Ruby Redfort: try not to scream

Chapter 12- I can't lie to you

Clancy stood up as they got out of the car. Luckily for them, they had changed clothes back at Spectrum. Ruby was now wearing a T-shirt that said zombies eat brains, so you're safe. Ruby and Clancy just stood staring at each other for a few moments. Hitch and Dan sensed the tension and left the two of them outside to talk.

"Clancy, I am so sorry for canceling on you earlier," said Ruby stepping closer to him.
"Don't worry about it Rube, I understand. Spectrum has you busy at the moment,"
"Wait what?" said Ruby. How did he possibly know?
"You are a terrible liar Ruby. I knew Dan wasn't an exchange student from the start. I know you can't tell me what is actually going on but please don't lie to me anymore," He was almost begging her. It caused him almost as much pain to hear her lie as it did for her to actually lie. The truth was that Ruby Redfort found it almost impossible to lie to Clancy Crew.
"I promise, no more lies," she put her hand out for him to shake. He smirked.
"A hand shake? Really?" he said, shaking his head.
"Well what else do you suggest?" she asked. He grinned and moved closer to her. In one fluid motion he wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her. Ruby was surprised by how smooth Clancy Crew was. Her lips smiled against his as he pulled her closer, deepening the kiss. Ruby placed one of her hands on the back of his neck and moved the other to his chest. Her heart rate became rapid and she could feel his quickening. It was almost as if they could stay there forever. They stood like this for a minute longer until they heard Dan cough.

"Sorry to... um... interrupt but Hitch was wondering if you two would mind picking up some dinner for us all. Clancy, you're invited to stay if you want,"
"Yeah, I'd love to. We will go now," said Clancy awkwardly. As Dan went back inside Ruby leaned over to Clancy until her nose was touching his.
"To be continued?" she whispered. Clancy smirked.
"Definitely,"

The two walked to the Italian Restaurant in central Twinford, laughing about the awkwardness of Dan walking outside at that moment. As they wandered through the fading light of the Spring evening, Clancy stretched out his fingers and took Ruby's hand in his.
"Since when did you become so smooth with girls?" she asked.
"Since the only girl who I've ever noticed expressed any interest in me,"
"You're adorable," said Ruby, smiling at the ground.

They picked up the takeout and walked back to Greenwood house. As they walked into the kitchen they found that table layed and four glasses of champagne poured.
"What's with the drinks?" asked Ruby, turning to Hitch.
"Well, one of your parents biggest dreams has come true so..." He smiled a knowing smile.
"Dream? What dream?" asked Clancy.
"Oh come on, they've been planning your wedding for years ,"
Ruby put her head in her hands and sighed. Jeez, thanks, Dan she thought. The butler laughed and unpacked the pasta onto the plates. Clancy called his parents afterwards telling them he was staying the night.

They all stayed up late playing cards and talking. Dan was first to retreat to his bed and a few hours later Hitch left too.
"Alright, I'm going to bed. Goodnight," Hitch wandered downstairs and left Clancy and Ruby alone in the kitchen. Ruby jumped up onto the kitchen counter as Clancy got a drink of water. He put his glass down and stood underneath her.
"We're alone," he said, smiling.
"You're right. We are," She looked down at him. Being quite short, even on the counter, Ruby wasn't much taller than Clancy. He pushed the hair from her face and slowly moved his hand down from her neck to her hips, moving closer to her as he did. Ruby breathed in deeply, slightly nervous about what he would do. His face was barely three centimetres away from hers and he was standing in between the gap of her legs. As he moved in, Ruby tilted her head so that his kiss landed on her neck. He pulled backwards, puzzled.
"What's wrong, Ruby?" he asked. She shook her head.
"Nothing. I just think we need to take this slow," He smiled sweetly.
"Ruby," he whispered soothingly. "I would never do anything you weren't comfortable with. You know that, don't you?"
"Yeah. I know, I just didn't want to offend you," she said looking into his eyes.
"Ruby, you could never offend me by wanting to slow down," He kissed her softly and then helped her down off the counter.
"Let's go to bed," he said, taking her hand.

They walked up to Ruby's room and fell asleep in each other's arms. In a way, Ruby felt quite guilty through the night. She thought back to the previous night where it had been Dan in her bed rather than Clancy. Although nothing had happened between the two of them, Ruby knew that if Clancy found out, he would be quite hurt. She decided to clear her mind of thoughts of Dan and that she would focus on whatever was going on between her and Clancy. She had no idea what might have happened on that counter if she hadn't stopped him. All she knew was that they needed to keep it on the down low. They still weren't official and if anything went wrong she wouldn't want it to interfere with anything else in their lives.

Meanwhile, Dan lay awake in his bed. He had woken up to get a glass of water and had walked in on Ruby with her legs wrapped around Clancy's waist, with him kissing her neck. It shouldn't have bothered him. After all, Ruby and him were colleagues now. Nothing could happen between them without him breaching his contract with his employers in some way. Yet for some reason, seeing her with Clancy made him so incredibly upset that he never wanted to see that boys face again. This could be a problem.

Thanks for reading xxx