Alterworld Book 1-Ruby's Choice

Royal Passion

I unlock the deadbolt and open it slightly.
"Good evening, Miss Ruby.  I hope you enjoyed my gifts."  Joey said.
"Yes.  Jacques is marvelous.  And, I love the perfumes.  Thank you.  I appreciate it."  I said.
"I am happy to see your beautiful smile."  He said.
"Joey, I need a few minutes to freshen up before dinner.   Will that be all right, or is there some place you need to be?"  I asked.
"No, Miss Ruby.  I am free for the evening.  Please take all the time you need.  I just wanted to give you this."  He said.
"Another gift.  You've done so much already.  Joey, I can't in good conscious, accept this."  I said.
"Please.  I want to see you in it.  You will find it is appropriate."  He said.
He hands me a large, square box with a wide, purple ribbon and bow.
"I will see you shortly, Miss Ruby."  He said and closed the door.
I remove the ribbon and box top.  Then, I pull back the tissue paper.  A formal-length, silk gown in passion purple is delicately folded inside.  There are no slits or anything revealing.  This thing is more appropriate than most of the clothes I wear.  I carefully remove the dress from its cradle and lay it on the bed.  I take off the robe and slip into the gown.  There is an oval-shaped mirror standing in the corner.  I stare at the image reflected back at me.  I am not the plump, uneven woman I remember.  I sweep my dark brown tresses into a bun, and continue scrutinizing the unfamiliar - yet familiar - figure.  I am amazed at how tall and voluptuous I look.  The silk rests lightly against my skin like a thin blanket.  I like the feel of the material as it brushes my legs when I move.  I pick my purse up off the bed and pull out some powder and lipstick.  I freshen my face and inspect my reflection again.  For the first time, I feel sexy.
There is a knock at the entrance.  Right on time, Mr. Fritz.
I check the peephole.  He is holding a dozen carnations with a red rose standing out in the center.  I open the door.
He stands quiet and still, but his eyes roam every inch of my bodice.
"Miss Ruby, you are a work of art in that gown."  He grins.
"Thank you, Joey."  I blush.
"These are for you."  He said handing me the flowers.
"They are gorgeous.  Thank you."  I said.
"No, Miss Ruby, you are gorgeous."  He said adjusting his bow tie.
"Please.  Come in."  I said.
He enters the room dressed in a tuxedo.  His hands are clasped and he fidgets with his fingers.  He sits down on the bed.  I see him trembling.
"Are you okay, Joey?"  I asked.
His voice cracks slightly as he replies, "Yes."
"Let me get you some water."  I said.
"Thank you."  He said almost inaudible.
I hand him a bottle of water from the dorm-size refrigerator.
"Thank you, Miss Ruby."  He said, clearing his throat.
"Are you sure you're all right?"  I asked.
"Yes, Miss Ruby, I am fine.  Now, please, come sit."  He said patting the duvet cover.
I sit beside him.  His designer cologne is mesmerizing.  The aroma is a blend of sage, citrus and coconut that makes me think of a sunny day at the beach.  His suitcoat clings to his biceps making them the center of attention.  He turns and faces me taking both of my hands.
"Miss Ruby, I cannot get you out of my head.  Your smile makes me happy, your voice sings Lisa Stansfield songs in my mind and your lips are burned into my hippocampus."  He said.

"Joey, I..."
"Let me finish, please, Miss Ruby."  He begged.

"I don't know what is happening, but you are the first to touch me in this way.  No woman has ever wanted to know me.  Yet, within the first five minutes, I could see and feel your interest.  I want to know you just as much.  But, I am afraid you will not stay."  He confessed.
"Why would you think that?  This is only our first day meeting and our first date."  I asked. 
I will answer your query and more once we are in the limo.  Rhiana is waiting downstairs.  We must go."  He said.

We get on the elevator and make our way to one of the many exit doors behind the hotel.  He grabs my hand when he sees the limo and we make a mad dash out the nearest exit door.

Rhiana/Rayna opens our door and says nothing as she slams the door shut behind us.

"Miss, Ruby, I have a confession."  He said.