Chapter 3
Delilah
David picks up the book I dropped, replacing it on the shelf, before kissing me on my forehead. “Why don’t you go clean up. I’ll meet you back at the couch.”
Nodding, I bypass the public washroom and opt for the staff washroom instead.
My mind reels over what just happened. One minute he’s telling me what I’ve dreamt of hearing for four years and the next we are kissing, then fucking in my place of employment.
My heart is telling me that was pure desperation over finally being back together, but my head tells me it was purely carnal. Maybe it was all of it.
Leaning against the counter, I stare at myself.
My eyes are too bright, my lips puffy. I look thoroughly ravished.
Pressing a hand to my heart, I know that any hope I had of walking away with my heart intact is gone.
The moment his lips touched mine, the sense of belonging that filled me was terrifying.
I don’t know what he wants this to be, but I’m not going to shy away from my feelings or telling him what I want and need. Especially since he’s now a part of my town. Maybe I was too young before, but I’m in a different place and he did say things are different now.
Smoothing my hair, I finish cleaning up and head back to the couches. He’s sitting, one ankle propped on his other knee, his hair mussed from my fingers. Eyes intent on his phone, he’s typing something, but as soon as he sees me he smiles and sets the device onto the table next to him.
I feel my cheeks heat a bit before going to sit on the couch opposite him.
He frowns. “You’re too far.”
His lips push out into an adorable pout, his eyes laughing.
“I need to have my wits about me. And as we just saw, I still have no self control around you.” Smoothing my skirt, I smile at him. “Not that I’m complaining about what happened.”
He drops his foot to the floor, leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees. His voice is low, teasing, when he says, “I definitely didn’t hear any complaining. Although you weren’t saying anything too coherent.”
His smile is smug. On anyone else, it wouldn’t be attractive, but fuck his confidence is sexy.
“Shut up.” I giggle, covering my mouth in mortification. When was the last time I giggled like that? Holy shit, he messes with my head.
He stands, coming over to sit next to me, reaching for my hand. “I don’t want you to think clearly. I want you to tell me exactly what’s on your mind. Not some overthought, filtered version.”
Taking a deep breath, I relax as I link my fingers through his. “I want to know if what just happened was a moment of weakness, of convenience, or if it meant something.”
His brows pinch together, expression serious.
“Delilah, you mean everything to me. I’ve tried to forget you over the past four years, but I couldn’t.
It was the right thing at the time to break up, but things are different now.
You’re in a different place in your life, a place I wouldn’t feel like I’m robbing your future. ”
Licking my lips, I hold onto him tightly. The words are everything I’ve dreamed of hearing. “I tried to move on too, but it never felt…”
“Right,” he finishes for me.
Nodding, I hold his gaze. “I barely survived the first time you left. I need to know you’re in this for the long haul. You’re saying the right things, I just—I can’t go through our end again.”
His gaze grows intense. “I moved to Thistle Creek because I knew this is where you would want to be. I remember how you talked about your hometown, and your dream to work in the library here. I’m glad your dream came true. It doesn’t matter what school or town I work in, as long as you’re happy.”
Warmth spreads through me, the timbre of his voice sincere. “Okay.”
“Okay?” He chuckles. “That’s all you have to say?”
Smirking, I shrug. “I think I’m still processing. Tonight has been a little surreal.”
“It worked out better than I could’ve imagined.” His lips quirk a little more.
Leaning into him, I sigh. “True. I just wish we had more food. I’m starving.”
Glancing at my phone, there’s still no message back.
“Good thing I messaged the locksmith, and he will be here in forty-five minutes.” David’s voice is dry.
Sitting up, I gape at him. “Oh. My. Gosh. I can’t believe I didn’t think about a locksmith. But why so long?”
His gaze turns heated. “I needed to be able to talk to you, to take full advantage of this opportunity.”
My body thrums, that look lighting me from within. “Hmmm.” I run my hands over his chest, before moving to straddle him. “I think we have a little more time to take advantage of. Really work up our appetites.”
His lips quirk. “I do love the way you think.”