“True, I agree. You know, the more I think about it, the more I want to do my own thing now. For the last six years, I’ve given them everything I had. I want some time for me now to explore other avenues.”
“So, the big question…are you ready to talk about us?” He held his breath, dreading what she might say.
Delilah looked up at him, a pink tinge staining her cheeks. “Look, I like you obviously. The way you looked after me in hospital was…um…nothing less than amazing. I don’t normally throw myself at just anybody and not so fast either, but I’m glad you were there for me.” She lifted her hand and rubbed at a frown on her forehead. “It’s been a while since I was in a relationship, Blake. To say it ended badly is an understatement.”
“You don’t have to explain to me, Del. It’s your life.”
“Yes, I know but, I want you to understand why it fell apart so you can have the chance to back out if you want to change your mind.” She shuffled back against the couch and cleared her throat. “Peter wanted children. I didn’t. I wanted my career more than a family and, after a few major issues—” she shrugged her shoulders, “—we broke up.” She frowned and he wondered if she was going to let him in on what happened to make her so negative.
Blake thought back to the night she arrived and her reaction to the children. Of course, it made sense now.
“Has that changed at all?”
She bit her lip before meeting his gaze. “I don’t know.”
“My kids are my world, Del. I want to see how things could work out with you, I can’t deny that, but I won’t put them second.” His stomach churned and he wished they weren’t having this discussion, at least not the way it was heading now.
“I understand. It’s probably the worst time for me to be thinking of having a relationship anyway. With so much up in the air, I’d find it hard to commit, and that wouldn’t be fair to you or the children.”
“Do we have to? Commit, I mean?” He waited for her to answer, holding his breath.
“Are you saying you just want sex?” Her eyes had gone dark and Blake moved back, worried he had crossed the line.
“No…Yes… Look, maybe that came out wrong and if it did, I’m sorry. I want more than sex. I’ve already told you that. If you don’t feel you can commit, maybe we shouldn’t put limits on the relationship. Maybe we should take what we need from each other and see how it all pans out.” Do I sound desperate? Hell yes, but what can I do? I’ll take whatever she has to offer.
“I’m not sure that would be a good idea. It would hardly seem fair to the children, would it? They could get really hurt thinking I’m here and everything is hunky dory, and then I up and leave for Sydney because I can’t get out of my contract. I’m afraid that won’t send a very nice message to them.” Del looked away. “It won’t work for me either.”
“Why not?” Desperate much, hell.
“I don’t do short term or one night stands, that’s why.” She pushed herself from the couch and onto her feet. “Can we not talk about this, please? I value your company, Blake, but I’m not convinced we should even be discussing something like this until I know what my future holds.”
“What if your future is with me?”
“I can’t commit to anything yet.”
“All I’m asking for is a chance, Del. A chance to see if we can make something work between us. The chemistry is there and we both know it.” He stood and looked at her. “I’ve probably said this all wrong. See what you do to my brain? It turns to mush when you are around.”
“I like you, I do. But what happens if I have to go back to Sydney? Is it worth starting something we can’t finish?” She put the cup on the sideboard and stood facing him.
“Don’t you think it’s a bit late for that?” He stepped in, dipped his head, and traced his tongue over her lips, tempting her to open her mouth and let him in.
With a sigh, Del leaned against him, opening her mouth as his tongue parted her lips with gentle pressure. She hooked her fingers through the loops in his jeans and held him close. The blood rushing through his veins heated and he moaned, letting himself fall into oblivion in her arms. He held her head between his hands as he tasted her. Her warm, summery smell filled his senses, and the softness of her skin rubbed deliciously under his hands. Fragrant wisps of hair brushed his cheeks as they deepened the kiss.
He pulled her back down on the couch, letting her straddle his legs. Blake leaned back, taking her with him, lips fused together as they devoured each other hungrily. Delilah lifted her head and gulped down a huge breath, her eyes wide and glassy, cheeks pink and lips parted.
“See what you do to me, Del. We can’t deny it anymore.”
With a moan, she latched onto his mouth again, pressing her tongue between his lips, running it over his teeth. When she ground her hips against his, Blake almost lost his mind. He gripped her butt, pressing her against his rigid length. Holding her firmly, Blake flipped them over so Delilah was underneath him.
“We should probably take this to the bedroom. I’d hate Bluey to come back for something and find me buried deep inside you.”
She licked her lips and then smiled up at him. “I guess that would be the smart thing to do.”
Still Del hesitated, moving back off of his lap. He lifted his hand and stroked a finger down her bare arm, watching
