STROKED LONG (21 page)

How fucking weird is that?

Placing the drinks on the coffee table, she practically bounces in her seat when she says, “So tell me, how excited are you about going to your third Olympics?”

“Yeah, it’s cool.” I nod my head.

Tilting her head to the side, she studies me with those gorgeous inquisitive eyes of hers. In a monotone voice, she replies, “Wow, calm yourself, Bodi. You don’t want to lose control with excitement.”

Chuckling, I snag the package from her hands and undo the ribbon. “I’m not much of a celebrator.”

“That’s kind of obvious.”

“But I’m making an exception tonight.” Holding out an Oreo to her, I hold up one for myself in my other hand. She takes it, her head slightly tilted to the side and a smile caressing her endearing face. “To Rio.”

Bumping my cookie with hers, we cheers, and then both twist the Oreo in half. She watches in anticipation as I bring one half up to my mouth and pop it in. She squeals and bounces in her seated position with glee.

“You ate a cookie. I regular old cookie.”

Quirking my lip to the side, I reply, “It’s a Double Stuf Oreo, Rubes; of course I ate it.”

Shaking her head in mirth, she starts licking the filling from the cookie.
Don’t watch, Banks. Do not watch Ruby lick that filling . . .
Fuck. “If only I knew the first night I came to your place. I would have brought Double Stuf Oreos instead.”

Still probably wouldn’t have eaten it. I don’t tell her that, better to keep her hopes up about me indulging in treats, but in reality those indulgences are few and far between.

Scanning her space, I notice her computer propped open on the coffee table, a job website on the screen, and a notepad next to the computer with notes. Her TV screen is paused, and all I can see are two brunette women in a diner. Even though I’m curious about what she’s watching, I’m more concerned why it looks like she’s looking for a job.

Splitting apart another Oreo, I nod at the computer and ask, “Are you looking to leave the club?”

“What?” Her eyes focus on where I nodded and instantly her face flushes. “Uh, no.” Before I can ask another question, she slams the computer screen shut and hides the notepad she was scribbling on.

“Oh really?” I press because she’s pressed me before and I figured it’s my turn. “Kind of seemed like you were, and by the way you not so nonchalantly hid your notepad I’m going to assume I’m right about this.”

Sighing, she scrunches down on the couch and leans her head against the back of the cushion. “I’m looking for some part-time work right now. I love working with the kids at the club, but I also like to eat and live under a roof, so I need a little extra cash flow.” She covers her face with her hands. “This is so embarrassing to talk to you about.”

“Why?” My brow furrows.

“Because.” She lowers her hands and grabs another Oreo. “You’re Bodi Banks. You don’t have to worry about cash flow, people are practically licking your neck to get you to endorse them.”

“That’s not true, no one has licked my neck.”

“You know what I mean.” She pushes my thigh.

“You shouldn’t be embarrassed in front of me, Rubes.” It’s not the most eloquent thing to say but fuck, I’m bad at awkward situations like this. I’m usually good at making them awkward, but I’ve never been one to pull the conversation away from awkward and into normal. That’s what Ruby does.

“It’s about to get a whole lot more embarrassing.” She plays with the packaging of the Oreos, avoiding eye contact with me when she says, “I kind of need your help.”

Not liking this sullen Ruby, I grip her chin with my thumb and index finger and force her to look at me. “What do you need help with?”

Once again, her cheeks blush with embarrassment, and the crazy thought of kissing those pouty lips crosses my mind. Would she like that? I know I would fucking like it. Shit, I would more than fucking like it. I would love it, to feel her mouth on mine, to taste her sweet lips, to know what it’s like to connect on a more intimate level. Fuck, I crave it.

Pulling me out of my reverie, she says, “Um, there is this job as a seamstress that would be perfect for me. It would work with my hours at the club, and it pays well.”

“Okay, what do you need my help with?”

“I need a recommendation.”

“No problem,” I say without skipping a beat.

Her face twists as if she has something else to day. “It’s more of an ask than a recommendation. You see, the job is with Bellini Chambers . . .”

“You want me to ask Reese to put in a good word for you?”

Realization hits, as in, Reese, who she stalked and then sprayed with Coke in the grocery store, Reese. She wants me to talk to Reese King for her since they are supposedly dating. That makes sense. She looks so fucking nervous, sitting there, wide-eyed, almost trembling. Little does she know, I would do just about anything for her.

“Is that asking too much?” Her hands are twisting in her lap now. “I know you’re not the best of friends with Reese, but I figured it’s a shot. I could really use the money. If it’s too much, just tell me, I would totally understand. I mean, it’s a—”

I cut her off with my hand to her lips. “It’s not a problem at all. I will talk to him tomorrow. I’m pretty sure he and Hollis will be in the weight room when I’m there.”

“Really?” She sits up, a ray of hope in her eyes.

“Of course.”

Throwing her arms around my neck, she pulls her body into mine and hugs me with all her might, her hair floating across my nose, her breasts pressed up against my chest.
Fuck
, it feels good.

Reciprocating the hug, I encompass her small waist with my arms and revel in the way she feels in my embrace. I’ve hugged Lauren and Eva, even an occasional woman I’ve had sex with. It’s
never
felt like this before, like the world has stopped spinning and the only thing in existence is the connection I have with Ruby. With her it feels . . . safe. Right.

And that’s just a hug. What would it be like to kiss her? I guess having her lips pressed against mine would no doubt make me unsteady, wobbly, totally consumed by her.

“Thank you, Bodi. This means so much to me.”

“Sure,” I answer awkwardly and give her a pat on the back, totally breaking up the intimate mood we were sharing. Yup, leave it to me to fuck that up. Needing to break the tension, I ask, “What are you watching?”

Releasing her tight hold from around my neck, she sits down next to me—like, right fucking next to me so our arms are touching—and she says, “
Gilmore Girls
. Have you ever seen it?”

“Pretty sure Eva watched it at some point. I might have caught an episode.”

“You might have caught an episode? Bodi, this show is amazing. How can you not have watched it?”

I hold back the disgusted face that wants to peek out. “Maybe because it’s a girl show.”

A gasp escapes Ruby, followed by a dramatic hand to the mouth. She reeks with horror. “How dare you say such a thing?
Gilmore Girls
is a show for everyone.” Reaching for the remote, she snuggles up next to me, her arm looped in mine and points to the screen. “See, that’s Luke, he is a role model for all men.”

I know about Luke. Eva had a crush on him. Yes, lesbians are allowed to crush on men. She would always swoon over him for some reason. Was it the flannel?

“He’s wearing a backward hat,” I point out.

“So, you wear a hat.” She flicks the bill and leans in closer.
And this is what I’ve missed. This . . . comfort. Acceptance. Warmth.
Shit, if watching
Gilmore Girls
means cuddling with Ruby, I’m all in.

“Yes, but my hat actually represents something. His hat says he’s too lazy to do his hair in the morning.”

“Isn’t that what hats are for? Lazy people?”

“Not necessarily. Hats are an accessory for men.” The minute the words slip out I realize how much Ruby is going to give me sass for them.

“An accessory?” Her body shakes against mine, her laugh ringing out into her small apartment. “I wasn’t aware of your need to accessorize, Bodi. What other accessories are there for men?”

I shake my head, knowing fully well she’s not going to let this go.

“Oh, come on.” She pokes my side and then pulls up her finger, shaking it in the air. “Jeeze oh petes, your side is like steel.”

“My whole body is steel,” I assure her, focusing on the TV, listening to the non-stop banter between the mom and daughter.

“I never expected you to brag.”

“Not bragging.” I turn toward her and tip her chin with my finger. “Just telling the truth.”

Searching me, her eyes float around, delight radiating from them. “I missed you,” she says honestly.

Her confession hits me like a brick to the stomach. I’m not good at reading people, pretty fucking pathetic at it actually, so I’m never sure where Ruby stands when it comes to me. Is she interested? Does she only want to be friends? Is there something more between us? I sure as fuck hope so.

That little confession, those three words, they give me hope. Hope that maybe, just maybe, she’s able to look past the broken man that sits before her and see me for who I am. Because, like I said to Eva, I want more with Ruby.
My Ruby.

Wrapping my arm around her, I pull her closer to my side and without making eye contact, because I’m too damn nervous, I say, “I missed you, too, Rubes.”

BODI

Just as I thought, Hollis and Reese are in the weight room working out together. From the outside, looking through the glass, I observe their easy-going friendship and admire how effortless it is for them to interact with one another.

Me, on the other hand . . . I don’t have any guy friends. I’ve kept it that way because it’s too fucking hard to open up to someone other than Lauren and Eva. I’ve confirmed that difficulty with getting to know Ruby on a level other than a colleague. It’s taken a lot of strength and stepping out of my comfort zone to develop the relationship I have with her—however that may be defined.

And hell, that comfort zone was blasted out of the water.
Gilmore Girls
? Eating Double Stuf Oreos? Human contact? With Ruby, I’m way out of my league, treading in the deep end looking for some kind of raft.

Despite feeling uncomfortable, I’m here for a reason, to help Ruby.

Entering the weight room with a towel draping my neck, I awkwardly stand in front of Reese and Hollis who are on the floor doing planks, stepping in on their conversation.

“Hey,” I say, pulling both of their attention.

“What’s up, Bodi?” Reese asks, standing, and Hollis follows quickly behind him.

“I have a question for you,” I say, getting straight to the point. I’ve never been good with small talk. I’m not one to ask about how someone feels or about the weather. Ruby, now she can small talk for days.

Before Reese can open his mouth, Hollis the smart-ass says, “Are you asking him out? I tried already today and struck out, but you’re thicker than me, maybe he will give you a chance.”

I’ve never really understood Hollis. He’s an odd fucker. The best diver of our generation, no questions asked, but a fucking weirdo. He’s feminine in a way, but also a self-centered prick in a comical sense, as if he never takes himself too seriously. Pretty sure I’ve never heard something serious come out of his mouth. He’s had a cushy life and would be the first one to tell you. Because he’s Reese’s best friend, I’ve come to know him, but only through interactions with Reese, nothing on our own. I don’t see that changing.

Without acknowledging Hollis’s question I turn back to Reese. “I know someone who is interested in Bellini’s seamstress position. She could really use the work, and she’s good. Do you think you could put in a good word for her?”

“What seamstress position?” Even though I’m not good at reading people, it’s obvious Reese is confused.

“Something about religious wear.” I wish I had more information than that, but I was too busy watching
Gilmore Girls
with Ruby last night to bother asking for more information. Damn that Lorelai Gilmore for keeping me interested. And her mom, straight-up bitch. There is no way I would have dinner with her every Friday night. Fuck no, I would be hanging out with Luke.

“Oh, her dog clothes.” Reese shakes his head in disgust. “Sure, not a problem, man. What’s her name? I will text Bellini right now.”

Clearing my throat, not wanting to make a big deal out of asking, I say, “It’s Ruby Hearts. She applied this morning. She actually knows my sister through the Boys and Girls Club.”

“Nice, let me send this over to her real quick.” I watch Reese text Bellini, not really interested in saying anything else.

Once he sends the message, he looks at me and asks, “Do you know Ruby well?”

Do I know Ruby well?
Given the fact that she was cuddled to my side last night while we binged on Gilmore Girls and talked about everything from her very first crush to my favorite color underpants, I could say I know her well.

For the record, her first crush was Jason Booth and my favorite color is black, it’s all I have. She was not shocked by this answer.

Pulling on the back of my neck, I nod casually. “Yeah.”

Being the asshat he is, Hollis asks, “Ooo, do you like her?”

I glance up at Hollis, not breaking a smile. “She’s a friend,” I bite out for some reason, not liking to be teased and then turn to Reese. “Thanks for putting in a good word. I appreciate it.”

“Not a problem at all. Are you ready for camp?”

“Yeah, my coach had me doing repeats all morning. Pretty sure I’m ready to taper now. What about you?”

“Same here. I’ll be happy when these two-a-days are over. I’m starting to feel my age.”

Reese has been in the Olympic circuit for a while now; he’s got one more game under his belt than me. This is my third shot at the Olympic Games, and I’m hoping to hit one more in four years to tie Reese in appearances.

Speaking truthfully, I say, “I’ll be sad to see you go. You’ve always pushed me to do better.”

“Same here, man.”

His phone beeps, and I hold my breath as Reese reads the text he received back from Bellini. He’s texting back and forth and I start to worry. Are they arguing? Did I put him in a bad spot? Is she going to say no?