Page 235 of Beyond the Temptation: Vol 2

“Oh, this is going to be fun.” Sandy laughs as she sits across from me.

“What’s going to be fun?” I ask, shaking off the feeling that something big just happened.

“Watching the two of you find your way, dear.”

She slaps the table and stands, winking at me before going to refill someone else’s coffee. I return my stare to the door Delia left through. Pam has returned and kisses her wife, Stefanie, before walking toward me.

“She said she didn’t need me to follow her home. But she was breathing fine and her hands were steady when she got in her car,” she informs me.

“Thanks, Pam, appreciate it.”

“You’re going to drive by her place on your way home, aren’t you?”

I laugh, “Probably, yeah.”

“Be careful with that one, Marcus. She deserves the world after what she’s been through.”

“I know.” I inhale a deep breath. “I can only hope I’m man enough to give her that.”

Pam smiles, patting my shoulder. “That you even question it means you probably are. So don’t fuck up and you should be good.”

I chuckle as Pam returns to her seat. I gather my things, throw some money on the table, and make my way home. Time to find out what’s going on with her asshole ex-husband and what he thinks he’s going to get out of this other than another trip to a cell.

CHAPTER THREE

DELIA

How could that woman have snagged a man like Marcus? Where did I fuck up in my life that I end up with my abusive ex and she had someone like him and just threw him away? I know. Life isn’t fair. I’ve been dealt shit, and she had a field of roses. One man’s trash is another’s treasure. I get it. But I’ve never had someone protect me like he did in that diner. I’ve experienced jealousy that led to physical abuse and feeling like someone’s possession, but I’ve never had a man stand up for me when it was the right thing to do. And Marcus is a good man. He helps coach the football team at the high school and has taken Theo and Sebastian under his wing. He’ll have Hudson in a couple more years if he’s still there. He treats each kid like they’re special, never raises his voice in anger or frustration, and celebrates all the wins, no matter how small. The boys love him. And that means a lot. Theo doesn’t trust many men, but he basically idolizes Marcus.

After getting the boys down for the night, I shower off the day. As I’m crawling into bed, my phone dings with an incoming message.

Unknown Number:

Hey, it’s Marcus. I wanted to make sure you were alright. I’m so sorry for what happened tonight.

Delia:

Thanks? Umm, how did you get my number?

Marcus:

Please don’t be mad. Victoria gave it to me after I told her what happened.

Of course she did. My boss at The Center is the most bleeding heart, happily ever after wanting person I’ve ever met. Which says a lot after her own dark history. And more than once, Vic’s caught me looking at Marus when he’s in the office. The man wears good pants. Uniform, jeans, joggers. It doesn’t matter, they all look amazing on him, hugging his ass like a caress. She’s been trying to play matchmaker for over a year, never listening when I tell her I’m never getting involved with another man.

Delia:

It’s alright, I’m not mad. But I need to apologize.

Marcus:

For what?

Delia:

I had no right to talk to her like that. I don’t know why I did it, and I’m sorry for embarrassing you.

Marcus:

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