Page 18 of Words from the Heart
Chapter 15
Parker was pissed. Delilah didn’t understand how much he wanted her – and not for just a night either. He parked his SUV at the station and got out. He was going to avoid her at all costs. She needed to get her head on straight and decide if she was willing to give him a chance… a real one.
“Parker.” The chief called out to him.
“Yeah, Chief?”
“Can you work over?”
“Sure. I can stay as long as you need. I’m off tonight anyway.” Parker was relieved to have something to take his mind off Delilah. He needed to stay busy or he would drive over there and make an ass of himself.
Parker headed towards the locker room. He needed a shower to cool his body down. His nerves were still on fire from their encounter. It had taken everything in him to shut her down and walk away from that kiss. God, he wanted her. But it was more than want… he was sure he was in love with her. And until she pulled her head out of her ass, he was going to stay away.
∞ ∞ ∞
Delilah woke with a pounding headache. She didn’t drink that much, but it was enough to leave her regretting her actions. The memory of kissing Parker, him pushing her away and storming out, flashed in her eyes. Slowly she stood and padded to the shower. She needed to figure out how she was going to get her car. Too embarrassed to call Parker, she texted him. Only to have him text back saying he’d have Jed get her car and bring it to her. Disappointment filled her gut, he was mad and obviously avoiding her now.
After her shower, she found herself wandering the house. Glancing out at the barn she decided to get Ed out and take him for a ride. It’d been weeks since she’d saddled him or spent any time with him. Part of her was still mourning the fact he was the only animal left on the farm.
“Hey, old boy.” Delilah patted his snout, running her fingers through his brown mane. She slipped his saddle on and led him out of the barn by his bridle. Slipping her foot into the stirrup, she slung her leg over his back and settled into the leather seat. “Alright, fella. How about we take a ride.” She kicked his side, spurring him into action. She guided him towards the path that would take them along Shoal Creek. There was only a short distance where she could safely ride him close to the water, then they’d head into the woods. She only hoped the path was still passable, otherwise this was going to be a hell of a ride. They made it to the water’s edge without any issue, Delilah relished in the feel of the suns warmth, a smile on her face for what felt like the first time in weeks. Her mind wandered to Parker. He was everything she imagined Momma Belle would want for her, yet she was terrified of letting another man in, especially so soon after ending her relationship with John. Once they reached the end of the riverbank, Delilah guided him towards the path. Ed began running faster, making Delilah nervous. Even though they were still on her property, she knew they’d traveled far from the house. “Whoa, boy. We aren’t in a race.” Delilah pulled on the reins, trying to slow him down, but something had spooked him, causing him to rear back. Delilah tried to hold on, but he was frantic and bounced her from the saddle. She fell to the ground with a thud, landing on her arm. “Shit! ED!” He took off, leaving her in pain on the worn path.
Standing up, she dusted her leg off, wincing when she put pressure on her wrist. “Fuck.” Cradling her injured hand, she started walking. At least the path would take her home, she hoped Ed found his way and wasn’t in the overgrown woods stuck somewhere.
Her legs were aching by the time she broke through the tree line into the yard. She laughed when she saw Ed eating grass near the barn. “You asshole.” She hollered out, getting zero response from the ornery beast.
“Hey, Delilah!” Jed hollered out, walking towards Delilah.
“Hey, Jed. You bring my truck back?”
“Yep – she’s parked by the front. Hey,” he got closer to her, “What happened to ya?”
“That dumb old horse got spooked and threw me.”
“Well shit.”
“Yeah, think I broke my wrist.”
“You need a ride to the ER? Don’t think you should try and drive yourself with a bad hand.”
“I think I’ll be ok.”
“Now you look here. Your grandma would tan my hide if I let you drive yourself… so I insist.”
Delilah sighed, “Fine. But I can get a ride home later, so you can just drop me off. Let me go grab my purse.”
