Page 50 of A Tempting Seduction

The response struck me as odd. Most people would be flattered by the suggestion. Ruby sounded almost afraid.

“What do you mean by that?”

Ruby deflected with practiced ease, changing the subject to ask about my favorite desserts growing up. But I filed that bit of information away. Another piece of the puzzle that was Ruby Miller. Another wall she'd thrown up the moment I'd gotten too close to something important.

The frustration that had been building for weeks flared hotter in my chest. Every time I asked about her past, her family, her dreams for the future, Ruby found ways to redirect the conversation. I was falling hard for a woman who wouldn't let me know her.

Time to push a little more.

“You know, I've told you about my family, my business, even my embarrassing teenage years.” I set down my fork and looked directly at her. “But I feel like I barely know anything about your life before Jasper Creek.”

Ruby's hand tightened around her fork.

“There's not much to tell.”

“I doubt that.” I kept my voice gentle but persistent. “I had a girlfriend four years ago. We met when I was working a job in Nashville. Her name was Lydia. We dated for almost two years.”

Ruby's eyes widened slightly, whether from surprise at my honesty or the sudden change in topic, I couldn't tell.

“We met through work, and I thought we might actually make it.” I ran my hand through my hair, remembering. “She was smart, ambitious, successful in her own right. On paper, we were perfect together.”

“What happened?”

“Life happened. She wanted the fast track to senior designer at her design firm, which meant eighty-hour weeks and constant travel. I wanted someone who'd actually be present for a relationship.” I smiled ruefully. “Carrie and Fiona were so thankful when it ended. They never said a word while we were together, but afterward, Carrie admitted she'd been counting down the days until Lydia got tired of small-town life and moved on.”

Ruby listened intently, her green eyes focused on my face.

“Don't get me wrong, Lydia wasn't a bad person. She was kind, intelligent, hardworking. We just wanted different things. She needed someone who'd be content being an accessory to her career. I needed someone who wanted to build something together.”

I paused, then asked the question that had been burning in my chest all evening.

“Has there ever been anyone special in your life?”

Ruby's face went pale. She set down her fork with trembling fingers.

“I was engaged once.”

The admission hung in the air between us. I waited, giving her space to continue, but Ruby seemed frozen. Her breathing had gone shallow, and she was staring at her hands like they held the answers to the universe.

“What happened?” I asked gently.

Ruby's voice came out barely above a whisper.

“I found him in bed with my sister.”

The words hit me like a physical blow. Not just because of the betrayal she'd experienced, but because of the raw pain that radiated from her as she said them.

“Goodness, Ruby. I'm so sorry.”

She shook her head quickly, as if trying to dislodge the memory.

“It was a long time ago.”

But it wasn't. I could see that clearly. The wound was still fresh, still bleeding. And as I watched Ruby's face, I realized something important. The pain wasn't really about her fiancé's betrayal. It was deeper than that, more personal.

“Tell me about your sister.”

Ruby's face crumpled. Two tears spilled down her cheeks before she could stop them.