Red and the Wolf Read Online Free

to his car. Just before getting in, he turned back.
     
    “You have no idea how good it is to see you again, Red.”
     
    As he drove away, Ruby heard the distant howling again and quickly closed the door. She didn’t know which would be worse—throwing herself to the wolves, or spending time with Rafe to “talk.”
     
* * * * *
     
    The day flew by to Ruby’s dread. She had burnt one batch of cupcakes for which she’d hoped Marina would send her home. No such luck. Instead, Marina set her putting the base frosting on piles of cupcakes while Marina decorated them. She’d rather have scrubbed toilets all day. There was nothing creative in either, but at least with the toilets she could be alone with her thoughts rather than listening to Marina go on about how nice it was to have Rafe back.
     
    Fifteen minutes before the shop closed—and fifteen minutes before Ruby would have to face Rafe again—Lowell walked in. Great , Ruby thought, just what I need to complete my day.
     
    “Hi, Marina,” he said charmingly to the shop owner. Ruby kept her back turned, hoping he came for something other than her. “Hey, Red.” She closed her eyes against his voice. “Ruby?” he called, louder.
     
    “Hey, Lowell,” she said, waving over her shoulder without turning around.
     
    “Can I help you with something?” Marina asked him.
     
    There were a few beats of silence, then he said, “Uh, no. I actually came to see Ruby.”
     
    Marina walked back to the table where they frosted the cupcakes. “It’s for you,” she said, waggling her eyebrows at Ruby. Teeth clenched, Ruby turned around.
     
    “What can I do for you?” she asked shortly. “I’m kind of busy.”
     
    “I’ve got it,” Marina said, and Ruby shot her a dirty look. She moved toward the counter to stand opposite Lowell.
     
    “I was wondering what you’re doing when you get off,” Lowell said.
     
    “Oh. Um. Well, I—”
     
    The bell over the door chimed as Rafe entered. At the sight of him, Ruby’s heart thudded. What’s wrong with me? If Lowell’s scowl was any indication, his reaction to the appearance of Rafe was the opposite of hers.
     
    “Hi, Red, Marina,” he said cheerfully. “Lowell, what’re you doing here?”
     
    “I could ask you the same,” Lowell grumbled.
     
    “Came to get Ruby,” Rafe said with a grin. “We have a date.”
     
    “Oh, really?” His words sounded close to a growl.
     
    “Really,” Rafe said.
     
    “It’s not a date,” Ruby chimed in. “Rafe wanted to go to dinner.”
     
    Rafe’s smile fell at her words, his eyes cutting between her and Lowell.
     
    “Sounds like fun,” Lowell said, indicating it sounded anything but. “Mind if I tag along?”
     
    Ruby didn’t want to spend time with Lowell, but his presence would buffer her from the awkwardness of being alone with Rafe. She opened her mouth to agree to the plan, but Rafe spoke first.
     
    “Sorry, bro. I want some alone time with my old friend. Maybe next time.” His tone was final. For Lowell to persist would make him seem like a jerk, so he nodded.
     
    “Maybe,” Lowell said, turning back to Ruby. “I’ll talk to you later.” He turned and strode from the shop, barely glancing at his brother.
     
    “Ready?” Rafe asked, unperturbed.
     
    “I just need to get my stuff,” she murmured, hurrying into the back room, Marina hot on her heels.
     
    “What’s your secret?” Marina hissed.
     
    “Secret?”
     
    “C’mon. You have the two hottest guys in town fighting over you.” She smiled as if Ruby should be enjoying the attention.
     
    “They’re not fighting over me. I’m not interested in being with either one.”
     
    “Could’ve fooled me,” Marina said flippantly.
     
    “Marina, I’m serious. Lowell is a jerk, and Rafe is . . . Rafe.” She jerked her purse from its hook.
     
    “Who you were in love with,” Marina said quietly.
     
    “ Were being the operative word here, Marina.” Her shoulders sagged.