Ruby Red Desire

I sat down at the crowded bar, scanning the room for Alex, but the people around me were unfamiliar. People I would never know, drowning their sorrows in alcohol. We had planned to meet here at 7 for our date, and it was already 7:15. I hadn’t seen him in months and was growing impatient. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the bartender saunter over. “Hey, there pretty lady! Welcome to Red’s. What can I do for you today?” I saw the primal lust in his eyes as he appraised my appearance, but I didn’t care.

“She’ll have a glass of Merlot and I’d like a scotch on the rocks.”

My face reddened and became hot. I was acutely aware of a presence looming behind me. His warmth seemed to radiate around me, warming my bones and filling my body with fire. “Yes, your house Merlot please,” I breathed, trying to sound as calm as possible. The bartender pursed his lips and sulked away towards the wine cabinet. There was a hand on the small of my back and soft lips brushed my cheek. I felt my lover's hands slowly caress the silky red dress I’d so carefully picked out for the occasion. Goosebumps covered my arms and legs, causing Alex to quietly chuckle. His hot breath lingered on my neck where his eager kisses had been moments before.

“Scarlet, you look absolutely bewitching,” he whispered. I turned around and looked up, meeting his soft emerald eyes, attempting to conceal how flustered he made me, though I knew it was useless. Alex’s gaze made its way down my body as his hands stroked my cheek. I could feel his passion, burning red-hot and flowing through his veins.

My pulse quickened and his hand grabbed mine. He squeezed three times, our signal to show our love. “Always do,” I laughed, causing Alex to smirk and roll his eyes. The bartender was back and cleared his throat, interrupting our quiet tête-à-tête. He coldly stated the price, setting the drinks on the counter.

“Put it on my tab,” Alex called out, already making his way to a dark corner of the bar. I quickly slipped the bartender a twenty and scurried over. Sinking in the booth beside him, I noticed a small present sitting delicately on the table in front of us. Alex grinned, realizing I had seen it and handed it to me. He knew me too well.

My hands were already tearing at the shiny gold paper. “What is it?”

“Open it and see”

There was no mistaking that it was a jewelry box. I glanced up at him before opening it as if asking permission. He laughed and kissed my forehead. I could smell the scotch on his breath.

I opened the box and gasped. “Oh my god! It’s beautiful.”. Sparkling in the low light of the bar, was the most breathtaking necklace I’d ever seen. The chain was gold and from it hung an elegant fire red ruby. I held it up, admiring the way it shimmered and danced in the light. “I love it, ” I sighed and started to unclasp the one I had on, which seemed like cheap costume jewelry now. Alex reached over and gingerly lifted the necklace to my neck, his face merely inches away from mine. I couldn’t resist and tilted my face towards him, lips meeting his. I had pulled away and was gazing up at him, taking in the incredible beauty of the man I loved. Alex’s lips curled into a smirk and he placed his rough hands on my cheek.

“I missed you Scarlet.” he said with a sigh, “These last few months were hard. I missed your body filling the space next to mine while I slept.”

“I know. Hopefully, I won’t have to leave for so long again. It should be easier since we got the mess in LA sorted out.” I took a sip of my Merlot, the rich ruby wine cascading down my throat, and snuggled into him.

“Good. I think I’d lose whatever sanity I have if I had to go without you another minute.”

I laughed, remembering how he’d said something similar on our wedding night. Seeing I wasn’t taking him seriously, he rolled his eyes and gave me a playful smile. “I’m so glad you’re back.” he grinned, leaning down to kiss me. I felt the fire rising again in my belly, snaking its way through my body and to my lips. His hands caressed every inch of my body, leaving traces of his passion in their place. The bar’s music seemed to have faded away and all I could hear was my heart beating in rhythm with his.

“I love you” I murmured, the words lost between his lips. He pulled away, leaving me breathless and hungry for more. His eyes filled with desire as he looked at me.

“Come on, let's go home.” He grabbed my hand and stood up, bringing me with him. Everyone seemed to be staring at us as we floated across the bar, but I didn't care. The only thing that mattered was Alex.

The cold night air brushed against my skin as we strolled down the street, hands clasped tightly together. Our apartment wasn't too far from the bar and we made it home quickly. As soon as the door shut behind us, lips crashed together like the rough waves on the shore. The love we shared soon overtook us as we melted into one another. I was his and he was mine