Chapter 276
Ruby's question caught me off guard. She must be thinking of setting me up.
This could be bad. If Lillian got wind of it...
"To be honest, I haven't really thought about it," I said, scratching my head.
"How can you not know what you like?" she chuckled, studying me. "Some people prefer gentle souls, others are drawn to more assertive personalities. Tell me your preferences, and I'll help you find someone suitable. With your qualities, I'm sure many girls would be interested."
Matchmaking – a universal hobby, it seemed, regardless of age or relationship status.
I bit my lip. "Actually, I do have a type."
"Oh?"
"I like girls with long hair, a nice figure – looks aren't that important, as long as we connect. Of course, if she could be as beautiful as you, Ruby, that would be a bonus!"
"You've described it quite well," she laughed. "But many girls fit that description. Be more specific, and I can narrow it down."
"She should be able to dance, preferably ballet. Personality-wise, someone stable and soft-spoken. And not too much younger than me – ideally, a bit older."
"Older?" Ruby echoed, surprised. "Don't most men prefer younger women?"
I felt a blush creep up my neck. "Older women just... understand me better."
A thoughtful silence fell over Ruby. "Let me see," she mused, a flicker of something unreadable in her eyes. "Around thirty, long hair, ballet dancer, stable and gentle..."
Suddenly, her eyes widened, a mixture of shock and something else flashing across her face. "John, you're not describing me, are you?"
It took her long enough, I thought to myself.
I nodded sheepishly. "I guess I am."
"But why?" she asked, flustered.
"I don't know," I admitted. "It's just... someone like you, Ruby, seems perfect for marriage."
I pressed on, my heart pounding. "You're kind, you have this calming presence, and being around you makes me happy."
A delicate blush colored Ruby's cheeks.
"John, I..." she began, her voice barely a whisper.
Sensing I'd pushed too far, I quickly backpedaled. "Of course, it's just a thought. If we can't find someone exactly like you, it's alright. As long as she's kind and understanding."
The tension seemed to dissipate, though a hint of disappointment lingered in Ruby's eyes.
"Alright," she said softly. "I'll keep an eye out."
"Thank you, Ruby."
I smiled, relieved. "Now, lie down. Let me give you that back massage."
Though the situation still felt charged, I kept my hands strictly professional. After all, there was a clear difference between a back massage and what had transpired earlier.
As she lay down, I noticed she'd unhooked her bra strap. I pushed the thought away, focusing on the task at hand.
Fifteen minutes later, I emerged from the therapy room, drenched in sweat but strangely exhilarated.
It felt wrong, this sense of satisfaction from giving a massage. But then I'd remember who I was massaging, and the feeling would return full force.
"Mr. Allen!"
Gary had returned home from work.
"John, good work today," he greeted me warmly. "Frank told me you did an excellent job with the wine-tasting event."
"It was all Frank's guidance, Mr. Allen. We make a good team!"
Gary nodded approvingly. "I'm glad you two are working together. Family should support each other."
"Gary!" Ruby emerged, looking radiant in a simple dress.
"How's your leg feeling? Any better?" Gary asked.
"Much better, thanks to John," she replied, her gaze lingering on me for a moment.
"See, I told you," Gary said, clapping me on the shoulder. "He's got some tricks up his sleeve, huh?"
"It was nothing, really," I mumbled, embarrassed.
"Come on, stop being modest!" Gary boomed. "You're having dinner with us tonight, and staying over. No excuses!"
"But wouldn't that be an imposition?"
"Don't be silly, John," Frank chimed in, slinging an arm around my shoulder. "We haven't had a proper drink together in ages."
Even Lillian shot me an encouraging look. Besides, it seemed Ruby was staying at the Allen residence tonight as well.
The temptation was too great.
Dinner was a lavish affair, a symphony of exotic flavors prepared by a renowned chef. The wine flowed freely, and I found myself getting swept up in the merriment.
By the time we were done, I was pleasantly buzzed. Frank, ever the gracious host, insisted on taking us for a drive. We ended up at a scenic overlook in East City, the glittering cityscape spread out before us like a jewel box.
One day, I thought, I'll have a place here.
Back at the Allen residence, I'd sobered up considerably. I played a game of pool with Frank, then Lillian gave me an impromptu golf lesson.
"It's a rich person's game," she explained. "Even if you don't enjoy it, it's good to know the basics."
By nine o'clock, I was ready to turn in. My guest room was luxurious, on par with any five-star hotel.
Stepping out onto the balcony, I was greeted by a large courtyard and the inviting glow of the pool. Someone was swimming laps – Ruby.
The image of her gliding through the water in a swimsuit sent a jolt of electricity through me.
Suddenly, I wanted to swim too.
Moments later, I was stripping off my shirt, my bare chest exposed to the cool night air. The grass felt cool and soft beneath my feet.
"Ruby, shouldn't you be resting?" I called out.
She paused mid-lap, her face illuminated by the pool lights. "Couldn't sleep."
Then, her expression shifted, her voice laced with panic. "John, my leg! Cramp!"
My heart lurched. I didn't hesitate. Diving into the water, I swam towards her, her panicked gasps spurring me on.
Reaching her side, I wrapped an arm around her waist, towing her towards the edge of the pool. She was clinging to her left calf, her face contorted in pain.
"Let go, Ruby," I urged, helping her onto a lounge chair. "Let me massage it."
"Okay," she breathed, her voice tight.
She lay back, biting her lip against the pain. I could hear her ragged breaths.
"Better?" I asked after a while.
"A little," she whispered.
I sat beside her, gently lifting her leg onto my lap. "You didn't warm up, did you?"
"No," she mumbled, her gaze downcast.
"Your leg was already injured, plus the varicose veins... it's a recipe for disaster. You're lucky I was here. It could have been dangerous."
She looked chastised, like a child caught doing something wrong.
Sighing, I grabbed a nearby towel and draped it over her, then scooped her up in my arms.
"What are you doing?" she asked, startled.
"Taking you back to your room," I said, my heart pounding against my ribs.
Inside her room, I gently laid her down on the bed. As I removed her headscarf, her hair cascaded down around her shoulders like a silken waterfall.
She was breathtaking.
"Ruby," I breathed, my voice thick with something I couldn't name. "You're beautiful."
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