23. ‘Kitty’

TWENTY-THREE

‘KITTY'

RUBY

Wow! That soak was fantastic and I'm shocked Lachi even thought about it. He's so frigging thoughtful. I don't want to get out but the water is starting to go cool.

Once out and after I rinse the tub, I powder and put my body lotion on. I go about drying my hair because if I don't it will be a bird's nest in the morning. Then I pull that soft robe on and slide my feet into my slippers. I leave the master bath in search of Lachi. When I find him, my mouth waters and I go warm in a few places too.

Lachi is stretched out on the sectional, laptop on his lap—though his eyes are closed—and his face is beyond relaxed. Only time it is, is if he's sleeping which, apparently, he is. Standing in the open plan kitchen by the island, I take all that is Malachi in. He's beyond gorgeous but it's his beautiful heart and kind ways that have me wanting to say those three words, though it's probably way too soon. Though I've felt this way before, that is why I was meeting him in Billings. That is until I lost my ever-lovin' mind and let my anxiety take over. No more though. We've talked over just about everything. I've never shared as much with anyone else in my entire life. And Lachi wanted to know the little things, like which is my favorite season, which of course is fall. He asked me if I preferred shower or bath, so that's why there is a huge tub in that bathroom and why he set it up tonight. He knew what I liked. God, it's actually humbling the way he takes everything in. I know he does because of all he does for me. I'm still stuck on how far he went with Doug and Chrissy. There is no way he's going to let them struggle if he can help it. Changing the world one person at a time.

"Beauty, might want to take a picture, it'll last longer. Why are you all the way over there? Get that fine ass next to me so we can cuddle."

Not sure why, but I start to giggle because of what he said. It cracks me up as I walk toward him. When close to him, he reaches out and pulls me onto his lap. As soon as I try to shift, I feel how hot and hard he is beneath me. As much as I want to tease him a little bit, I don't. Then he whispers in my ear, "See, Ruby, it's not that I don't burn for your taste on my lips or your body fused with mine. Never doubt my desire for you. There is no timeline on how we proceed. As long as we continue to be honest and talk, we'll be good, promise. Now, if you can keep your mind off of my cock, maybe we can watch a movie. I can even make some microwave popcorn because I know we have some."

Not even aware until I hear the noise, it hits me I snorted just now. Lachi is watching my face with a huge grin on his face. I raise my eyebrow without asking the question because I know he knows me.

"Ruby, to see that look on your face is priceless. You let your guard down enough that you reacted naturally. That tells me you are either comfortable with me or getting there. All I can ask for. So how about you pick a movie and I'll make the popcorn?"

"What do you want to watch, or better yet, what don't you want to watch? I'm sure chick flicks are off the table, right?"

This time he chuckles, leans down, and places a kiss on the tip of my nose.

"Beauty, you pick whatever you want to watch, I'm game. Meet back here in five minutes."

Once he gets up and walks toward the kitchen, I move to see what movies are available. When I see one of my favorites, I pull it and load the DVR up. Just in time, as Lachi returns, hands filled with a huge bowl of popcorn and two glasses of wine. Once we're set, I tell him to start the movie and when he jerks his head my way, I give him big eyes.

"Are you kidding me, Ruby? No way, this is in my top ten movies of all time."

"Really? You're not just saying that, are you? I've loved it since it first released. It actually helped me to get my power back. Who doesn't love GI Jane ?"

As the movie starts, I pull my legs up and off to the side. We share the bowl of popcorn and when it starts to heat up, I can't believe it but he didn't lie to me about liking the movie. And I know this because he's able to keep up with the conversation as he knows just about every line. When the fight scene comes on, Lachi leans forward and starts swearing at how the Master Chief is treating Demi Moore's character, Lieutenant Jordan O'Neil. By the time O'Neil and the Master Chief are fighting, I'm getting worried about Lachi. He's on his feet jumping around like he's in a boxing ring screaming at what O'Neil needs to do to kick that "jagoff's ass." Yeah, my kindhearted man goes crazy while watching a movie. I mean, he didn't get this excited while watching football.

He must realize what he's doing because he plops down next to me, hands in his hair. I reach over and pause the movie. Then I watch him and wait, and he doesn't make me hang too long.

"Damn, Beauty, sorry about that. There are scenes in that movie that drive me fucking insane. Especially since this portrays what could be happening to women in the armed forces. First time I saw it; I got so angry I cried. Didn't mean to go off the handle. Can you forgive me?"

"Lachi, nothing to forgive, and to be honest, it's nice to see you're human. For a while thought you could walk on water. I have my moments with some movies, so I totally get it. Ready to dive back in?"

He pulls me into his side and grabs the buttons. He gives me a nibble kiss then plays with the remote for maybe a minute or two and the movie starts back up. We are both chilling by the end of the movie. I grab the bowl and glasses to take into the kitchen as Lachi goes to remove the movie from the DVR.

"You feel like another movie, Beauty? If so, I pick this time."

I'm not really tired, and it's nice it being just us kicking back and enjoying each other's company.

"Sure, Lachi, I'm game if you are."

So while he picks, I make another bag of popcorn and refill the wine glasses, then make my way back to Lachi and the movie.

When it starts to play, I'm shocked. Thought Lachi would have picked a blow them up type of movie or action flick or even a science fiction. Not at all did I think he'd pick Dead Poet's Society. When I asked Lachi why, he told me the movie made him realize how we are responsible for our lives or decisions we make. Only we can change our own lives. Malachi said he decided right then and there he would be in charge of his life and destiny.

I haven't watched DPS for years, especially since Robin William's death. It hits me how much I've missed by avoiding this movie. Not sure why, but it seemed so enlightening to me. Many times in life it's not fair, but you can't forget to live to the best of your ability. By the end, I'm bawling being held in Lachi's arms. Feeling foolish, I go to pull away and he whispers for me to stay right where I'm at. This goes on for a while then slowly he releases his tight hold on me. After some time goes by, Lachi gives it to me.

"Never feel like you have to hide from me, Beauty. Never thought I'd say this, but I want every emotion from you. So tell me your good and bad. I'll try to do the same. Now, what I'm going to tell you not even sure if your prez or VP know yet. Got a text from Nova to call him when I had a minute. When I did finally reach out, he just wanted to tell me the rogue Thunder Cloud Knuckle Brotherhood that was messing with you and everyone in Cali are no longer a problem. He then explained they had a campsite about thirty or forty minutes from my folks' compound. He was told it was a horrible bloodbath.

I still can't believe those people are dead. I mean, yeah, it might hurt that particular chapter but in the realm of everything, the brotherhood will continue and even grow. That's life.

Finally, at bedtime, I'm heading to the guest room when Lachi reaches over to my hand, directing me to the master suite. Before I can say anything, he gives me a tender shove, telling me to get ready for bed.

I knew Lachi had a heart of gold, but he's taking it to the limit. Once I'm lying under the covers, he walks out of the bathroom and suddenly I can't breathe. I know he can tell by the cocky grin on his scruffy face. He slowly makes his way to the other side of the bed. He drops something on the nightstand and when I see what it is, I feel just a tinge of anxiety but it is very minimal. He pulls me to the front of his body so we are touching from forehead to our waists. I can feel everything and somewhere I can hear a voice telling me to just go for it . Then that other side tells me to be careful because the act is more than just sex . When Lachi starts kissing me, everything flies out of my head.

This is different, I can feel it. Lachi's hands aren't doing the ghost thing. They are caressing, touching, and squeezing every inch of my body. And he seems to be adoring it. I allow my hands to rub up and down his muscular back and then get daring and grab a handful of each ass cheek and squeeze. The groan comes from deep in his chest. I smirk because of the power that sound gives to me. So we spend I don't know how much time getting to really learn each other's body. When he pushes up my T-shirt and his mouth finds one then the other nipple, I mewl. Yeah, I've never done that before. When he finally pushes his hand under my sleep shorts, I hold my breath.

"Breathe, Beauty. Remember you have the power and no means stop. Now I'm going to use my fingers to make you feel good, okay?"

Damn. The thought of that sounds great but since I've never orgasmed with a partner, I don't have high hopes.

"Hey, Ruby, I can stop now. Go back to cuddling."

Damn, we swore no lies.

"Lachi, it's not you. I want that more than anything but, unfortunately, I've never—well—no one has ever been able to, well, I've been called an Ice Queen, so that should tell you something.

Watching his face is fascinating. First his eyes get huge then he looks me up and down on the bed, hair all over, top rolled above my breasts, and his hand halfway into my sleep shorts. Then out of nowhere he smiles hugely and then actually laughs loudly. He's starting to piss me off when he throws me off balance. "Ruby, my God, don't know how much more I can handle. Shit, I mean, look at you and even better is what's in your heart. Now you tell me know no one has ever given you an orgasm. What the fuck kind of assholes have you been with? No, don't answer that. I'd be totally honored, Beauty, if we can play a little. I want to watch you fall apart because of what I do to you. Let me know if that's okay."

My eyes never leave his. The honesty and power he's giving me is beyond overwhelming. I know this is like what Wildcat was talking about. A "Y" in the road. It's up to me to figure out which way to go. There is no right and wrong way, it's just what you're looking for. Lachi is watching me so when I give him a small smile, he grins back. Then very slowly I start to separate my legs, and that's the only sign Lachi needs. Let me just say, this man knows how to use his fingers, mouth, and tongue. By the time he's sends me to the promised land multiple times, only then does he hand over the reins. And what a feeling it is to watch him fall off the ledge. Unlike me, Lachi doesn't try to hide anything so when he finally lets go, the total emotions running across his face are breathtaking and humbling.

I'll do whatever it takes to not only treasure this connection but work with Lachi to keep it moving forward.