Page 40 of Still Here Without You

I scoff while rolling my eyes. “You’re not the only one who knows how to impress the ladies. Just because I’m single doesn’t mean I don’t know what I’m doing.”

“I get that, and I think it’s nice you’re making an effort for Delilah, but…”

“But what?” I stop getting ready and give Dylan my full attention, biting the inside of my cheek with concern.

“But…she already knows you’re a douchebag. Nothing is going to fix that.”

Fucker!

“You’re cute when you’re nervous.” Dylan laughs, making his way to the door.

“I’m always cute. Now, you better fuck off before I kick your ass.”

“I’m gone,” he says, walking away before calling out, “Have fun tonight.”

I hear his keys jingling as he reaches the front of the apartment, but the doorbell rings before he’s opened the door. Seconds later, I hear whispers, followed by…

“Joel! Delilah’s here.”

My pulse spikes, and my heart races. How hadn’t I figured out my feelings sooner? I can tell the second Dylan decides things aren’t working out with his latest girlfriend.The second! How did I not see this coming? I blame Delilah and her irresistible sass. She throws me off guard.

When I reach the kitchen, Delilah’s alone, and I take a moment to appreciate how beautiful she is. Her cheeks are flushed pink from the cold, and her long red hair is up in a high ponytail, something I love because it allows easier access to her neck. She’s biting at her bottom lip like she’s trying to turn me on, yet she hasn’t even noticed I’m here. And, to top it all off, she’s wearing the leather jacket I got for her.Fuck.I can’t wait any longer.

“Hey, asshole,” Delilah says as I walk into view.

“Hey, yourself.” I smirk and wink seductively before smiling when she cracks up laughing.Fuck, I’m going to miss this.

“I thought you said I wasn’t getting any ice cream?” she says, waving her hand at the two bowls I’d left out ready. “You getting soft on me, Joelle?”

“As if. The bowls are for tonight’s dinner. Never too early for prep work.”

Delilah rolls her eyes. “So, do you have any sprinkles?” she asks as she jumps up to sit on the counter, and I can’t help but laugh.

After ice cream, I lead Del to my bedroom so we can watch a movie in comfort. And considering how little time we have left, I need to be holding her. She hesitates when we get to the door but lets me easily pull her through. “Don’t worry. I’m not going to jump you. Just thought we’d be more comfortable curled up under the blankets in here.” That and I like having her in my space.

She doesn’t answer right away, and I know it’s because she thinks I’m right but doesn’t like to give me any credit. I continue with getting everything ready, and when I finally move onto the bed, she wordlessly positions herself beside me.

We’re about halfway through watchingCrazy, Stupid, Lovewhen a thought occurs. “This could go one of two ways for me. You’ll be so hot and bothered after watching Ryan Gosling for two hours that you’ll immediately ravish me. Or you’ll look at me and be disappointed at what you see after staring at that god.” I point to the screen as we watch the well-known bedroom scene.

Del laughs. “I know you’re trying to get me to admit that you also have a godlike body.”

My eyes widen in pretend shock. “What? Never.”

“Good, because I’m feeling option B.”

“Sure you are,” I say, bouncing my eyebrows when she finally turns my way.

She huffs out an incredulous laugh. “God, you love yourself.”

“Somebody has to,” I say with a cocky grin, until I realize her playful expression has gone.

She pauses for a moment before lifting my sweatshirt and moving her hand beneath it, running her fingers up and down my abs, stopping each time she reaches my navel. I’d assume I was getting lucky if her expression wasn’t so somber.

“Joking aside, I needed to touch this one last time,” she says, and my chest tightens. One last time doesn’t sound good.

“You still have almost a week left. Plenty of time to get your fill in.” I try to keep the mood light, nervous about the type of talk we might be heading toward.

“I know, I know. The thing is…” She trails off, but I have a feeling I know what she’s trying to say.

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