Arnold arrived earlier than expected, just a few minutes before 7 p.m., dressed sharply in a tailored gray suit and a crisp tie. His dark brown hair was carefully styled in loose curls, framing his face in a way that made Ruby's heart race the moment she opened the door. His appearance seemed almost surreal against the backdrop of her small apartment, an elegant contrast that caught her off guard.
Before she could greet him, Ariel ran past her, leaping straight into Arnold's arms. "Mummy, mummy, it's Mr. Arnold!" she squealed, wrapping her little arms tightly around his neck. Arnold's expression softened as he hugged her, holding her close. He felt a lump rise in his throat as he squeezed her in return, overcome by the simple, innocent affection. He only let her down when he caught sight of Ruby standing in the doorway.
She looked stunning. Her dress, a shimmering golden gown that hugged her curves, featured a daring slit that revealed her thigh, though she wore dark stockings underneath. Arnold's eyes lingered, and he found himself struggling to maintain composure. Something in the way the gown clung to her frame sparked an intense desire he hadn't anticipated.
"Where are you taking my mummy?" Ariel's voice pulled him back to the moment, her small hands tugging at his sleeve. Arnold smiled down at her, brushing a hand over her hair. "I'm taking your mummy to a beautiful place," he replied softly, winking at her.
Ruby watched the exchange, warmth filling her heart as she saw how tenderly Arnold interacted with her daughter. She couldn't deny it—she admired this about him, the way he always treated Ariel with such genuine care.
"Okay, mummy, have fun!" Ariel squealed, jumping up and down with excitement.
Ruby leaned down, planting a quick kiss on Ariel's cheek. "Yes, baby, thank you," she murmured, smiling.
Arnold glanced at the babysitter standing nearby, who was watching the scene with an amused, slightly starstruck look. "Please take care of Ariel for us," he said, offering her a polite nod.
The babysitter, cheeks flushed, stammered a quick, "Of course, sir." She looked almost dazed as she watched the couple head out.
Arnold gently extended his arm, sweeping it beneath Ruby's in a courteous gesture as they stepped out of the apartment and into the dimly lit hallway. Ruby felt a spark at his touch and pulled back for a moment but then, almost instinctively, allowed herself to sink into his grasp. They walked side by side down the corridor and toward the building's stairwell, their hands joined, sending a soft, thrilling warmth through her.
When they reached his car in the parking lot, Ruby was surprised to see a bouquet of red roses waiting for her on the passenger seat. Arnold leaned over, picking up the bouquet with a smile and holding it out to her.
"This is for you," he said, his eyes warm and intent.
Ruby took the roses, cheeks flushed, the softness of the petals contrasting with the roughness of her emotions. She felt her heart flutter, and though she tried to keep her cool, the warmth of his gaze melted her defenses. "Thank you," she whispered, clutching the bouquet to her chest.
Arnold slipped behind the wheel, and Ruby settled into the passenger seat, setting the roses on her lap as he started the engine. A soft melody filled the car as he turned on the stereo, and "Careless Whisper" by George Michael began to play. Ruby's eyes widened, the familiar tune tugging at memories she hadn't revisited in years.
She tried to suppress a smile, fighting the urge to sing along. But soon, she couldn't help herself. Her voice came out softly, tentatively at first, but then louder as she lost herself in the lyrics. She glanced over, noticing Arnold grinning as he joined in. His voice was a deep, rich baritone that resonated through the car, sending shivers down her spine.
She laughed, caught between amusement and embarrassment. "I didn't know you could sing," she teased, glancing at him from the corner of her eye.
"Only when the mood's right," he replied, a hint of humor in his voice as he kept his eyes on the road.
As his voice filled the car, deep and smooth, Ruby felt her pulse quicken. She noticed the way his hand rested casually on the steering wheel, his fingers tapping in time with the beat. The rich timbre of his voice, combined with the way his jaw flexed as he sang, sent vibrations between her legs.
When the song ended, silence settled over the car, but it was a comfortable silence, one that left them both smiling softly.
Arnold glanced at her, eyes lingering for a moment longer than necessary.
Ruby met his gaze, feeling the intensity in his eyes.
In a quick turn, Arnold twisted his the steering of the car, parking by the side of the road.
"Uhn.." Ruby was confused. What was going on?
As he changed the gear to park,
He released himself from the seat belt strapped across his chest, turned over to Ruby's side, cupping Ruby's face in his palms and planted his lips on hers. For a second Ruby was shocked and unresponsive by what had just happened. Without thinking, she parted her lips, letting Arnold dig deeper her mouth, his tongue on hers in a soft symphony.
Ruby wrapped her hand around Arnold's shoulders as she let lips sink deeper into his.