindness, especially without strings attached.” She raises the cold beer to her rosy lips and swallows before continuing. “I bet you have a lot of questions.”
“Nothing I’d ask out loud. You’ll share when you’re ready.” I drain the first beer and reach for another. “Or not. It’s up to you. But I’m here if you need an ear.”
Then she manages to do something no one has ever done. She floors me. She knocks my feet right out from under me.
“What if I want more than an ear?”