Page 72 of Samson

“Sorry, I’m interrupting.”

“Not at all,” Delilah said. “I went out for a run early this morning, and we ran into each other. Now we’re grabbing a bite to eat. Do you want to join us?”

“I’m afraid I can’t. I’ve got a lot of work to do.” He focused on Delilah. “I guess I’ll see you later?”

“Yeah. I’ll probably head back home after breakfast.”

“Good. I’ll see you there.”

“Yup.”

Luca went back to the counter and collected his coffee, then left.

“That was awkward,” Samson said. “Is he okay?”

“Luca? Yeah, he’s fine as far as I know.”

“You didn’t notice?”

“Uh, I guess he may have been a little distant.”

“Let me guess. He likes me as a customer but not spending time with his cousin.”

She sighed. “That’s probably not far from the truth. He’s very protective of me. It wasn’t long ago I told him I wouldn’t be caught dead anywhere near you.”

Samson laughed. “You didn’t keep that a secret from anyone.”

“No, I didn’t.”

“I’m so pleased you changed your mind.”

“Who said I did?” She smirked, but when he reached across the table and took her hand, the smile left her face.

“But seriously. I’m really glad. And I’m not just saying that because you’ve been playing hard to get.”

“You sure?”

“It’s been a long time since I’ve met anyone I’ve enjoyed spending time with.”

“You say that now, but we barely know each other.”

“You think you’d get tired of me?”

“My concern is more about you getting tired of me.”

“Would never happen.”

“You’re very confident.”

He was. She was the first person to bring a spark of light into his life in a long time. He’d do everything in his power not to lose that now that the air was cleared. His relief to find out there was nothing nefarious in her giving up his secret was powerful. “I know a good thing when I see it.”

“I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt. You managed to surprise me. There’s no reason you won’t do it again.”

“Is that unusual for you? A man surprising you?”

She scoffed. “Unfortunately not. But you’re the first who did it in a good way. So that’s something.”

“You’re talking about losing your business?”

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