A/N: And as promised, a chapter filled with romance and a bit of a steamy situation between Ruby and Graham, for those of you enjoying their relationship lol Happy reading!
"Thank you for dinner, that was very sweet of you." Ruby smiled, she smiled a lot tonight that her cheeks were becoming pretty sore. Even through dinner, which they enjoyed hours ago, she couldn't remember when was the last time she smiled so brightly with someone. She liked it. A lot.
"You are most welcome. Thank you for accepting my invitation." Said Graham, casually strolling alongside the brunette, "I had a great time."
"Me too." Ruby stopped walking to face him directly, her eyes meeting his, "I honestly can't remember when I've had such a great time."
Graham's brow raised, "Really? Even with Killian? I would have figured, he would sweep you off your feet."
Ruby rolled her eyes, a smirk stretching on her lips, "Killian may be a lot of things. Good looking too, sure, but… he isn't a romantic. He's…" She paused, hesitating to get her next words out, "He's not you."
Graham cocked his head, his eyes giving off a definite glow that Ruby found unique and enticing. Whether it was the light of the full moon, or the glow of the stars that gave them that effect- she wasn't sure. But may lightning strike her if the man wasn't the most beautiful to walk the earth.
"Come." He held out his hand, "I want to show you something."
"What is it?" Ruby's brow raised in question.
Graham glared, leaving his arm extended out to her, waiting patiently for her to take his offered hand, which she did. Eventually, her arm slipped around his, her eyes drinking in every detail of the man's features.
It wasn't until Ruby noticed Graham's hand going into his pants pocket, and bringing out an old fashioned looking key, both stopped in front of a wooden door from the outside of the house that she had to speak up.
"Okay, Christian Grey. What's behind that door?" She asked.
Graham smirked a tiny bit, his eyes glimmering. He didn't say anything to her, he simply turned his attention to the lock on the wooden door, turning the key until a loud click was heard. He slowly pushed it open, motioning with a nod of the head, for Ruby to step on inside.
She did, hesitating at first, but she slowly went in, not at all sure of what she would find. Her blue eyes grew, her lips parted as right before her was a garden. An endless garden with every type of flower that possibly excited out in the world. It was an entire field with a single tree and a concrete bench off to the side. Hanging by the biggest branch of the other side of that tree, was a swing.
She wasn't sure, but Ruby could have sworn a gasp escaped her from the shock of how beautiful this place was. Why would anyone keep it locked up? She wondered.
"Go on." Graham nodded, following her inside once the brunette moved along the field of flowers, careful to step on only the brick road that was beneath her feet.
Ruby looked around her, the tips of her fingertips very lightly caressing each passing flower, a smile forming on her lips.
"What is this place?" She asked Graham, staring back at him.
"A garden." He breathed out, "It was a gift from the king to her highness, but, over the years…" His voice trailed off, eyes looking around the well kept garden, "She lost interest in it."
"That's a shame." Ruby replied, to which Graham nodded.
"Yes. I thought so too. That's why I take it upon myself to tend to it from time to time."
Her brow raised, "By yourself?" She smirked, "Shirtless?"
He chuckled, motioning towards the swing and moving towards Ruby, "Come. Sit."
Ruby did as she was told, sitting right on the swing, each hand grasping onto both pieces of ropes that hung beside her. She gasped, but smiled, surprised at feeling a light push from Graham, feeling her feet dangle in the air.
Graham pushed her a couple of times, until he reached for one of the ropes to get it to stop, feeling the brunette's back press against his chest.
"I haven't been on a swing in years." Ruby smiled, "You and Emma are a bunch of romantics, aren't you?"
He shrugged, "I've been known to have my moments." He muttered, his eyes locking onto Ruby's.
"Are those…" Her voice trailed off, just as her head began to slightly tilt, "The only moments you're known to have, Mr. Grey?"
Graham's head tilted, his lips lightly touching Ruby's, meeting in a kiss that Ruby would lie if she didn't say it made her head spin and her heart jump out of her chest, at the exact same time. She felt skin from Graham's own hands brush against hers as he grabbed onto the rope, holding her in place. While one of Ruby's hands cradled its way up behind his neck. His scruffiness prickling her skin along the way. All they needed was to be on a ship and they would be like Rose and Jack from Titanic.
And if his kiss wasn't enough to make her head spin with intoxication, the very scent of his cologne sure was. Her cheeks became so flushed, they burned. Her breath hitched as soon as Graham pulled away, just as or more breathless than she was at the moment.
"Maybe we should…" She could feel his breath ghost over her lips as he spoke, "Call it a night."
Ruby's eyes remained locked on his. They were darker, he wanted her, as much as she wanted him.
She swallowed the lump in her throat, "I'd agree to that… but, you just kissed me like no one ever has and I'm not sure I can just sleep after that."
His lip quirked up into a smirk, the back of his fingers gently caressing away at the skin on her cheek, "I'm honored that it is me who can make you feel such things. But, you must sleep. Tomorrow will be a busy day."
She groaned, sliding off the swing. She turned to face him, a smirk to her, walking backwards out of the garden as she did so, "I'd like to challenge you."
His brow arched up, "Challenge me?"
Ruby nodded, "I noticed a pool table somewhere in this mansion the other day. Let's play a match." She walked closer to him, "If I win… I get to have you all to myself tonight." She smirked, "And if you win… I'll do as you say."
"You're impossible." He chuckled, murmuring under his breath. His eyes locked with hers once again, his chest puffed up as he drew in a sharp breath, "Alright," He held out his hand, "Challenge accepted."
She smirked, shaking the man's hand before her.
"Where are we going now, Emma?" Asked Regina, sitting comfortably in the passenger seat of a car, which the blonde drove.
Emma smirked, "You'll see."
With Henry safe and sound, sleeping and tucked away in his bed, both women were able to get away for the night. With the ball only days away, tomorrow would in fact be a busy day for everyone. Emma wanted this date, (like all their dates) to be absolutely memorable and special.
It didn't take them too long to arrive.
Regina's brow furrowed, watching her fiancee make her way out of the car, heading toward her side and opening the door for her. "Where are we?" A crease formed on her brow, taking in the scent of the sea, along with the sight of rows and rows of boats. Correction. Yachts.
"This is known as a dock." Emma teased, earning a light slap on the arm.
"I know that." Regina rolled her eyes, smirking, "What I meant was, why are we here?"
"Emma!" A man, around Emma's age waved their way, happily making his way towards them.
"He calls you Emma?" Asked Regina, her voice low, brow arched. Her question not coming from jealousy but rather curiosity, given that everyone around her referred to her with titles and not so much her name.
"He's an old friend." The princess whispered back.
Regina nodded, watching both old friends exchange a hand shake and friendly matching smiles.
"It's so good to see you! It's been a while." The wrinkles on his cheeks grew as well as his smile.
"That it has." Green eyes looked over to Regina, a hand resting delicately on her back, "August, this is my fiancee, Regina. Regina, this is August."
Regina smiled, "Hi."
"It's a real pleasure." He greeted right back, shaking her extended hand, his eyes moving towards Emma, "You sure know how to pick 'em, don't you?"
The princess' cheeks grew a shade of pink, "Alright."
"It's a pleasure." August smiled again, "And here I thought Emma would never settle down."
"That's because I was waiting for this beautiful woman to enter my life." She smiled Regina's way, her arm pulling her close to her body, "I wanted to get it right the first time."
"Easy, your highness." Regina rolled her eyes, while laughter escaped both August and Emma. "Are you going to tell me what we're doing here?" She asked, growing a little impatient.
"Is it ready?" Asked Emma, her eyes trained on August.
He nodded, "Of course. As you asked. This way."
Regina's brow furrowed, questioningly, allowing Emma to guide her, "What are you up to now, Swan?"
"You'll have to come and see." Emma whispered into her ear, placing a kiss right on her temple.
August grinned, pretty proud of himself, his hand gently tapping on the yacht. It was big, white, with a beautiful bow. There were bigger ones around it, but this one in Regina's mind was a perfect size.
"It has a master bedroom, two bathrooms, a mini bar, wooden floorboards, just as you asked. My father is very proud of it." He grinned again.
"Do you like it?" Emma turned to a gawking Regina.
"I…" Her voice caught in her throat, her eyes glowing, "I've never seen a more beautiful boat. Did you buy this?" She asked her.
Emma nodded, "I had it made, actually." She paused, "For you."
Brown eyes widened, Regina's head turning towards the blonde, "What?"
She smiled, walking Regina along the side dock, where her name was written in beautiful cursive black lettering.
Plump lips parted in an even bigger state of shock, "It has my name." She stated.
The corners of Emma's lips twisted up into a tiny smile, her eyes finding brown ones.
"Why?"
"Why not?" Asked Emma, her smile growing, "Would you like to go inside?"
How could she say no?
With a smile of her own, Regina could do nothing but nod. Of course she wanted to go inside! She had never seen the inside of a yacht before- except in films- let alone own one. Holy cow, she actually owned this thing!
The inside was even more beautiful. White wooden floors, the inside in its entirety was a light brown, wooden color, including the mini bar area. Both bathrooms to their left and right sides were big enough for one person. The sitting area had actual leather love seats, black, as it was Regina's favorite color. And the bedroom, queen size bed, white sheets and a navy blue cover.
Regina was in awe as she turned to watch Emma, "I can't believe you made me a boat!" A chuckle escaped her. "Why would you do that?"
"Engagement gift." Emma's body rested casually against a wall.
The brunette's lips parted, "You like to go all out, don't you?"
Emma chuckled.
"Emma, this is wonderful, but…" Her eyes drank in the inside once again, "This is more than I-" Her words were cut short as Emma pushed herself away from the wall and toward Regina, pressing her index finger gently against her lips. Her gaze locking into her eyes.
"This is an argument I simply will not allow you to win." Her voice was soft, her thumb brushed against her lips with so much affection, it gave her goosebumps, "Because I happen to think you deserve it all. And you do."
"Hell of a date, Ms. Swan." Regina murmured.
A smile spread across Emma's lips, "Would you like to sail it out?"
Regina's brow arched, "Now?"
"August!" Emma called out to him, peeking out the entrance, "We're sailing out."
"Aye, Aye Captain!" Regina heard the man's voice from outside, seeing him make his way into the control room, or as also known as the starboard seat. She could see him press one button after another, it all confused her, but Emma seemed to trust him enough, and that made her be at ease.
Regina's eyes landed on a served drink that Emma was handing to her, taking it from her and helping herself to a sip. The liquor burned her throat on the way down in a most relaxing way.
"Come." Her hand slipped perfectly into Regina's, guiding her towards the dock of the boat, the cool breeze of the sea air brushing against them in an instant. "Don't worry, we're not going far."
"You know," Regina turned to face the blonde, "I'll have to get you an engagement gift."
Emma smiled sweetly, "My gift is that you said yes."
"Cute, but I'm still getting you a gift. It may not be as expensive as this boat, but it will have meaning. No arguments." Regina warned her, holding up a single digit.
"As you wish." Emma took a sip from her drink, her eyes drinking in the sight of the woman that accepted to become her wife. "We'll have to bring Henry up here, I'm sure he'll love it."
She chuckled, "Henry loves the ground you walk on."
"Is that so?" A brow arched up.
Regina smiled, "Earlier tonight, he asked me if it was okay for him to start calling you mom, once we are married."
The blonde's lips parted, "What did you tell him?"
"That he had to talk to you about it. But, I don't mind if he does. You've been there for him more than his own father." Regina smiled, "You've earned it."
Her eyes stung with unshed tears as they gathered, making them appear glossy before the brunette.
Regina couldn't help but brush away a fallen tear with the bridge of her thumb, "I would love nothing more than for him to see you as another parent, which you are. He adores you, Emma. And I love you even more for accepting him."
Pale hands cupped the brunette's, thin lips placed a gentle kiss right on their knuckles, "I think you just gave me the perfect engagement gift."
"Nice try, your highness, but I'm still buying you something." Regina chuckled, seeing a smile flash before her.
Their heads turned to August, totally forgetting he was the one steering the boat, being wrapped up in their moment and all. Take My Breath Away began playing out on the dock and the inside. He would never admit it, but he was always a softie and a hopeless romantic, it was a wonder how he was still single.
Regina shook her head, her smile matching Emma's, "Did you plan this?"
"I swear, it's all him." Replied Emma, "He's a sucker for a good romance. And his favorite movie happens to be Top Gun."
"How convenient." Regina grinned, wrapping her arms around the blonde's form, "Well, he has the right idea. I would love nothing more than to finish these drinks and get lost in you."
The blonde's brow arched, "So, my plan did work, then?" She smirked, earning another playful slap on her arm. "Lead the way."
"Why, your majesty, at sea?" Asked Regina, quite surprised. "Won't he…?"
"Don't worry about him. This song will be on repeat all night, I assure you." Replied Emma, following Regina back inside.
A game and a few drinks later, Ruby scored another striped ball into a pocket, a grin playing on her lips, chugging down the rest of her drink, "You're up."
Graham had loosened his tie by now, only the first three top buttons undone. He gracefully moved around the table, bending over it, giving Ruby a good enough view of his behind from where she stood. She couldn't help but lean up against him, her body resting on his back, arm casually prepped up.
"You know, Grahammy bear, if you miss… that means I win." She grinned.
That was true. Ruby only had one striped ball left, leaving the 8 ball alone, which from how she saw it, she could easily make both of them in. While Graham, he still had about four singles left.
"I think I can manage, thank you." Was all Graham said, feeling Ruby remove herself from his back. He cocked his head, angling his pool stick upward just a tiny bit. Pulling back on it, he took his shot, so hard that all the balls, including number 8 went all in toward different directions.
It wasn't enough to say that Ruby's eyes grew as wide as he had ever seen them. A proud smirk to him as he stood up right.
"What…. The hell?" Ruby's lips parted, her eyes glued to the table, "How did you do that? You were practically losing!"
"I've been playing this game with Emma and her father since I was ten." He stated proudly.
"Ugh," The brunette groaned with a roll of her eyes, "Remind me to kill her tomorrow."
Graham smirked.
"Alright, I'm a woman who knows when she's been defeated." She extended her hand, "Good game, Mr. Grey."
Graham shook her hand firmly, "Good game. Ruby."
Their eyes locked for a tiny second before both their bodies clashed together, a loud clunk of one of the sticks dropping on the floor just beside their feet. Their lips clashed together in a kiss that was hard and fierce all at once. Their hands roamed around each other's bodies uncontrollably.
It was the drinks. They had had plenty, and shared many personal information over that game with each other, like neither of them had before. And, who were they kidding? They both wanted each other. Since day one, Ruby wanted him, making it even more intensifying for her after he proved he was hard to get.
As for Graham… he knew it was wrong to give in so quickly. Especially when he wanted to be a perfect gentleman, something Ruby deserved. But his head was swimming, swimming in too deep that there was no way he could stop now.
A groan escaped from Ruby's throat, taking in the feel of the man's hands as they cupped her butt cheeks, lifting her up off the ground and onto the pool table with such force, it sent a chill down her spine. Her fingers finding refuge, pulling at his hair. She couldn't help but to wrap her legs around his waist, taking in the feel of him pressing up against her.
Shit! Then it hit her. She had to stop. And she did, leaving Graham as breathless as she was, his face flushed, panting breath, and a confused look on his face.
"I'm sorry." He whispered, his gaze dropping from hers, "I don't know what came over me, you…" He sighed sharply, "You're just too much for me."
Ruby smirked, her hands not leaving his hair, keeping him right where he was, "We're two consenting adults. I think we'll be just fine." She paused, "However… as hot as it would be, I don't think this would be the place to do it. You know, someone could walk in."
"Right." He breathed, parting from Ruby to allow her to slip off the table, "You're right." He cleared his throat, wanting to gain his composure, "I apologize, I'm not normally like this. You deserve to be respected in every sense of the word-"
Ruby chuckled, her cheeks flushed, "Grahammy bear, you have been a perfect gentleman. You don't have to worry about that." She sighed, "I can't say I'm not a little disappointed, but I understand. We don't have to do this."
"We don't?" He asked her, his tone a little disappointed too.
She shook her head, "No." A chuckle escaped her, "As easy as I look, I can restrain myself."
Graham's cheeks flushed again, "That's… that's not what I meant."
Ruby smiled, "I'm kidding, relax. Walk me to my room?" She gave him a pleading look, one he couldn't possibly say no too as he happily nodded, grabbing her jacket from the floor before escorting her up to her bedroom.
Ruby took her jacket from his grasp, standing in front of her bedroom door, "Thank you again. I had a great time."
"It was a pleasure." His eyes locked onto hers, his hands tucked inside his pockets as he leaned in, placing a kiss on her cheek.
A kiss that even on the cheek, gave her butterflies, and a light tickle against her skin due to his beard, which she found adorable.
"Good night."
"Good night. Graham." Ruby pushed her door open, stepping inside and closing the door in front of him. Her back hit against the door, her eyes closed. God, she was a mess. What was this man doing to her? This couldn't be love… No way… Could it?
She was never one to care if someone wanted to have sex with her or not. She slept with who she wanted, when she wanted. That was who she was. But, these past two nights with Graham had turned her into a different person. Because she cared. She cared that he wanted to respect her, and wanted to wait, but she also ached for being turned down, yet she didn't want to push him too much, too fast.
Ugh, this was so confusing. She hated feeling like this.
Maybe she did love him, maybe this was how it was supposed to feel. She made a mental note to ask Regina later.
A light knock just outside her door made her jump, taking her out of her thoughts. Her body turned to answer the door, her eyes drinking in the sight of Graham in the same position he had been in before she closed the door on him. Had he been standing there this whole time?
Her thoughts and questions answered once Graham welcomed himself inside, shutting the door behind them for the remainder of the night.
