Page 117 of Stroked Long
Ruby: Don’t get too excited. I have to sew tonight.
“Did you hear me? She has to sew for me.”
Jasper looks up from his iPad. “Yes, I heard the dead carcass pop out of your mouth when you spoke and fortunately for Ruby, she already made five outfits this morning. She’s done for today. She can pick up where she left off tomorrow before the races.”
Would Bodi get mad if I kissed Jasper right about now? Given his territorial streak, I would say yes.
“You’re being so mean to me.” Bellini stomps her foot and crosses her arms over her chest.
“Oh, you don’t like being pushed around?” Jasper has some real snark going on, and I love every second of it. “Let this be a lesson on how to treat people.”
“Barbarian!” she screeches and takes off toward a waiting car.
Shaking his head, Jasper says, “See you tomorrow, ladies.”
“That was . . . enlightening,” Melony says with a laugh. “So, what are you going to do with your free night?” The way she wiggles her eyebrows makes me slightly uncomfortable.
“Go to bed early?” I shrug.
“No, you’re not.” I freeze from the deep familiar voice behind me. Before I can turn around, Bodi’s strong forearms wrap around my stomach and pull me in. He kisses the side of my head and says into my ear, “Hey gorgeous.”
Guess we’re not keeping things secret. Fine by me.
To anyone who’s keeping tabs, Bodi Banks and I are dating. He’s my boyfriend. By no means will he be accepting any of the lewd invitations I heard shouted through the stadium today. Nope, he’s mine. Sorry, ladies.
“From the look of it, you have plans.” Melony winks.
“She does.” Bodi squeezes me tight and I melt into him.
“I knew it.” Melony wiggles her knowing finger at me. “It was written all over your face whenever Bodi’s name was mentioned.” From that proclamation, Bodi squeezes me a little tighter.
“I would have told you but I didn’t know this was out in the open.”
Speaking only to me, Bodi whispers, “I can’t hide it, Rubes.”
Sweet Jesus. His voice. Pure velvet.
It’s obvious Bodi is still a little awkward in social situations given he doesn’t speak to Melony and really only says things to me. That’s okay. He had a big day, you know, with winning a gold medal and all.
“I will let you two have your moment.”
“What are you going to do?” I ask Melony just as I see Hollis Knightly walk up to us. I’m a little in shock because I’ve only ever seen the man on TV. He’s taller than I expected and even more handsome wearing an American flag tank top and navy blue Bermuda shorts. How can he pull off such an outfit?
“Well, if it isn’t my favorite person,” Hollis says, wrapping his arm around Melony. There is a gleam in his eye as he looks down at her, as if they are more than acquaintances. Melony, on the other hand, looks like she wants to be transported somewhere else. “Hey, Banks.” Hollis nods at Bodi and then looks at me and holds out his hand. “I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Hollis Knightly, and you might be?”
“Ruby Hearts,” I say a little too giddy like as I shake his hand. Bodi’s grip grows tighter on me.
Down, boy, Hollis has nothing on you.
“Nice to meet you. I see you’re romantically involved with Bodi Banks here. How’s that been?” He has a light and breezy kind of way of talking that sucks you right in, as if we’ve known each other forever. It’s weird. I want to tell him everything.
“No complaints.” I smile.
“No complaints?” Bodi protests, speaking up.
“What do you want me to say? That you’re a stallion in bed and the reason you keep winning gold is because of the extra fin in your pants?”
A bark of a laugh escapes Hollis as he lets go of Melony and claps his hands. Bodi gives me a look. He’s not mad, more amused.
