They won’t ever have a sleepless night before a competition because coming second isn’t an option.
For the first time, I have that person. I have Ruby.
And, kissing aside, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t like it.
CHAPTER 14
Ruby
“I’m going to jump in the shower, then we can order dinner if you’re interested. You can choose the movie this time.”
It’s Friday, and we’ve made it through the week virtually unscathed—a win in my book. The last three mornings we’ve been up at six thirty, at the stables by seven, where we spend all day, then come home for dinner, and crash.
There’s a domesticity to it, almost like we’re a real couple. It’s something I’ve never experienced before, and I like it.
“Sure, I’m going to shower too. See you back here in fifteen?”
Miles scoffs. “Fifteen? Make it thirty.”
“Deal.” My foot’s already on the second step when there’s a loud knocking on the door. “You get it, it’ll probably be one of your free agents,” I tease.
And teasing Miles is something I’ve discovered is very enjoyable, especially because it distracts me from the jealousy creeping in my bones. Because it’s become increasingly obvious that girls flock to Miles like flies on cow dung—for want of a better description.
Grooms, women we’ve passed on the street. This morning alone, three different girls talked their way past security and onto the yard.
And since our kiss last weekend, it’s become more obvious to me that there’s a lot of competition in this race I have no stake in.
Therefore, it’s less painful if I joke about it.
“I’m not going to live that down, am I?”
“Not today, no,” I call back down the stairs.
I haven’t made it to the top before I hear a cacophony of voices, none of whom sound like free agents, especially when I hear my name being called and take a couple of steps back downstairs.
“Alex, I told you we’re not fucking coming,” Miles snaps.
Several pairs of feet come into view the farther I get. Feet turn into legs, which turn into three people standing in front of Miles, who’s trying his best to stop them from getting any farther into the cottage.
“What’s going on?” My eyes bounce between them.
I notice Hendricks, and the other guy must also be a brother based on the bone structure, but a small brunette is standing next to him, and I definitely haven’t seen her in any of the photos on the kitchen shelves.
My foot hits the bottom step, and before I know it, I’ve got a human bowling ball hurtling into me.
“Ruby!”
“Hi.” I laugh. “How are you?”
“Ruby.” Max squeaks again. “We’ve come to collect you for family dinner.”
Miles groans. “Alex, for fuck’s sake. I saidno. Bringing Max is a low blow.”
I’ve never seen Miles so annoyed before. Even when I sprayed him with water, there had still been amusement on his face. But right now? He just looks pissed.
“What’s family dinner?” I ask, even though it’s obvious, and my question is clearly stupid. But I get the impression there’smore to it than it sounds, especially if it involves several members of his family and a child adept at emotional blackmail collecting him.
“It’s an evening we do every Friday,” Miles replies. “Everyone goes up to my parents’ house, and we spend time as a family. It’s not that big of a deal.”
