Page 8 of Ruby’s Outback Love
“No, thank you.”
“Sure?”
I smiled up at him. “I’m sure.”
“Okay, beautiful, consider it done.”
While Phil ordered for us, I sat staring through a nearby window, worrying about what was to come. Excitement, nervousness, anticipation all warred within.
“Stop frowning and worrying, I promise it won’t be as bad as you seem to think it will be and we don’t have to do anything if you’re not ready.”
Phil sat and gathered my hand in his, sipped at his beer and studied my face.
“I can’t for the life of me figure out why you’ve never had a boyfriend.”
I shrugged. “Didn’t want one. I had a few offers, but I knew they were only after one thing and if they got it, I wouldn’t see them for dust. My virginity is special to me and I’m selective about who I give it to.”
“Are you sure it’s me?”
I lifted my eyes to his. “Very sure. I know it won’t be a one time thing with you. I know you mean what you say about wanting something special with me.”
He nodded and for a few minutes we drank in silence. The round buzzer lit up and danced on the table before us. Phil grabbed it before it committed suicide by falling to the floor, stood and headed to collect our meals and cutlery.
When he returned, he lifted the delicious looking chicken from a tray and placed it before me along with a knife and fork. He then placed the steak meal he’d chosen in his place and shoved the empty tray onto a spare chair before he sat.
As we ate, we discussed books and subjects we’d both be studying this year. I found myself relaxing with the familiar topics. We’d finished our meals and sipped at the last of our drinks when I asked the question I didn’t want an answer to but needed.
“Have you heard from Francine? Her and Brian left town not long after you. I heard they were also headed for Brisbane.”
“I hear from her now and then, but I haven’t seen her since she split up with Brian about a month ago. She decided to stay on in Brisbane and has been working at a boutique part time while she studies. Her and a couple of other girls who have some of the same classes share an apartment.”
The mouthful of wine I’d just swallowed lodged in my throat, I felt physically ill about Francine being in the same place as Phil. Alarm bells in my head were deafening. Phil squeezed my hand and gave me a questioning glance.
“Maybe this isn’t such a good idea.” My heart sank to my shoes.
Phil lifted my hand to his moist lips and placed kisses to the back of my fingers. “I promise you; I won’t be getting back with Francine, we’re friends, nothing more. If it makes you feel better, I’ll sever all contact with her when I go back home.”
“I’d prefer that.” I knew I was being an insecure bitch, but for some reason, Phil being around Francine gave me a feeling of doom.
“I’ll explain to her that we both need to move on and it’s not a good idea to keep in contact.”
“Thank you.”
“I’ll be coming back to Bourke as soon as I can after I get my degree. I graduate in six months’ time, hopefully I’ll get a transfer to the NSW force and the station here. They’re always in need of cops in country towns and I think they’ll jump at having me. Especially when they know I have a degree in Criminology.”
“You’re coming back?” I’d anticipated joining him in Brisbane once my degree was finished, but if Phil was coming back to Bourke, I’d be more than happy to come back and work at the local hospital.
“Yes, that way when you come back from Uni for visits, I’ll be able to see you.”
The alarm bells and warning voices in my head quieted. A feeling of warmness washed over me. Everything was going to be fine.
CHAPTER FOUR
Bourke NSW
PHIL
I sensed Ruby was nervous and understood how she must be feeling. Losing her virginity was a big deal. I couldn’t wait to have her naked beneath me, to run my fingertips over every inch of her glorious flesh. I’d dreamt about having her for years.
