Chapter 313

By the end of the month, Daniel Richards was back at work, all healed up. He started bugging Ruby Henderson for a one-on-one date—just the two of them. She already had her answer. She wanted to be with him. Adults didn’t need to pretend otherwise. A weekend without overtime? Perfect timing. Friday rolled around, and Daniel called her. It was a lover’s invitation. With the phone to her ear, Ruby held a room card in her other hand—the one he’d given her last time. His voice was warm and gentle through the phone. She replied softly, “Okay,” then silence stretched on both sides. The kind of silence that hums with emotion. A little heavy, a little intense, ready to burst. Daniel held back his excitement, voice low: “I’ll head over first and get things ready. Then I’ll come pick you up.” “Don’t,” Ruby replied gently, “I’ll go on my own.” … Tonight, it was their official first date. She freshened up a bit, ditching her office wear for a chic silk blouse and a floral wrap skirt. Her figure, sh