Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3

RUBY

S everal days later, Ruby found herself back in Silver Falls as the morning sun was already climbing into the sky, banishing the shadows. Her shopping list was tucked securely in her hand as she strode down the town’s main street. The rustic charm of the town was a stark contrast to the city she had left behind, but its quiet and slow pace only fueled her desire to make a life for herself.

As she entered the local hardware store, the bell above the door chimed an announcement of her arrival. The aisles were a cozy, cluttered labyrinth of tools and materials, a treasure trove for the determined renovator, and a far cry from the big box stores she’d left behind. With her basket gradually filling with cans of paint, brushes, and various fixtures, Ruby navigated the narrow passage with an ease born from newfound familiarity. The weight of the supplies tested the limits of her grip, the basket’s handles digging into her palms.

She rounded the corner, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of varnish and wood stains when suddenly her forward motion came to an abrupt halt. Collision was inevitable—her basket met a solid, immovable obstacle, sending a can of sealant clattering to the floor.

"Oof!" Ruby exclaimed, her balance wavering for a moment before she steadied herself.

She looked up, way up, to meet the gaze of the tall, broad-shouldered figure she'd unwittingly crashed into. He was gorgeous. He had a muscular build and seemed, to Ruby, to embody the essence of rugged masculinity. His dark, medium length hair fell in untamed waves around his face, accentuating deep brown eyes that seemed to hold untold stories and complement his strong features. He had a chiseled jawline, accentuated by what she guessed was probably a perpetual five o'clock shadow, which only added to his rough-hewn charm.

"Sorry about that," she managed to say, despite the sudden rush of heat to her cheeks. She noted his wide shoulders filling the space between the shelves, an imposing silhouette against the backdrop of neatly stacked items.

"Are you all right?" His voice was deep, resonating through the narrow aisle, concern etched across his rugged features. His eyes locked onto hers, a startling shade that seemed to shift with the light.

"Yes, yes, I'm fine." Ruby replied, more flustered than she cared to admit. “Are you okay?” She crouched to retrieve the rogue can, quite sure she could feel him staring, as if it were a tangible touch grazing her skin. There was something about this man, something that stirred her arousal, a curious pull that was both intimidating and exhilarating.

"I’m fine. Here, let me help," he said, bending down to assist her. His hands were large and capable, easily enveloping the can as though it weighed nothing at all. Standing back up, their proximity left little room for breath, and Ruby found herself momentarily lost in the intensity of the encounter.

"Thank you," she murmured, taking a step back to regain some semblance of composure. It wasn't just his height or the breadth of him; there was an undercurrent of strength, a potency that seemed at odds with the peaceful town of Silver Falls.

"Anytime," he replied, a half-smile tugging at the corner of his mouth before he stepped aside, allowing her passage.

Ruby continued on her way, her heart pounding a rhythm that matched her quickened pace. Something about that brief interaction lingered, an electric charge in the air that she couldn't quite shake off. As she placed her items on the counter, she glanced back one last time, catching a glimpse of the mysterious man disappearing down an adjacent aisle.

She chatted with the store’s owner, Mr. Wicks, as she paid for her items. She heard the bell over the door chime again and turned just in time to see the hunk walking out. With her list and purchases clutched tightly, Ruby navigated the packed shelves of the store to follow him out.

“Excuse me,” she called as she exited the door and saw the man reaching for the door handle of a pick-up truck. “I’m sorry. My name is Ruby Edwards; I’m new here in town and I was hoping you might be able to help me.”

His presence was like a gravitational force, and despite herself, Ruby felt drawn into his orbit. There was an undeniable command in his stance, the way his eyes held hers with an intensity that quickened her pulse.

"Knox Wilder," he said, turning to introduce himself. “Nice to meet you, Ruby.” His voice resonated deeply and curled around her name as if claiming it for his own. "Are you settling in well?"

"Getting there," she replied, tucking a wayward strand of hair behind her ear. "My Aunt Lorraine left her place to me. I'm looking for some help with renovations."

"Mr. Wicks would have recommended Reynard Construction," Knox noted, one eyebrow raised slightly, as if he already knew what she was going to say next.

"Mr. Wicks has recommended a lot of things," Ruby countered with a half-smile, trying to match the confidence that seemed to emanate from Knox so effortlessly. Her heart thumped against her ribs—a wild drumbeat spurred by this enigma of a man.

"True. But if you’re looking to renovate your aunt’s place, Wicks might be right. It would be a big job for one person," Knox said, eyeing the items he’d seen in her basket that spoke of her plans.

"Maybe," she conceded, drawing in a breath that filled her lungs with the scent of sawdust and something she thought was probably distinctly Knox—earthy and raw. "I don’t like working with big companies, and I tend to follow my gut. I have a feeling about you. You seem capable, and your truck indicates you’re a handyman. I'm willing to bet you're more than that."

Knox's eyes bore into hers, searching, weighing, assessing. For a moment, Ruby thought she had overstepped, but then the corner of his mouth twitched, almost imperceptibly.

"Capable is one word for it," he murmured, and Ruby could swear there was a flash of amusement in those brown depths. "I'll consider your offer. When do you want to start?"

"Yesterday," she quipped, relief flooding through her at his response. The prospect of working side by side with Knox sent a shiver down her spine—one part anticipation, one part something else entirely. “I’m a cook by trade, and I can feed you while you’re working for me.”

"You a good cook?” he asked, smiling.

“Very.”

“Then I suppose we shouldn't waste any time." Knox's reply was smooth, and Ruby couldn't tell if it was her imagination or if there was a hint of warmth there, a silent acknowledgment of the current that charged the space between them.

"Suppose not," Ruby agreed, her smile genuine as she turned to head over to her Jeep, aware of Knox's gaze lingering on her. It was all she could do not to glance over her shoulder to see if he was watching her. The idea of him doing so was exhilarating. “I’ll see you in the morning, then?”

“Bright and early.”

Though he'd agreed to help, his reserved nature seemed like it might be a kind of fortress wall—solid and impenetrable. But Ruby wasn't deterred. She had an eye for the hidden depths in people, and Knox Wilder was no exception. If there was a wall there, she’d find a way to scale it.

As she watched him get inside his truck, she stared at his ass, which was as fine a specimen as she’d seen in a long time. Ruby turned over the engine in her Jeep and backed out into the street, reflecting on the brief conversation they'd shared. There was a strength there, but a softness as well, subtle and nearly missed, that spoke of kindness. His hands, though roughened by work, had moved with a careful grace when he'd picked up the fallen can, their brief touch sending an unexpected jolt through her.

In the timbre of his voice, she had heard a quiet strength, reassuring and steadfast—a solid foundation amidst the chaotic waves of Ruby's fresh start. And yet, something else had lingered in the air between them, a shadow that draped over his features, adding a layer of mystery that intrigued Ruby more than she cared to admit.

Ruby spent the rest of the day making sure she had enough groceries to feed them both for a few days, arranging for a drop box for demolished materials, squaring away her kitchen, unpacking the tools of her trade, corralling things she knew she didn’t want in the spacious living room, and just generally getting at least the first floor cleaned up.

That night, as she lay in bed, the silence seemed louder than any city cacophony she'd ever known. The moonlight filtered through the window, casting dancing shadows upon the walls, but it was Knox who filled her thoughts. His image loomed in her mind, larger than life—the way his gaze had locked onto hers, intense and searching, as if he could see right through her.

She remembered the warmth in his eyes, smoldering embers that promised fires yet unkindled. It was foolish, she knew, to think of him that way after only one encounter, but rationality had little place in the landscape of desire. The room felt charged with his presence, even though he had yet to be there, and Ruby tossed restlessly beneath her sheets. Sleep proved elusive, chased away by the tantalizing what-ifs that swirled around the enigmatic man who was to be her partner in bringing her vision for her bed and breakfast to life.

Ruby closed her eyes, attempting to summon slumber once more, but found herself instead imagining Knox's strong hands wielding tools with precision, repairing and rebuilding, just as she hoped to rebuild her own life. Her breath hitched at the thought of those same hands, capable of such tenderness and power, tracing the lines of her figure, exploring the terrain of her body as intimately as they would the woodwork of her home.

With a deep, steadying breath, Ruby tried to quiet the storm of emotions Knox had unwittingly stirred within her. She closed her eyes, and almost immediately began to fantasize about what an erotic encounter with Knox might be like:

The afternoon sun bathed Ruby's kitchen in a warm glow, the light streaming through the windows and creating a cozy atmosphere. She had been busy all morning, baking fresh cookies and testing recipes for the guests she planned to host at the bed and breakfast. With a satisfied smile, she took a step back, admiring her work. The new kitchen island with the pots and pans hanging from the overhead fixture was adorned with an array of mouth-watering treats, from freshly baked goods to local cheeses and fruits. As she reached for a plate to sample her creations, a sudden noise startled her.

Ruby's heart skipped a beat as she turned, her eyes locking with a pair of intense brown ones. It was Knox, the mysterious and alluring man she had met. He stood in the doorway, his tall, broad-shouldered frame filling the entrance. His dark hair was slightly disarrayed, as if he had been running his hands through it in frustration or desire. Ruby's breath caught as she took in his ruggedly handsome features, accentuated by the shadow of a beard along his strong jawline.

"I couldn't help but follow the scent of your baking,” he said, his deep voice sending a shiver down her spine. "It's like you're luring me in with every batch of cookies."His words were playful, but there was an underlying intensity in his gaze that made Ruby's knees weak. She thought Knox was a man of few words, but his presence spoke volumes.

"Well, you're welcome to indulge,"Ruby replied, her voice a little hoarse as she tried to regain her composure."I just finished setting everything up. Please, help yourself."She gestured towards the island, her eyes never leaving his. Knox took a step forward, his movements deliberate and purposeful. He picked up a cookie, taking a bite and closing his eyes as he savored the taste.

"Delicious,"he murmured, his lips curving into a satisfied smile."But I didn't come here just for the food."As he spoke, he began to move closer, his gaze fixed on Ruby's lips. She felt her pulse quicken, her body responding to his unspoken desire. Without breaking eye contact, Knox reached out and gently took the plate from her hand, setting it aside.

"You're even more tempting than these treats," he whispered, his warm breath caressing her cheek. Ruby's heart raced as she felt his strong hands on her waist, pulling her closer. His touch sent sparks of anticipation through her body, and she could feel her resolve melting away.

"I want you, Ruby,"Knox confessed, his voice low and raw with longing."But I want to do this my way."With that, he spun her around, his hands firmly guiding her to the kitchen counter. Ruby's breath caught in her throat as she felt the cool granite against her palms. Knox's fingers deftly unbuttoned her blouse, his touch sending shivers down her spine. He exposed her to the cool air, his hands trailing down her back, eliciting a soft moan from her.

"You're so beautiful,"he growled, his hot breath on her neck sending tingles down her body."I've been dreaming of this moment, of having you here, under my control."Ruby could feel her cheeks flush at his words, a mixture of excitement and nervousness coursing through her. She had never been with a man like Knox, a man who exuded such raw, untamed desire.

Knox's hands moved to her hips, urging her to bend forward slightly. She complied, her heart pounding as she felt his erection pressing against her through their clothing. He turned her to face him, his hands traveled up her sides, cupping her breasts and squeezing before gently pinching her only mildly stiffened peaks. Ruby arched into his touch, her nipples hardening further at his skilled caress.

"That's it, beautiful,"he encouraged, his voice a low rumble."Let me see how much you want this."

With a deft motion born of having his commands obeyed, Knox pressed down on her shoulders, lowering her to her knees. He unfastened his belt and fly, freeing his rigid length. Ruby's eyes widened as she saw the impressive size of his erection, her mouth watering at the thought of taking him in.

"Suck me, Ruby,"he commanded, his voice thick with arousal."Show me how much you want it."

She didn't need to be told twice. Ruby’s hands reached for his straining cock. She stroked him gently, her fingers barely able to fully wrap around his thickness. With a soft moan, she leaned forward, her full lips brushing against the head of his cock.

Knox let out a guttural groan as Ruby took him into her warm, wet mouth. She swirled her tongue around the tip, tasting his salty pre-cum and relishing the feel of his length against her tongue. She took him deeper, her throat relaxing to accommodate his size. Knox's hands tangled in her hair, guiding her rhythm as he began to thrust gently, his hips moving in a slow, steady pace.

"Fuck, that's it,"he grunted, his breath coming in short gasps."Suck me like you mean it, Ruby."

She obeyed, her lips and tongue working in unison, creating a wet, sloppy symphony around his shaft. Knox's eyes were closed, his head thrown back as he surrendered to the pleasure she was providing.

Ruby's mouth moved up and down his length, her hands caressing his balls, gently massaging them as she pleasured him. She could feel his control slipping, his body tensing with the effort to hold back. Knox's breathing became more labored, his hips moving faster, driving his cock deeper into her mouth.

"I'm close, Ruby,"he warned, his voice strained."I'm gonna come, and I want you to swallow every drop."

As Ruby finally slipped into a deeper sleep, one thought clung to her mind, clear and unshakable: Knox Wilder was no fleeting presence. He was already etched into her life, and somehow, she knew it was only just beginning.