of the frat brothers started to emerge into the hallway to see what the commotion was.
“I said I was sorry,” Corbin wailed, making no attempt to get off the floor. “How was I supposed to know she was naked?”
“It’s the bathroom, you douche.” Again Eli did not look amused or forgiving.
“I was half asleep, and to my defense the bathroom door was unlocked. Who takes a shower and leaves a door unlocked? Especially around here!”
“So it’s Blake’s fault now.” Eli kicked his foot out and Corbin tried to scoot away. A grunt escaped him when he felt the kick.
That’s when the door came open and Blake walked out of the bathroom looking like Ralphie from Christmas Story. She wore a big pink fluffy onesie, leaving no part of her body uncovered. We all stopped and looked at her as she remained frozen in the now open bathroom doorway.
I had no doubt that Red bought her the atrocious outfit.
“Hey Ralphie,” the words were out before I could stop them and everyone around me laughed, except Eli. Oh, and Blake.
This gave Corbin time to scurry away before Elijah had a chance to stop him and he was back in his room with the sounds of doors locking and something heavy being slid across the floor. My guess was a dresser or desk.
The rest of the guys slowly started to disburse and Eli grabbed Blake around the waist and carried her off, grumbling something about doors having locks for a reason. I imagined she was in for a night, or should I say morning now that the first half of his frustration had been taken out on Corbin. That guy was always in the line of fire.
***
I sat in my truck outside of the theater and watched the front doors like a fucking stalker. Part of me was worried she wouldn’t show. Another part was overwhelmed with anticipation for her arrival.
Then I saw a flash of red and it felt like my heart skipped a beat, or ten. She wore tight jeans, a red shirt that hung off one shoulder, and her hair flowed down her back. Ruby was a vision.
I took a few seconds to admire her, staring out the windshield of my truck. She looked left and then right, before pulling her phone out of her purse, staring down at it. I noticed a few guys pass and their looks lingered as they walked away. She had no idea just how attractive she truly was.
My phone pinged from the center console and I already knew it was her.
Ruby: Am I being stood up?
Chuckling, I considered my words carefully before typing out my response.
Jay: Hell no, I’d be a fool not to show for a beauty such as yourself. I was just admiring you for a bit.
I looked back just as she lifted her gaze and scanned over the parking lot as if searching for me. She had no idea what I drove which made the confused look on her face even more enjoyable. Back and forth she roamed, seeking me out.
I couldn’t resist adding in another message to ensure her I was in fact watching her.
Jay: Red looks good on you.
I waited with a smile on my face as she looked back at her phone and began to type.
Ruby: Okay creeper join me or I’m leaving.
I’d be worried if I didn’t notice the huge smile stretched out over her lips.
Turning off the ignition, I grabbed my keys and opened the door. Instantly I saw her find me and she lowered her phone, placing it back into her purse. With each step I took I felt my chest grow tighter and I wondered if this feeling was what I’d heard Xavier, Eli, and hell, even the twins mention so many times before. That desire to be near someone, even if there was nothing going on, the mere presence alone was all you truly needed. I didn’t know her so much, but it didn’t take long for me to realize she was different. Not a bad different, a desired different. Sweet, smart, Ruby was a breath of fresh air.
“Should I be worried that you linger in parking lots and watch girls?”
“Not girls.” I stepped up onto the curb and did my best to contain the joy I felt rushing through me. “Just one.”
A rosy color filled her cheeks and it was yet another sign of just how sweet and timid she was. She didn’t flaunt, but she flirted. She didn’t come off sleazy,