Page 60 of Swim To Me

Delilah laughs, the sound echoing against the walls. “Don’t worry about it, Grey. You can just give it to me next week.”

“That first book was filthy, you know. She made him spit in her mouth.”

“Hmm.”

“Is that your way of trying to tell me something, Delilah?”

Delilah hums noncommittedly again, although she can’t seem to get rid of the blush beginning to stain her makeup-less cheeks.

“And this?” I run my finger across the thin strap of her bikini. “Thisyou’re wearing… I’m not even sure where to start with the thoughts running through my mind.”

Delilah’s throat bobs delicately.

“Can I be honest with you?”

She leans in that little bit closer at my soft tone. “Of course, Grey.”

“I like you, Delilah. This weekend… it wasn’t enough. Not for me, anyways.”

“Grey, I—”

“Please, tell me the truth, do you like me too?” God, it feels juvenile coming out of my mouth, but I can’t stop myself. I think I know what her answer’s going to be, but I want to hear it. Ineedtoo.

She sighs, eyes softening in the corners just like they had every time she’d looked at me over the weekend. By Mondaymorning, that look had vanished. “I wouldn’t have spent this weekend with you if I didn’t.”

“And are you done with me?”

Delilah opens her mouth, closes it and then speaks, her eyes downcast. “I don’t date, Grey. I can’t.”

“Answer my question… are you done with me? Because I’m not done with you, Delilah. You’re not out of my system, far fucking from it, you’re all I can think about…”

“No.” She raises her eyes to mine, lash line watery. “You’re not out of my system, Grey. I don’t want to be done with you… but I’m terrified.”

I want to take away the fear and trepidation bubbling through Delilah.

Threading my fingers through hers against the foam, I squeeze tightly. “If you had a choice, if you were free to decide without worries or doubts, would that change your opinion on dating?”

“Maybe.”

“I want to be that person, Delilah. I want to change your opinion, prove your doubts wrong. Please. Give me a chance, let me try.”

Delilah’s fighting with herself in her head, I know she is. Her spiralling thoughts are practically audible.

“Please, gorgeous. Let me take you out.”

“On a date?”

I nod.

“And then what?”

“And then we see how we both feel, what we want to do next. Give us a chance, Delilah. I won’t let you get hurt. ”

We’ve been standing motionless for so long; the water has stilled around us. It laps at my waist gently, soothing me, calming my pulse. My heart is still battering in my chest, as I wait for her answer, but I don’t feel nervous.

No, this feels right.

“Okay.”

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