Page 104 of Still Here Without You

Del stands up, brushing a hair behind her ear. “Yep. She should have packed them in suitcases, then we could have rolled them to the car.”

“Here, let me try.” Walking over, I make a point of bending correctly at the knees and smile when Delilah laughs.

“Just pick it up,” she says with a sassy grin, one that reminds me of the old Del.

Doing as she asked, I try to lift the box. “Fuuck! Is she crazy? No one is lifting this thing.”

“I bet Dylan could, or Luke. They both have pretty big muscles,” she says, sizing me up.

My eyes narrow at her words as I bite back a smirk. “Watch your mouth. We both know I’m stronger than they are.”

Delilah bites the tip of her finger with an innocent look on her face. “Do we? I’m not so sure.”

“I’ll show you who’s stronger.” Racing toward her, I grip her at the waist and lift her over my head. She squeals out to stop but giggles at the same time, and when I lower her to the ground, she takes a step back, crossing her arms over her chest like she’s annoyed, only she can’t wipe the smile off her face.

Bouncing my eyebrows, I flex my biceps. “See, even Ryan Gosling’s got nothing on me. I did that move without even asking you to jump.”

“I think the jump was the point, though. It’s fromDirty Dancing,” she sasses, refusing to give me any credit.

“Whatever,” I say with a lift of my shoulder and attempt to lift the box again. This time I manage, but fuck, it’s heavy. I’m actually going to have words with Summer when I see her. I’ve only made it to the hallway when my arms start to shake. Delilah must notice because she jogs over and helps with the weight.

“So, what’s new in your life?” I ask as a way of distracting myself from the pain.

Delilah laughs as she peers up over the box and takes in the strained look on my face.

“I’ve decided to try out for the competition squad,” she says, catching me off guard.

“You want to join the competition squad?” I say, stupidly repeating her words.

“I do. Or at least, I want to try out and see if I’ve got a shot. I’ve proven myself as a versatile squad member, so I’m hoping that gives me an advantage.” Her cheeks tint with a light blush as though she’s embarrassed by her words.

“That’s amazing, Del. When’s the tryout?”

She cringes. “Two days.”

“You’ve got this. I have no doubt,” I say with a wink as we finally reach the truck. It takes both of us to lift the stupid box into the back, but I’m grateful that it gave us extra time together.

After splitting up to finish the last couple of things, I put one final box in Dylan’s truck and lock it up, making my way back inside. It’s completely full. Del was right and we have two boxes left that don’t fit, but Summer can grab them later. Delilah’s staring out the bedroom window when I find her, completely lost in thought. Leaning my shoulder against the doorway, I silently watch her, my eyes running over all the beautiful features I have memorized. Her toned legs and the lines of her calves. Her tight ass that drives me crazy. The way the sun shining on a section of her hair makes it appear more fiery than the rest. Her perfect pout. Her adorable nose. I want to be able to see these things every day, and when she raises her finger to her lips and bites the tip of her nail, I’m almost done for. Without thinking, I walk across the room and stand beside her, linking our fingers. I focus my gaze in the same direction she’s looking and sigh when she doesn’t let go of my hand.

“Delilah, you are the single, most perfect person I’ve ever laid eyes on. I will spend my days making you happy as your friend.”

She turns to face me with a puzzled look, no doubt trying to gauge if I’m serious. I press a kiss to her forehead and then step back, just enough to give her some breathing room. “I’m here for you in any way you need me. I hope that you know that.”

Delilah nods just as Nate enters the room, coming to a halt when he sees us.

“Del, Joel, what are you two doing here?” he says as he walks closer.

I feel Delilah stiffen beside me but I’m not sure what it means. “Hey man, we—”

“Hi, Nate, good to see you,” Del says, looking down at her phone. “I might head off since we’re done. Talk soon?” she says to me with a smile.

“Ah, yeah. That’s fine. Talk soon.” I try to hide my disappointment, but I fail. I know she needs to prepare for her tryouts; I’d just hoped I’d get more time with her.

She smiles apologetically. “Thanks. Bye Nate, Joel.” Then with a quick wave, she walks away.

“Did I interrupt something?” Nate asks when she’s gone.

“Not really, I don’t think. It’s all good.” I shrug because it didn’t feel like a huge thing, but is that why she left?No, she was always going as soon as we were done.

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