Chapter Five

 

Ten more dates ensued over the next month. They were not only on a Friday but also a Saturday, and even through the week. Theo loved spending time with Ruby, as he knew he would.

Tonight, he’d be meeting her mother, and he knew she was nervous and saw it in her eyes when he walked to her locker later that day. She was gathering her books, and he took the bag from her, never wanting her to carry something so heavy. It had taken a month, but no one was shocked anymore to see them together.

“Are you sure you want to do this?”

“Your mom’s pizza night is supposed to be epic. What kind of boyfriend would I be if I didn’t invite myself?”

“A sane one. I thought all boyfriends were supposed to be afraid to meet the parent.”

“They are, but I think this one will be cool.” He took her hand, and they walked out of high school together. His friends thought he was crazy, especially as they knew he still wasn’t getting any. Not that he told them, they just seemed to know.

Theo didn’t care what anyone thought.

He liked that he was having to work for it, that she wasn’t willing to have sex straight away, giving them both a chance to get to know one another.

Chasing after Ruby wasn’t about fucking her. She was different from other girls, and he certainly wasn’t about to ruin his chance with her for a quick fuck.

He’d picked her up from her house that morning, so he was driving them both. He’d offered to wear his uniform, but Ruby wasn’t impressed. She never fawned all over him when he wore it.

“Are there any topics you think I should avoid?” Theo asked.

“None. My mom’s a pretty open book. She’s cool about everything. I wouldn’t worry so much.”

“She sounds awesome.”

“I’m biased. I do think she is awesome, but you never know, I may see a whole new side to her with you.”

“You’re not helping.”

She chuckled. “I like this,” she said.

“What?”

“Being with you. Hanging out. Having fun.”

“Wait until we upgrade to the kissing part.”

She rolled her eyes, and he had no choice but to focus on the road.

The moment they pulled up outside of her house, he noticed Ruby tense up.

“What is it?”

“I don’t know.” She unbuckled her seatbelt, and he had no choice but to follow her out.

Walking up the drive, he noticed how upset she was. She pulled out her key, opening the door.

“Mom, I’m home. I brought Theo with me.”

In the past month, he’d never known her to react like this.

She wouldn’t budge past the door. There was enough room for him to close it behind him, and then he turned to see the lady from the veterinary clinic where he’d gotten his dog, Scooch, dealt with after he ate chocolate he shouldn’t have done. Of course, he also knew Callie for another reason, but he wasn’t going to spill the beans on that little secret.

Beside Callie was a man, and Theo recognized him, even though he’d not been around town for a long time.

“What is this?” Ruby asked.

“Ruby!”

“Honey, hello, sweetie,” he said.

Theo placed a hand on her back, offering her comfort as he got a sense she really needed it in that moment.

“You okay?” he asked.

“This is your boyfriend,” Callie said, smiling.

He noticed Ruby hadn’t looked away from her father.

After a few seconds, she seemed to shake herself out of it. “Mom, this is Theo. Theo, this is my mom, Callie James.”

He shook her hand as he didn’t know what else to do. Turning to the guy, he waited another few awkward moments.

“This is my dad.”

She didn’t offer any name, and still, he shook his head, getting a sense he really didn’t want to get involved.

“Why’s he here?” Ruby asked, turning to her mother.

Shoving his hands back in his pockets, Theo really didn’t know what to say.

“Honey, he’s your father.”

“He left eight years ago.”

“And now I’m back,” he said.

“What’s going on? You’re just going to allow him to come back here? All is forgiven?”

“Sweetheart, we never actually got divorced, and he owns the house, and we’ve been trying to keep things amicable for you.”

“Wow, I can’t—”

“How about we sit down and have some pizza?” Ruby’s dad said. “I think that’s good for everyone, and we can just relax and get to know each other.”

“I need to go and put my bag in my room.” She grabbed Theo’s hand, and he saw her dad looking ready to attack him.

“You’re not taking a boy to your room.”

“Theo’s my boyfriend. We’re not going to do anything. Besides, you’re not the boss of me.”

“Ruby!”

They were gone before they could be stopped.

Within seconds, he was inside Ruby’s bedroom, and one look around her room, he knew it was hers. The color scheme was so light and bright. Pictures filled one wall, from family to scenic views.

“Sorry about that,” she said.

“Hey, I didn’t think for a second seeing your dad would get me into your room.”

“It’s nothing. I’m sorry. I’ve not seen him in a really long time.”

“Eight years?”

“Pretty much. I wasn’t interested in visiting him in the city. Mom didn’t want to drive me out. He didn’t want to come and pick me up. I like where I live so never saw a reason to change. I was a bitch down there, wasn’t I?”

Theo sat down on the edge of her bed. “You’re asking my advice?”

“You’re supposed to be meeting my mother, and it’s turned into a mini drama.”

“It’s nothing that we can’t handle.”

She tucked her hair behind her ear, smiling. “We?”

“You got that right, we.” He held out his hands, and she took them. “I don’t know everything that went on down there well enough to tell you if you were a bitch or not. It’s not my place.”

He grabbed her ass, holding her close. He hugged her, and she ran her fingers through his hair. He loved the touch, the gentleness of her fingers on him.

His cock started to harden at the merest caress from her.

She suddenly pulled back and smiled at him. Seconds later, her lips were on his, in their first real kiss.

****

Ruby’s lips still tingled as she sat at the table, very aware of her father near her. Theo sat opposite her while her parents were on either side of the table.

“So, your mother tells me you’ve already got your letters and packages ready for the colleges you want to attend next year.”

She stared at her mother’s pizza on the plate, and anger simmered inside. Why did he have to come back now?

One glance at Callie, and she looked fine. It pissed Ruby off.

“Don’t ignore him, sweetheart,” Callie said.

“I don’t get this,” Ruby said, looking between both of her parents. “He just got up and left. I mean, why is he even here?”

“He wanted to come and see you. We know it has been a long time, and we didn’t want to rush you.”

“I still love your mother. We have been through a difficult time,” he said.

Ruby shook her head. “No, that is not possible. People who love each other don’t go to the big city to get a job and never turn back up.”

“Honey, he did turn back up. You just weren’t here when he did. It was only the one time, but we’ve been building … bridges. I did send divorce papers, and that’s when he came back, not too long ago,” Callie said.

Ruby got to her feet. “I don’t want to hear this.”

Stepping back from the table, she didn’t stop when her parents told her to. Theo was right behind her, and she was in his car, not looking back at the house.

“You want me to go?” he asked.

“Yes, please. I don’t want to be at home right now.”

He pulled away from her house, and she didn’t even look back.

“You’re not the biggest fan of your dad.”

“I believe my mom deserves someone a lot better than him.”

“Okay.” Theo kept on driving until they arrived at his home. She’d never been inside, and there was no sign of any cars. “My parents are away for the weekend.”

“Oh.”

“If you’re not comfortable…”

“Yes, yes, I’m fine.” Climbing out of the car, she followed him into his home.

Once inside, she saw how homey it was. There were jackets hung up in the hall, and she saw shoes aligned against the wall. The next thing she noticed were all the pictures of them. His family. She’d not met them, but she’d seen them on his cell phone when he shared them.

It looked amazing.

One day, she hoped to have a big family.

“Your mom’s pizza was cool.”

She tucked her hair behind her ears, and nodded. “Yeah, very cool.”

“I’m going to go and shower.”

Ruby turned to him. “So, I get to see your room?”

“We’re all about sharing today.” He held out his hand, and she took it.

She loved holding his hand and that kiss. She didn’t even know what came over her. His lips had been like a magnet, begging for her to kiss, and she’d given in, and explored his mouth. Theo had reciprocated and kissed her back, making her breathless.

When the kiss had ended, she’d not wanted to go downstairs but to keep on kissing him.

His bedroom was a real man cave.

Football trophies were on one wall, along with pictures and newspaper cutouts. “My dad thinks it’s important for me to be surrounded in positivity.”

“You should. This is your achievement, and it’s amazing, Theo. Don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise.” She stepped up to the board.

“You like them?”

“They’re part of you, so yeah, I like them.”

“You’re admitting you’re liking me?”

“I do like you.”

Theo wrapped his arms around her, kissing her neck. “I know you don’t get sports.”

“I get them. I just don’t agree with them, but that’s not going to stop me from liking you. I’m also listening and I’m starting to learn the rules, so one day I’ll know if you’re doing a good pass or a bad one.”

“One day you’ll come and watch a game and you’ll see.” He kissed her again. “I’ve got to go and head for a shower. I stink.”

She laughed.

There was a television in the corner, and cupboards across one wall with a few books on top and his deodorant.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, she took everything in, feeling comfortable. This was Theo’s room. His domain. His cave.

She liked it. It suited him, even the cream walls and black furniture.

It wasn’t long before he returned with a towel wrapped around his waist. His body was on full display, every hard, muscular inch of him.

“You okay?”

“Yeah. I just realized that I’m alone in a room with you and you’re naked.”

“You worried I’ll take advantage?”

She shook her head.

“What is it?” he asked, stepping in front of her.

“I’m worried I’ll take advantage of you.”

He laughed. “I hate to break this to you, but I’ve got no problem being taken advantage of.”

She stood up. Her hands went to his hips, holding him steady as she stared into his eyes.

Something was happening right now, and as she leaned in to kiss him, she didn’t want to stop. Slowly, she ran her hand up his chest, watching him as he circled his neck.

Was she ready? Could she do this?

Theo wrapped his arm around her, and she waited, watching him.

With her other hand, she fingered the edge of his towel, toying with it.

“What are you doing?”

“I really like you, Theo. I know I’ve been … weird, and I’m sorry. I just, I’m not used to being wanted.”

“I want you.”

“I like that you want me, and I want you.”

“What are you saying, Ruby?

She dropped the towel but didn’t look at him. She stayed in his arms, watching him.

“I’m ready, Theo,” she said.

Finding his erection, she wrapped her fingers around his length, and waited.

“I want you.”

It was the only time she’d ever said it, and this would be her very first time. She was ready, and she wanted him.