Chapter 275
Ruby shifted gears, asking, "So, when's the grand opening?"
"Next Tuesday!"
"Fantastic! I'll be there to lend a hand, and after that, I can dedicate half a day each week."
My heart leaped. This was Ruby, former dance darling of Sevan City, now the esteemed vice principal of the Sevan City Art Academy. Her consistent presence would be invaluable.
A flicker of concern crossed my mind. "Ruby, how's your leg?"
"Much better, thank you. As long as I avoid any strenuous movements, I'm good."
Lillian chimed in. "Auntie, we've got this! You can just keep an eye on things and give us pointers."
"You don't understand; it's much more effective if I demonstrate it!"
Her dedication was truly inspiring.
"Lillian, don't you worry. When Ruby is teaching, I'll be right there with her, making sure everything goes smoothly."
Lillian's nose wrinkled playfully. "If anything happens to my aunt, you'll answer to me."
"You got it!"
I chuckled, my gaze drawn to Ruby's legs. A wave of emotion washed over me, an inner voice urging me forward.
Clearing my throat, I ventured. "Ruby, we still have some time before dinner. Would you mind if I took a look at your leg now?"
Ruby's eyes flickered momentarily. Lillian jumped in. "Auntie, don't be shy. You're teaching at his studio now, it's only right."
I shot Lillian a grateful look.
"Exactly, Ruby. You're my top priority now, I won't let anything happen to you here!"
Even Frank joined in. "John, if it's alright with my aunt, maybe you could give me a massage too?"
"Who said I minded?" Ruby shot Frank a playful glance. "I'm just worried about troubling John!"
Stepping into the therapy room again, the atmosphere felt different. The shared experience of the yoga session seemed to have forged an unspoken connection between Ruby and me.
A secret thrill ran through me, tinged with a hint of guilt. She was Lillian's aunt, someone I held in high regard.
Lost in thought, I watched as Ruby changed into her therapy clothes. As she lay down, my gaze fell on her legs. The varicose veins appeared less prominent, their texture seemingly improved.
Soon, the quiet room was filled with the soft sound of Ruby's breathing. Familiarity bred a sense of ease, and my initial nervousness had long since dissipated.
My mindset had shifted too. My hands moved over her smooth skin, her breaths growing shorter and more frequent.
As her pants inched higher, her calves came into full view.
My hand ventured upwards, pausing just above the curve of her buttocks. Her body trembled slightly.
I couldn't bring myself to be bolder, my inner voice a storm of conflicting emotions. I respected Ruby, yet the intimacy of the situation was stirring something deeper within me.
Then, my hand slipped into the small of her back, and she arched reflexively, a soft, choked sound escaping her lips.
Panic jolted through me. What was I doing?
Fear gripped me – fear of her anger, of her pulling away, of the potential consequences. The image I'd carefully built in her eyes threatened to crumble.
But Ruby didn't move, didn't speak. She simply clutched the blanket, her breaths short and urgent, like whispered confessions.
I shifted slightly, and a soft moan escaped her lips. Instead of pulling back, I found myself pressing closer.
My throat tightened, my pulse quickened. I could hear the blood pounding in my ears. Even my hands were shaking.
It was exhilarating and terrifying, like the memory of my first love, my first time, the first rush of desire.
The baggy pants had ridden up, and as my hand grazed the edge of her underwear, a knock on the door shattered the spell. I retracted my hand, hastily straightening her clothes and returning to the safety of her feet just as Lillian walked in.
"All done? I brought you some Mexican Chicken Soup."
"Perfect timing, I'm famished!"
"Auntie, have some soup!" Lillian held out the bowl, oblivious to the charged atmosphere.
Ruby waved a hand dismissively and said, "John first, I'll have some later."
"Alright."
Lillian settled beside me, spooning soup into my mouth. While Ruby lay with her back to us, Lillian leaned in and stole a quick kiss, her eyes twinkling. "I'll leave you two to it!"
Once she left, I turned to Ruby. "You should eat something before it gets cold."
She tried to sit up, but faltered, her movements weak. I rushed to her side, helping her up. I knew why she was like this.
A year in marketing had honed my observation skills. Ruby was intelligent and experienced; she understood the unspoken language of touch.
She hadn't stopped me, even seemed to encourage it. But we were not lovers, not even family. Just friends, separated by a handful of years and a complex web of relationships.
I sat on the edge of the bed, offering her my support. "Here, let me help you."
"There's no need..." she murmured, her cheeks flushed.
Her shyness was endearing, and it sent my heart racing.
"It's alright, it's normal to feel a little weak after a session. It's just the lactic acid dissipating."
I carefully brought the spoon to her lips. She seemed to surrender, her gaze downcast as she took a small sip.
After a few bites, she stopped. I grabbed a napkin, gently wiping the corner of her mouth. She allowed it, her hands fidgeting in her lap.
"John," she began, her voice barely a whisper, "you're so kind and thoughtful. So many girls must be drawn to you."
I chose my words carefully.
"Ruby," I sighed, "someone with my background... it's not that simple. In today's world, love isn't enough. You need wealth, security."
"You make it sound as if love should come second to wealth."
"Don't you think it already does? Those without means are deemed unworthy of love."
"And what about you? Are you without means?"
"I suppose not anymore," I admitted. "But everything I have, I owe to the kindness of others, to people like you, Ruby. You've all played such an important role in my life."
Ruby chuckled softly. "Don't sell yourself short, John. You're a good man. Handsome, genuine, kind, and most importantly, a good person."
"Thank you, Ruby." I thought I was in the clear.
"John," she asked, her voice soft, "what kind of girl do you like?"
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