Page 111 of A Tempting Seduction
Her eyes widened on that last remark.
“Not even—”
“Nobody. I feel like I can walk on water and take on ten hired killers at once when you look at me like you do.” Then I grinned slyly. “And Ruby, I haven’t even talked about the sex yet. Don’t get me started on how often my toe gets hard just thinking about you.”
“Ford, that’s just not true.”
I shouted with laughter. “It is, too. Are you telling me that you haven’t touched yourself, thinking about me, when I’ve been away?”
Her cheeks didn’t slowly turn pink, they burst into red flames. “I’m not going to answer that question.”
“You have!” I cried out. “I wanna watch that some time.” Okay, I was a little side-tracked, but mostly I was relieved that Ruby was no longer thinking that she was in any way unworthy. That trash had to stop.
“Ford, you’re always so outrageous.”
“You know how you can shut me up, don’t you?”
“I have some ideas.”
“Then you should deploy them.” I leaned back on the pillows, my arms splayed wide. She leaned down and kissed me. Yep, all her thoughts of unworthiness were gone. Now she was back to being my love goddess.
We were in my living room later that night. Ruby was lying down on top of me as we debated what to watch next on Netflix.
“Is there any pizza left, or did you eat it all?” I asked.
“Don’t be a jerk. You’re the one who wolfed down the last three pieces. If I’d known that you were going to eat three quarters of the pizza and still be whining for more, I would have ordered two.”
“I still can’t believe you only ordered one. Cold pizza for breakfast is awesome.”
She shuddered. “At least heat it up.”
“Nope. Cold.” I bent down and gave her a swift kiss. “Did you decide on what to watch?”
“I want to say something.”
Amazingly, I didn’t tense. With Ruby, I knew she wasn’t going to blindside me. I trusted her.
“Say whatever you need to say, sweetheart.”
She cleared her throat. “I’ve told you I love you.”
“No backsies,” I teased.
Her green eyes warmed. “Never. I’m going to love you until the day I die, Ford Larson.”
I didn’t respond, I let those words linger.
“But sometimes it just feels like those three words are not enough.”
I put my finger across her lips. “You saying you love me, is everything.” She licked my finger, then nipped it.
“I’m not done talking.” I nodded, and she continued. “Going out with you that first time was a big deal for me, and that night you were wonderful.” Her eyes glistened. “Every time after that, whether you were goofy as we raced cars, or we went on drives or on the Ferris wheel, you made me happier. Ford, you made it safe for me to feel good. You made it safe for me to trust again.”
“I’m glad, Ruby.” My heart was getting too big for my chest.
“You’re not just a builder for your job, you built our relationship. Moment by moment, you built up my faith in you. You gave me somewhere secure to entrust my heart.”
Her eyelashes fluttered downward. “I know I sound stupid. But bottom line, Ford. You’re my one true safe space. I can be me and ultimately trust that you’ll love me. You make me feel treasured. You are the best gift that God could have ever given me.”
