Page 87 of The Stranger
When I could finally pull myself away from thosedamn lips of hers—which was no easy feat because that woman can kiss—we jumped back into the car.
I drove us into town, which is so small, if you blink, you’ll miss it. I’m quite fond of its quaintness. The main street comprises of a handful of businesses that flank both sides of the road. A pub, butchery, small greengrocer, bakery, post office, antique store, and a small gallery stocked with paintings, photography, and pottery, made by local artists.
We had a counter lunch at the pub—a first for me—and shared a selection of locally brewed beers that were served on a long wooden paddle. It was an experience, to say the least, but I didn’t hate it. I like that Delilah pushes me outside my comfort zone, and I enjoy seeing life through her inquisitive eyes.
After we ate, we walked hand in hand along the main street to browse the shops. Delilah bought some meat and vegetables—locally sourced, and farm-to-table—to cook for our dinner, as well as bacon, eggs, and freshly baked bread for breakfast. I love how self-sufficient she is. I usually hire a chef to come in and cook for me while I’m here since ordering in isn’t an option in this isolated community.
When we reached the gallery, I stood back and watched her fawn over everything she touched, but a series of landscape paintings got most of her attention. That’s when I grabbed one of the business cards off the front counter and slipped it into my pocket. I’m going to call them when we get back to Sydney and have them shipped to the apartment. A special gift for her. A memento of our weekend.
I hope I get the chance to bring her back here again, but nothing is a certainty. I know how I feel about her, but am I the rebound fling my mother talked about?
After we arrived back at the estate, we headed out back so I could show her the view.
“I don’t want to leave this place … like ever,” she declares, spreading her arms wide and spinning in a circle. I’m smiling as I watch her … I’ve been doing that a lot today. I love how she finds pleasure in the simplest things, and how my life seems better with her in it.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” I reply, dragging my eyes from her to take in the majestic scenery before us.
“So beautiful,” she says, closing the small distance between us and fisting her hands in my shirt. “Thank you for bringing me here … I’ve had the best day.”
Leaning in, I brush my lips with hers. “Why don’t we head back to the house … I can light the fire while you get a start on dinner.”
“That sounds nice. I’ve never sat in front of an open fire before … I grew up with gas heaters. Today has been full of firsts for me.”
“Me too.”
“I still can’t believe I got to see some kangaroos in the wild … I wish I had my phone on me so I could’ve snapped a picture.”
I remember being a little chuffed the first time I spent the weekend here and woke to find a mob of kangaroos grazing in my backyard.
“I’m sure you’ll get another opportunity,” I tell her, reaching for her hand. “I see them around here often.”
Delilah laces her fingers through mine as we start our journey back to the house, which lies further off in the distance. We only saw a small portion of my property today. We are supposed to be heading back in the morning because her shift at the restaurant starts at midday.
I’m going to talk her into taking tomorrow off as well.I’m not ready for our time to end. I wish she’d give that job up altogether. My weekends are going to be lonely for the foreseeable future if she doesn’t.
I got my wish, Delilah agreed to stay an extra day. She mentioned she was hesitant to return to the restaurant after not showing up to what was supposed to be her new place of residence. I’m hoping spending the day with me also factored into her decision.
We drove back bright and early this morning—as the sun was rising—to miss the congestion that comes with peak-hour traffic. She slept most of the way since I kept her up half of the night, but I got to steal glances at her all the way home.
When we arrived, she suggested we shower separately, which I wasn’t a fan of, but she was right in saying we’d probably end up running late for work if we didn’t. Since I own the company, I didn’t see a problem with this, but she didn’t want to leave a poor impression on Marcy. I may have lucked out by showering alone, but I admire her work ethic.
We made it into the office on time, travelling in together. What I didn’t appreciate about the drive in was how Delilah sat on the far side of the vehicle … furthest away from me. When I reached across the seat for her hand, she swatted it away. I cocked an eyebrow at her in a silentwhat the fuck, and she replied by jutting her chin towards the back of Damien’s head.
Was there a reason she didn’t want him to know we were a couple now?
Is she embarrassed by me?
Are we even a couple?
As soon as the limousine pulled up alongside the kerb at my building, her actions were equally perplexing, as she thanked Damien for the lift, and then said, “Have a nice day, Mr Prescott.”
She was out of the vehicle before either of us could open her door, waltzing that sweet arse of hers into the building. By the time I made it into the foyer, she was already halfway towards the staff elevators.
I frowned on the entire journey to my floor, or as Delilah would call it … I was being extra growly. On the plus side, Laura at least brings me my coffee the way I like it, despite my mood. But I didn’t enjoy being brushed off by Delilah this morning … I didn’t like it one bit.
I do, however, have every intention of broaching this subject with her the moment we get home tonight. I’m not about to force her into making any kind of commitment to me. It had been two days, and even I knew I’d come across as a stage five clinger if I did. But my cock had been inside her many times over the weekend, so I don’t think a peck on the cheek, at the very least, was too much to ask.
These thoughts weighed heavily on my mind the entire morning, and by the time midday rolled around, I lost the battle. Sliding my hand into my suit jacket pocket, I retrieved my phone and shot off a text.
