Book 4 - Page 99 (1/2)

I closed my eyes, laughing. “Touché.”

“If I may drop the professionalism entirely for a moment?”

“Of course,” I said, feeling oddly hungry for her wisdom in a way I hadn’t expected. “Please.”

“You have known me as an instructor, and then quasi-mentor, and now as a trusted colleague. But I am a woman first, Niall. I was married at twenty, for five years, and then divorced. I married again when I was in my late thirties. With the distance of age and wisdom, I am able to tell you as gently as possible that your reason for this visit is wildly presumptuous. Ruby doesn’t need you speaking on her behalf. In addition to all of these accolades I’ve already mentioned, she’s also come to see me.” Maggie’s eyes smiled. “Quite amazing, that one.”

I felt my brows rise to my hairline. “Truly.”

“Ruby doesn’t need a knight in s.h.i.+ning armor. She needs a partner, I suspect. She needs to know that she is seen. And loved. And, occasionally, the inner mechanics of how she is loved. She is an engineer. Show her how you are put together. Show her the bolts, and wires, and map of your thoughts when you can.”

I didn’t bother going home or to the office after my conversation with Maggie. The hour-long train ride was a form of torture. I wished for the gift of flight or the ability to teleport. What Maggie had said was true and so obvious: I had to tell Ruby how I felt.

I climbed the slate steps to her flat, hesitating outside the door for a hundred pounding heartbeats, before holding my breath, and knocking.

She opened the door, wearing a smart skirt and fitted sweater with a neckline that showed the top swell of her b.r.e.a.s.t.s. I can’t imagine what my expression was when I took her in fully, but when I searched her eyes, I saw a tenderness there that surprised—and thrilled—me.

“Ruby.”

“You okay?” she asked, eyes searching.

I tried to draw a breath deep enough to feel calm, but couldn’t. “No.”

“You look terrible.”

I nodded, letting out a short, wry laugh. “I’m sure you’re right.”

She looked over my shoulder, face tight with anguish. “Why are you here?”

“Because I needed to see you.”