Begin Again

| Chapter Twenty-Six |

*Y'all I finished outlining this story and I was a fool . . . Because there's 24 chapters left not 15-20. WHOOPS, THE CLOWNERY IS REAL. There was a lot I needed to tie up before ending this series, but I'm so happy it's outlined and I know exactly where this book is headed! I wasn't sure how I wanted to end it, but now I know. And I know for a fact y'all will probably cry❤️*

Ruth packed an overnight bag of toiletry necessities, a few outfits, and an embarrassing pair of SpongeBob pajamas. Raffo spent his time helping roll and pack whatever she tossed to him and ordered the Lyft ride after zipping up her duffel bag. She went to pick it up, but Raffo easily intercepted and smoothly slid his shoulder under the strap. Opening her mouth to protest, he swooped in with a hearty kiss, stopping her from saying anything more.

Ruth went to wrap an arm around his neck, moldering her body against his, when he suddenly parted from her. A teasing gleam glowed in his mesmerizing eyes as he lightly patted her hip and ran his tongue over his lips.

"Ride's here," he winked, running his knuckle over her flushed cheek.

She pouted. "Asshole."

Raffo only smiled. He moved his arm so he could grab her hand and tugged them to the door.

The Lyft ride over to Raffo's apartment took no longer than ten minutes. Their driver wasn't a very talkative guy, which was perfectly fine as Raffo and her gazed out the window thoughtfully, and caught the sweet transition of Fall in Oklahoma. Lights, crisp leaves, and bundled sweaters.

Much to Ruth's delight, Raffo's place was located in a fancy building that couldn't have been built more than five years ago, with seven stories and a doorman out front. As soon as the driver pulled to a stop in front of the doors, Ruth opened the door excitedly and bounded out, ignoring Raffo's protest to wait.

She walked right up to the front doors and was greeted by the middle-age man with greying hair and kind hazel eyes. "Hi!" she chirped, her smile wide.

"Evening, ma'am," he greeted back, amused.

"Hey Hodge," Raffo acknowledged kindly, reaching out to grip Ruth's hand in his. "This is Ruth. Ruth, this is Hodge."

Hodge opened the door for them both and bowed his head at her. "It's wonderful to meet you, Ruth."

"You too, Hodge!" She didn't say it aloud, but she wanted so badly to say his name reminded her of Criminal Minds. But she kept that one to herself, as she dragged Raffo through the golden doors behind her and stepped into a lobby.

Everything inside reminded her of a typical San Francisco apartment building. Gold trim, cream furniture, a large front desk with a handsome security guard tucked behind the table, and fake plants pushed into every corner of the room. He barely looked up from the computer when they stepped in and tossed his hand in a half-hearted wave towards them. Ruth rose an eyebrow to Raffo, who threw a wave back, and led them over to an elevator.

Once they stepped inside, Ruth finally spoke. "Okay, wow."

He smiled and the action alone rendered her speechless. "You like it?"

She nodded furiously. "Yes! It literally looks like someone stole an entire building from San Francisco and put it in Oklahoma."

"I knew you'd love it," he replied, smugly.

Ruth playfully rolled her eyes, and the elevator alerted them they had arrived to the sixth floor. He fixed his grip on her hand and led the way to his apartment. Even the walls almost smelled like fresh paint and all the doors had an in added shine to their olive green coat. She held her breath as he slowed down to number 610 and grabbed his keys out of his pocket. Putting the key in the lock, he gave it a twist and then nudged it open.