Page 67 of Samson

“Marc didn’t tell you anything about what he intended to do to him?”

“No. I don’t know anything about it, but if Marc said he wouldn’t hurt him, then I believe him.”

“Because his word is so trustworthy?”

“Hey, you’re the one who gave him the information.”

“Yeah, to save your butt.”

“And I appreciate it. Now go back to sleep.”

“I can’t.”

“Then let me go back to sleep.”

“Fine.” Delilah hung up and leaned against the kitchen counter.

She’d left California for a fresh start, and now here she was falling further back than she’d been before. At least in San Diego, she hadn’t been responsible for what had happened. Here, she may have been the cause of a man’s life being ruined.

But that wasn’t all. She couldn’t ignore that she felt more than guilt. There was grief there too. She didn’t want to lose him. Somehow, in all of it, she had grown to like him.

Her head collapsed between her shoulders. What was she doing to herself? She couldn’t understand why her life had taken such a drastic turn in San Diego and remained on that trajectory, pushing her further into a pit.

She changed into her workout gear, making plans in her head to get out of town as soon as she could. Maybe she could outrun this thing, get out of its path, or at least get everyone that she cared about out of it.

The cold air stung her lungs as she jogged along the streets. Normally, she loved this time of the morning, when the city was quieter. Cars were already beginning to clog the roads, but with most of the shops closed, pedestrians were at a minimum. She pushed herself hard, hoping the exertion would relieve some of her tension. And while it did clear her head, her heart still ached.

After doing her usual loop, she circled back and stopped at a local café she frequented. They opened early and weren’t too busy after her run.

“Can I get a bottle of water?” she said at the counter as she caught her breath.

“Sure. Anything else?”

“Not today.”

She paid and took the bottle, intending to sit and stare out the window until she was ready to face the day, but when she turned toward the tables, she stopped short.

“Samson?”

He looked tired and frustrated—two looks she couldn’t ever remember seeing on his face. But the relief at seeing him safe lifted a small part of her burden

“Everything okay?” she said as she neared the table.

He shrugged but didn’t speak. The look he was giving her was unnerving.

“I’m surprised to see you here.” She tried sounding casual, unsure if she was pulling it off.

“I bet.” He leaned back in his chair. “Why don’t you have a seat?”

“Uh…okay. I wasn’t planning on staying long, though. I’ve just been for a run and wanted a water, but I’ve gotta get back home.”

“Early plans?”

“Just some housecleaning.” She was embarrassed under his intense gaze, sure he could see through to her soul, and she realized there could never be anything between them. As much as she thought that’s what she wanted, the truth was, a part of her had hoped for more. But she’d ruined everything. The best thing she could do for Samson and herself was to leave town as soon as she could.

“You’re looking well this morning,” he said.

“Thanks?” She tucked a stray hair behind her ear. “I don’t feel like I look well.”

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