22. ‘Lachi’

TWENTY-TWO

‘LACHI'

MALACHI

I can't believe we've been here for two days already. One more day and then everyone should start to arrive. Just found out Vito, Freddy, and Jude might be stopping on their way home. From what Freddy shared with me, Jude is beyond humbled and afraid he blew our friendship. Like I told Freddy, I'll always be his friend but trust him, nope, he's going to have to earn that back, which is going to take time. Lots of it.

Ruby made breakfast this morning then told me she wanted to clean the place up a bit. Not sure why but not going to try and stop her. When Beauty gets something in her head she runs with it. So right now she's cleaning the bathrooms, though we've only used the master and the powder room.

A knock on the door pulls me from my thoughts. I use the peephole and it looks to be a maid. When I open the door that's who it is and it's three of them. I motion for them to come in as I call out for Ruby. She comes into the main room, hair up in a messy knot, face flushed with gloves on her hands. Cute as shit.

"Beauty, the cleaning crew is here to get the place ready for our company. Do you want them to stay or do you plan to clean the whole cabin?"

She glares at me before she tells the women, yes, she would appreciate their services and she just finished the en suite bathroom, along with the powder room. The three of them walk away, speaking in their, I believe, Polish language. From what I can make out they are shocked a guest was cleaning up when usually everyone leaves everything for them to clean.

Ruby walks toward me, pulling off her gloves.

"Why, Lachi, did you do that in front of them? I'm so embarrassed."

Watching her, I can see she's anxious and not sure why. We've had the best time just chilling, hiking, eating, watching movies, and sitting on the deck watching the sun set or rise. So I just ask.

"What's up, Ruby? No reason to get upset. If you want them to go, I'll tell them now. Otherwise, try and explain what changed from breakfast to now."

She drops her head and lets out a sigh. Then she looks at me sheepishly.

"Well, everyone is coming here tomorrow and the first thing Squirt is going to ask me is how was it, us having sex. And since we haven't, I don't have anything to tell her. I feel inadequate."

Grabbing and pulling her close, I lift her face so she can see mine.

"Beauty, I'm all for having sex, I just don't want to push or pressure you. We can start slow, if you want. I mean, do we need to discuss prior history because honestly, Ruby, I'm not a virgin."

That has her start to giggle, which is what I wanted her to do. Take the pressure off her shoulders. My God, does this woman not look in the mirror. She's drop-dead gorgeous. And she doesn't spend a ton of time putting on all kinds of makeup and shit she doesn't need.

"Lachi, we go any slower, I'll maybe get some by the time I'm fifty."

With the smirk on her face, I realize she's teasing me. Okay, smart-mouth.

"Well, keep up the attitude and you might not get sex, but I'll paddle that tight ass of yours for sure."

Her eyes dilate and her cheeks turn a blush pink. Well, looks like my Beauty might get into some of the things I like. Might be time for a conversation.

Leaning down, I place a soft kiss on her lips then literally attack her mouth. I can feel her shock but within seconds she molds herself to me. The soft moan has my cock lengthening and hardening to the point of pain. My hands are running up and down Ruby's side and I'm ghosting her breasts. I can feel her heat as she tries to get even closer to me. Slowly I start to back off and when I pull my lips from hers, she follows me like she doesn't want me to stop. Excellent.

"How about we take a drive into town, Ruby? This is our last day alone, so let's make it memorable. Then we can either order food to be prepared, cook ourselves, or pick something up in town. Your choice."

Ruby agrees and we get our stuff together. I go to let the cleaners know we are stepping out. Then I proceed to tip each one, which they at first decline, but I tell them how much Ruby and I appreciate them. They are beyond grateful. I ask them for where to visit and they give me a bunch of good places in town.

On our drive to town, I start the conversation about getting intimate. In detail, I let Ruby know I've not been with anyone in that way for a while and have just had a recent exam, as I was applying for life insurance, and everything came back great. That's when she shares she also hasn't been with anyone in so long she can't remember when or who. Very quietly she explains she never knew what all the fuss was about sex. That's when I tell her whoever she was with wasn't a good lover. She almost chokes on her water when I tell her how Dad sat all of us boys down and explained that sex is only good if you have feelings for someone. And if you both decide to take it further, always make sure you take care of the girl first, no matter what. Dad told us that women can go multiple times, but for men we go once then have to wait. Her eyes are huge when she swallows then tells me with a straight face.

"Lachi, I'll never be able to meet your dad and talk to him. All I'll ever think about is the ‘talk' he had with you and your brothers. Oh my God."

Laughing, I tell her my parents are really cool and always did what was best for us boys. Then I told her Dad and Mom are going to love her. Ruby rolls her eyes so I give it to her straight.

"Beauty, they know about you. Mom was already looking for a BnB to maybe come out before the holidays to meet you. And no, I don't usually introduce women to my folks, so they know how serious it is. She asked if one of your sisters is the D.M. Earl, who's writing fictional books about women similar to your Devil's Handmaidens club."

Her face gets tight and her eyes narrow

"Lachi, we have no damn idea who that person is. Even Raven and Freak have tried to no avail."

"Ruby, want me to put Nova and his people on it? I bet they can find out."

She shifts her eyes back and forth then glances my way, a shy smile on her face.

"Lachi, that would be great, but can we keep it between us? I'm not sure if I know this person or not, but want to see who it is before Shadow puts them to ground. She's beyond pissed, saying the ‘Shadow' book doesn't do her justice and she hates the cover photo. Also said it makes her seem soft. I know, God forbid. So if Nova can get a handle on it, then that would be great."

I promise her I'll talk to him as we make our way into the quaint town square. It's like stepping back in time. So cute and clean as a whistle. I park the vehicle off a side street and then help Ruby out. Hand in hand we walk to the main street to see which way we want to explore first. When Ruby points to a store, I smile widely. Of course, a store filled with chocolates, fudge, and gifts. This could get very dangerous. Not trying to be an ass, but women love their chocolate.

"Lachi, I want to get a small box of fudge or chocolates for each of my club sisters. Also have to get Teddy and Olivia something too."

So here I am, assuming she was going to buy the store out for herself, and yet again she thinks about everyone else. I lean down, grab her cheeks, and place a soft kiss on her lips. The kiss goes from soft to hot and heavy in seconds. Realizing we're in the middle of town, I gently pull away my fingers, caressing her cheeks.

"What was that for, Lachi? Though not complaining."

"You never fail to surprise me, Ruby. It's so refreshing to be around someone who has no ulterior motive but wanting to spend time with me."

"Lachi, why wouldn't I want to be around you? I like you, even though you can get bossy sometimes."

Laughing, we first hit up the chocolate store then a souvenir shop, and we try to get unique items for everyone Ruby could think of. We walk in and out of the stores, taking our time, enjoying each other's company. One of the stores that offers personalization has Ruby looking for, I'm not sure what. When she drops her head, I move toward her to see a photo frame in her hands. She explains the pit bull looks almost like little Teddy's Pituynia or as they called the dog, Tuna.

"Lachi, do you think it would be too much if I got this for Teddy, Taz, and Enforcer? Taz told us the other day, though her guys are trying to move forward, it's hard and they are struggling. I have a picture I took of all of them with the dogs. This way they have a photo of their girl when she was not sick or showing symptoms. The lady said they can engrave Tuna on the bottom of the frame."

I glance down at the frame and know it's perfect. Teddy and his family will love it not only because of the frame itself, but because Ruby's one who would take time to find the best gift out there.

"Yeah, Beauty, I think it's an excellent idea. I know for sure it will help Teddy and Enforcer. Remember when we lost my granddad on my dad's side. Mom explained to us boys that talking about and showing pictures is the best way to keep a loved one's memory alive. So let's get that engraved. We'll print up the photo so it's all ready, and you can wrap it before we head back to the ranch."

The rest of our time in town we stop and have lunch at a small diner/bar. It is really good and both of us finish everything on our plates. Our final stop is a small grocery-type store to pick up a few things.

Our drive back to our rental is relaxing and the views are outstanding. At one point Ruby asks me to pull over so she can take a picture. We not only take several photos of the mountains but also our first selfie together. I tell her to send that to me, want to get it printed so I can put it on my desk back home.

My phone rings so I hit hands-free. I hear laughter when I say, "Hello."

"Hey, my man, how's things? Wanted to check in with you guys and give you a head count. It's going to be Hannah and me, along with Dani. The boys are coming too, just to stop for one night before they head back home. Dottie might come with, she's not sure yet, it all depends on if she and Shadow can get whatever they're working on done. How's your little getaway with Kitty?"

"Presley, before you put your huge stinky foot in your mouth, you're on speaker and Ruby is right here."

"Hey, beautiful Kitty, having a good time?"

As we talk, I once again have a feeling of contentment. This is something new as even though my life is good, this is way better than that. Even with all the pressure of the last week, being with Ruby changes everything in my way of thinking. What I told Ruby earlier is so true. Both Mom and Dad can't wait to come up here and meet Ruby. I shared with them that I'm looking for property up here. Neither said a word, just told me they are happy for me.

Before Presley hangs up, he asks if there is anything he needs to bring. That's when an idea starts to shape in my mind. I tell him about the farmer and family we met right off the highway. "If you wouldn't mind stopping and buying some of their items, I'll reimburse you. Tell everyone that applies to them too. Presley, brother, they are suffering and very proud. Do your best okay, dude?"

By the time we finish talking, we are pulling up in front of our cabin. We both jump out of the vehicle and start unloading it. Ruby starts to laugh and when I look at her, she's pointing at the—well, holy hell—six bags from the chocolate store. And they're huge bags.

"Guess you were right, I went nuts. Hope everyone likes chocolate as much as I do."

We unpack and put everything away. The place looks awesome and the cleaning people even placed some flowers around the cabin. Being it's our last night alone here, I tell Ruby to give me a minute. Going into the master bedroom, I walk to the bathroom and turn the tub water on. Then I look at the bottles on the shelf above and pour in some bubble bath. I make sure there's a robe ready, put the table next to the tub, and walk back out to Ruby.

"Beauty, do you want red or white wine? I'm running you a bath, want you to relax as tonight's our last night alone up here. I'm going to fix us a tray of finger foods to start. So go on, get yourself in the tub. You said white, right? I've got the table next to the tub, I'll bring your wine in."

She moves to me, lifting up on her toes, and placing a kiss on my lips. I let her play for a second or two then I take charge of the kiss. I need Ruby to understand I want her with every breath I take. But I can wait 'til she's ready for more. This is not a one and done, I want to spend my life with her.

Once she almost skips to the bedroom, I grab the wooden tray and cut up fruit and cheese, placing it on the plates that came with the tray. I throw some of the crackers still left and finally grab one of the bags of chocolate I bought. Inside are chocolate-covered strawberries and some toffee. Two of my favorites, and I hope Ruby likes them too.

It's time to let my woman know she's not only gorgeous and kindhearted but beyond desirable. Let's hope my plan works is my thought as I pick up the tray, which has two glasses on it, and I have the bottle of white wine under my arm. Can't wait to see how Ruby reacts.