Page 31 of Still Here Without You

Lifting her face in my hands, I kiss her forehead and smile. “Are you sure? I can just drop you at home.”

Her lips turn up into that devilish grin I’ve come to love, and she gives me a questioning look. “You’re right. I think you should just drop me at home.”

I should have known she’d joke about it, even when I’m being serious. Two can play at her game. “Of course,” I say with a straight face, linking my hand with hers before walking us back to the table to collect our things.

“I’m going to take Del home. She’s getting tired. Might see you back here in a bit,” I say to Dylan and the guys. Dylan frowns until I wink, then he rolls his eyes, shaking his head. “Yep, see you soon. Bye, Delilah.”

Delilah smiles politely, waves to the guys, then follows me back to the bike. I lift her up and place her on the seat, stepping between her legs. Her breath catches as I move in close enough to make out the light dusting of freckles on her nose in the dim glow of the streetlights.

“Just so we’re clear, I’m happy to take you to your dorm, but I'm coming with you.”

She pulls my shirt until I’m forced to move close enough that our noses touch and then presses her mouth to mine. “Your place it is then,” she says against my lips, sending a message straight to my cock. Without another word, I flip her leg over the bike so she’s ready to go, secure her helmet, and slide on the seat in front of her. Gripping her thighs, I once again pull her in close, loving the feel when she wraps her arms around me. She rests her head against my back, and a strange feeling of comfort washes over me. I smile as I start up my baby, and we speed away.

I wake in the middle of the night to find Delilah’s side of the bed empty.What the fuck? She has a side now?I’m not at all concerned that she’s gone. Could be because she doesn’t have a mode of transport, but it’s not that. I just know in my gut she’s still here. Throwing on a pair of sweatpants, I move quickly down the hallway toward the kitchen. Delilah’s in almost the same spot I found her last time she was here, except this time she’s smiling. I’m awestruck as I watch her. Standing in nothing but my sweatshirt, she’s absolutely breathtaking. A strange feeling takes over my chest as I stare, wondering how long I can keep her.

Snapping myself out of my thoughts, I make my way toward her, wrap my arms around her waist from behind, and rest my chin on her shoulder.

“Is this you and Dylan?” she asks, holding the photo up so I can see, not at all surprised that I'm here.

I smile at the image. “It sure is. I think we were around nine there.”

“Wow,” she says, almost like she’s releasing a breath before looking over her shoulder. “You’ve known each other forever.”

“Yep, he’s a constant pain in my ass.” I smirk. “But I seem to be attracted to those types of people.” Holding my chin between my thumb and forefinger, I look around, pretending to be lost in thought.

“You like to be challenged,” she says with a smile in her voice, lifting her shoulders in a shrug. She turns back to the mantel and picks up the next photo. “Who’s the girl in this one? You’re what…about fifteen here?” Her tone changes slightly, becoming harder.Interesting.

“That’s my girlfriend. Been together since we were twelve. She lives in Florida, so we only see each other during spring bre—”Ouch!

I don’t get to finish my sentence before Del’s turning in my arms and slapping my chest.

“Okay, okay. It’s Dylan’s sister. But she was my girlfriend…when we were ten. For a week.”

“Adorable,” she says with a laugh before turning and placing the photo back. “Do you have any siblings?” she asks curiously.

“Nah, it’s just me and my parents. I loved it but I definitely want a bigger family. What about you?”

“I have a brother, but we don’t really have any happy snapshots like this. He’s eight years older than I am and thinks I’ve had it easy because I’m so much younger. Resents me for it but pretends everything is fine. It means…” She trails off, seemingly thinking she’s shared too much.

“I—”

“Sorry, I don’t know why I said that. Didn’t mean to bring the mood down.”

I’m shaking my head before she’s even finished her sentence. “You can tell me anything, Del, and trust me, the mood isnotdown. It’s still very much up. Especially since I know you are naked under my sweatshirt.”

She hits me again, but laughs. “Thank you. If I say something, do you promise not to get a big head about it?”

A laugh bursts out of me. “Absolutely not.”

I’m hit with the famous eye roll, but I can see her mind working as she prepares to tell me anyway. “I feel like you have this strange ability to get me to talk. I’m not generally an open person, but with you, I just kind of blurt everything out. It’s unnerving but also makes me feel really comfortable around you. You have this energy about you…anyway. Thank you for using your power for good, not evil.”

I laugh out loud again as I pull her into my arms. “I’m definitely using it for evil too. I’m justthatgood you haven’t figured it out yet.”

“Is that so?”

Giving her my best smile, I run my hand up and down her back, getting lower each time. “If you play your cards right, I might fill you in.”

I let my hand move below the sweater this time, running my fingers up the back of her thigh toward her center. When I reach her warmth, I change direction, running my fingers back down.

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