18: Closed Door

She had said to be early and she'd give it a chance, and that's what Tucker intended to do. He'd get there early, early enough so they could set aside some time to talk, before she left and before he needed to do another interview.

Not that he really knew what to say to her.

His drive to the gym was excruciating, searching for the right words to say when he finally got the chance to speak. What could he say?

More accurately, how could he say in a grown-up, professional manner, that he had a crush on the girl he just hired, to the girl he just hired?

Words floated around his head, but the specific wording wasn't there. He couldn't plainly say "I like you," that was too direct. He couldn't say "I would like to date you," because he wasn't sure if that was true. All he knew was that there was something between them and he wanted to explore it more.

Tucker pulled into the parking lot, wondering if he was too early. Hell. Now or never.

Ruby stood at the desk, her eyes fixated on the front door like she was waiting for him.

Don't be presumptuous, he thought. After all, he was paying her to look at the door and greet whomever came in.

"Hey, Tucker, you're early today."

He nodded. "Yeah, sure."

An awkward silence lingered between them. What to say?

"You can talk now?" he asked. She looked around, as to say that it was obvious. Ruby leaned in.

"You know you're my boss, don't you? We can talk anytime."

Tucker pulled at the top button of his polo shirt. "Maybe in the office?"

"Then who will cover the door?"

"Whoever's here with you. I'll call someone. Here," Tucker reached for his keys and threw them at Ruby. "Go on ahead."

The key ring hit her in the chest and bounced off her breasts. She moved to catch them as they ricocheted off her body. Tucker tried to hide his slight amusement at the way she fumbled about.

"Got it!" She announced, flashing the keys in her hand and slipping a leg behind the other in a curtsy. She grimaced and walked away, towards the back office. Tucker's eyes followed her as she moved.

"Yo," he heard behind him.

"Hey. Watch the desk, will you?" Tucker said to the voice behind him. He wasn't sure who she was, but her voice sounded familiar. He kept his eyes on Ruby.

"Mmm, well, hello to you too," Jackie replied, slamming the cabinet door, enough to grab Tucker's attention. He turned to her and she leaned against the counter.

"Sorry, I'm... distracted."

Jackie rolled her eyes. "Yeah, distracted. Where's Ruby?"

"Distracting me... Ah, shit." The words came out of his mouth faster than he realized he said them. Jackie sputtered out a laugh. Tucker squeezed his eyes shut. He hadn't been this embarrassed since high school.

"Yeah, okay, Tucker. Sure. I'll watch the desk for you, but you'll never ever live this one down!" Jackie laughed more as Tucker followed Ruby, who had already reached the back office.

"Ugh, come on!" Tucker heard Ruby around the corner. She angrily jiggled the keys and door handle.

"Need help?" He turned the corner.

"Oh! Yeah, uh, I'm just really bad with keys and locks. Which, I know, it's a super weird thing to struggle with but I just... Yeah. Don't have the skill set." Ruby lifted her hands from the key jammed in the lock and leaned away from it.

"Let me," Tucker slipped his body between Ruby's and the door. He knew he was too close. There was maybe an inch between his back and her body, but he didn't mind in the slightest. He wished they were closer.

Tucker gripped the door and gave it the particular jiggle it needed to open. It gave him trouble. He grunted and put a little force into it, the door finally open. He heard a small sigh behind him.

Tucker turned back to Ruby. "See, not so bad."

She grinned back. "Glad to see it... Oh shit!"

Ruby grasped onto Tucker's shoulders, her face turning a shade of pink, the weight of her body suddenly on his.

Thank you so much for keeping up with the story after this unexpected hiatus. You're the best! Please don't forget to vote and or comment, if you liked what you read. <3<3