by L C Taylor
“Oh.” Delilah felt silly. She’d blown up on this man, a stranger really, over something that wasn’t even accurate. “I feel silly.” She started to laugh, “Sorry, I think I’m finally losing it.” Her laughter filled the open land, making Parker’s tense frame relax.
“It’s fine. But seriously… you can stay in the house. The roof is just a nuisance. I promise to work every off day to get it finished.”
“Wait,” she cut her eyes towards him, realizing he was still shirtless, “Off day? And do you own a shirt?”
His skin flushed, “It’s hot working up there,” he pointed towards the roof, “but yeah, I own a shirt.” As he was going to answer her, Delilah’s phone rang, interrupting the moment.
Snatching the phone from her pocket, “WHAT JOHN?” Stomping as she walked away from Parker.
He watched as she stormed up the steps, screaming profanity at who he assumed was her ex-fiancé. What a tool. Parker couldn’t understand how a man could ever step out on a woman like Delilah. Of course, he didn’t know her, but damn she was gorgeous. And feisty. He shook his head as he headed towards his truck. His body reacted to her in ways it shouldn’t. He wasn’t the relationship type. His real job, the one he needed to go home and get ready for, was dangerous and wasn’t built for family life. He tossed the hammer into the toolbox in the bed and hopped in the driver seat. Glancing one last time at the woman on the porch, he sighed and pulled off. She was going to be trouble for him, he could feel it deep in his bones. Isabell had talked about Delilah so much, that Parker felt like he knew her. But a part of him wanted to know the hidden parts Isabell didn’t know about.
Damn, he was doomed.
Chapter 3
Delilah rubbed the bridge of her nose as she stomped her way into the house. John was pleading with her, begging really. He was trying to convince her that he had only stepped out on her once, and of course that he would never do it again.
“John,” Delilah chose her words carefully, “once is the only opportunity you’re going to get to make a fool of me. I left the ring on the counter for a reason, and my key. Now move on. Go find your mistress and be content with the decision you made.”
“Please, Delilah, I love you.”
“Love?” Delilah laughed into the phone, “John, do you even know where I am right now?” His intake of breath and the silence that followed told her no, “See, you have no idea where I am, nor did you even stop to wonder why I was home in the middle of the day. All you’ve been worried about is yourself. Really, when I think about it, this was a blessing. We were on a path to self-destruction. Love is not what we had. It was… hell, I’m not sure what it was. But it’s over.”
“What about your stuff?” His demeanor changed instantly, forgotten was his plea for her to return.
“Burn it, sell it. I don’t care.”
“Aren’t you coming home?”
“You know…” Delilah looked around the house, taking in all the beauty it held, “I don’t think I am. I’ll text you my address so you can mail me my important things – like my passport and some small stuff. But I think I’m right where I need to be. I gotta go, John.” She didn’t wait for him to answer, pressing the end button and tossing her phone onto the kitchen counter. Although she should feel sad, she found herself feeling relief. Relief from a relationship that was holding her hostage. It had always been about his needs, not hers. Hell, John had even prevented her from writing – partly because deep down he knew she was a better writer. Maybe now, she could focus on her writing, Momma Belle had left her enough money to do whatever she wanted. Her decision made, she called her boss and informed him that she would not be returning. Delilah apologized for the abrupt notice, leaving him in a bind, but after explaining the situation he understood and thanked her for the work she’d done while there. After hanging up, she texted John the details of what to send and the address to send it to. Not wanting to hear his whiny plea again, she avoided calling him.
Delilah quickly moved around the house, inventorying what she would need to do first. She stepped out the back door and headed in the direction of the barn. It was a massive structure that sat on the south side of the house facing the creek. It used to house cattle, a goat, and her horse, Ed. She used to love riding him when she was a kid. As soon as she stepped inside the dust frame, she could hear him. He was huffing and stomping his hoof as though he knew she was there. When she approached his stall, he let out a whine and tossed his head.
“Hey there, boy.” She reached out, grabbing his harness, “How’s my fella doing?” Delilah stroked his head, running her fingers through his matted mane. “Wow, someone needs a hose down.” She unlatched the gate containing him and led him out. Pulling on the rope, she guided him outside to the side of the barn. She looped his rein around the post and patted his backside.
“Alright, you wait here while I get the soap.” Making a quick dash inside she grabbed the stuff to wash him down and pulled the hose around to where he was still waiting. “Good boy. You missed me, didn’t you?” after thirty minutes and a few disagreements with Ed, she’d managed to get his mane looking halfway decent. She walked him back to his stall, filled his trough and water bucket, before locking his gate once more. “Alright fella. Maybe tomorrow we can go out for a ride. I need to head into town and get a few things – carrots for you for sure.”
Pulling the heavy doors shut, Delilah felt a pang of sadness hit her square in the chest. Her grandmother had loved the cows and having a farm – but age had stolen that from her. If only she’d stayed here, maybe she’d be alive. Glancing towards the setting sun, she hurried inside and grabbed her things. She slipped the keys to Momma Belles truck off the pegs by the door and hurried outside. Momma Belle loved her old truck. It was a 1965 Ford Truck that was the ugliest shade of green possible. Delilah smiled from the memory of arguing with her about it being a shade of puke. She had insisted it was avocado green, but Delilah, even at the age of six insisted it was puke green.
Delilah slipped behind the wheel and turned over the key. The engine roared to life, sounding as though it was a brand-new machine. Putting it into reverse, she whipped it around and turned in the direction of town. Even though St. Florian was like something out of another time, just a few miles down a county road and she’d be in Florence. She pulled out of the gravel drive, turning right, so she could take the scenic route to town. The need for nostalgia outweighed the urgency to get anywhere. She hadn’t gotten very far when she noticed the truck dragging on the rear driver side. Being on a county road usually meant there was very little shoulder to pull off onto, but she navigated it into the grass, and put it in park. Immediately she knew the issue. Her tire had gone flat and upon further inspection she saw a shiny roofing nail poking out from between the tread.
“Damn it!” she kicked the saggy rubber. Going to the bed of the truck she wasn’t completely surprised to see a flat spare. Momma Belle probably hadn’t checked the tire in ages.
“Shit.” Delilah glanced around her surroundings. She was in the middle of nowhere. She thought about calling 911, but then remembered she had Parkers card in her pocket. Pulling it out she dialed his number, she just hoped he’d answer.
“Masters,” his voice was deep and resonated right down her spine, blinking she remember she hadn’t spoken yet.
“Um, Parker?” she asked hesitantly.
“Delilah?”
“Yeah – look I’m sorry to call you but I’m kinda stuck.”
“What do you mean stuck,” a loud noise echoed in the background, “shit, hold on a second.” She could hear the muffled sound of him talking to someone, “Sorry, I’m at work. What were you saying?”
“Well, it seems I picked up a roofing nail in Isabelle’s truck… and now I’m stranded on the side of the County road 94.”
“Damn, I thought I got all the nails up – this is my fault. Sit tight, I’ll come pick you up.”
“Wait, aren’t you at work? You can just call me a wrecker or
something. I just don’t have any numbers. I guess I could just call 911.”
“They’d just call me. Hang tight, I’m about ten minutes from you.” Parker disconnected the call before she could argue with him.
What the hell did he mean they’d just send him? Delilah was confused, but ten minutes later a sheriff’s deputy pulled up in a marked SUV, and the most gorgeous man stepped out the driver’s seat.
“Delilah?” Parker called out as he approached her and the truck. She thought he looked good shirtless, but her ovaries were singing a hallelujah song as he sauntered towards her in his uniform. Her words were lost, and she was pretty sure she was drooling as he stopped just inches from her body. “You ok?”
Snapping from her lust haze, “Yeah – just shocked to see you like this. You’re a deputy?”
“Yes ma’am. Deputy Masters at your service.” His smile had her clenching her legs together. Jesus Christ, she shouldn’t be lusting after a man like this. The timing was so very wrong.
“Thanks… I think.”
“Now, let’s have a look.” Parker walked over to the truck, mumbling something under his breath when his back was turned to her. “Well damn, she didn’t bother with making sure she had a spare.”
“Yeah – otherwise I’d of changed the tire myself.” Delilah smiled at him, but the sarcasm wasn’t lost on him.
“Well… I will call a tow truck for you, but it could take hours around here before the truck is picked up.”
“Great… I was going to the grocery store – there is nothing to eat at Momma Belle’s house.”
Parker watched as Delilah ran her fingers through her dark brown hair. It fell just to the top of her shoulders and was slightly wavy. Her brilliant green eyes found his staring at her. “What?”
“Let me take you to dinner. Then I can run you home and I’ll make sure your truck gets towed there.”
“No, I can’t ask that of you. Just run me home.”
“Didn’t you just say there was nothing to eat there?”
“Well, yeah. But I don’t expect you to feed me dinner.”
“This is partly my fault – since it was a roofing nail that prevented your grocery run.”
Delilah held her breath. Why did going to dinner with this man scare her so much. “I’m not riding in the back.” She grabbed her purse from the truck and locked the doors. Tossing Parker, a glance, she slipped into the passenger side of his SUV.
Parker took a steadying breath and got in beside her. Stealing a peek at her, he smiled to himself, “How’s Ruby’s dinner?” It was a local hole in the wall that served the best burgers around.
“Sure, that works.”
Parker put the SUV in drive and looped around heading back the way she’d come. She listened as he spoke into the radio, requesting a tow for her truck, and taking himself out of service so they could eat. Part of her longed to feel attractive to a man, the other part of her didn’t care. They rode in silence, both sneaking looks at each other. There was no doubt she was attracted to this man, hell, he was gorgeous. But she wasn’t going to fall for another man again. She wanted to find herself first. So, she hunkered down and banished all thoughts of the man sitting next to her.
They ate quickly as Parker had been given a call on the other side of town. He apologized frequently, saying he felt awful for the tire and rushed meal. As he parked in her gravel drive, he got out and walked her to the front door.
“I work today and tomorrow, so I won’t be back to work on the house until Thursday. Call me if you run into any problems before then, I’ll stop by on duty if I have too.”
“Thanks for dinner. I think I’ll be fine though, you’ve done more than enough for me already.” As she smiled, the tow truck pulled in with her truck. The driver got out and headed towards her.
“Hey, Parker.” The driver called out to him as he headed towards his SUV.
“Hey, Jed. Thanks for getting it so quick.”
“No problem. I put on a new tire already as well.”
“Oh, WOW.” Delilah gasped, “I didn’t expect that. How much do I owe you?”
“Not a thing, darlin’. Your grandma was a dear friend of mine and she’d be rightly pissed if I didn’t help you out.”
Delilah blushed, “Well, perhaps I can fix you a meal sometime. Once I go to the store that is.”
“That’ll be nice. Here,” he pulled a card from his oil stained overall’s, “this is my number. You call me if you have any problems with the car.”
“Thanks, Jed. And Parker,” she called out to him as he climbed into his car, “be careful out there.”
Parker nodded and pulled out, leaving Jed and Delilah to watch his patrol car taillights disappear into the darkened sky.
“That man needs a woman.” Jed said matter of fact.
Delilah coughed, covering a laugh, “I’m surprised he doesn’t have one looking like that…” she caught herself and quickly changed her words, “I mean as nice as he is.”
Jed smirked, shaking his head, “Naw… he’s too picky or something. In fact, you’re the first woman he’s seemed to have noticed in a long while.”
“Well, too bad. I don’t want a man. I just cut one loose who was as worthless as they come. No need for that drama again.”
Jed chuckled as he climbed into his tow truck, “You can say that… but I watched how you looked at him.”
“What – he’s gorgeous. Doesn’t mean I want more than a glance.”
“We’ll see…” Jed waved, leaving Delilah with her mouth agape as he pulled off into the darkness. He was wrong. She didn’t want Parker – sure he was pretty to look at, but that’s all.
She climbed the steps, exhaustion finally hitting her hard, as she shut the front door and made her way upstairs. Delilah slipped off her shorts, leaving her shirt on and climbed into her childhood bed. Tomorrow she’d start going through Momma Belle’s things.
Chapter 4
Tapping his fingers on the steering wheel, Parker stared at the darkened house. He’d gotten this stupid idea to go over to Delilah’s house, but now as he sat in her driveway, he realized he was a complete moron. He watched as the lights all turned off and then sat there, just staring. Parker didn’t know what had possessed him to drive over there, but as he slowly turned around and headed out towards the road, he knew his heart was likely in trouble. He’d been a deputy for the last seven years, landing in Alabama after his time in the military had come to an end. Parker had spent almost ten years as a Marine, serving his country with pride, but after the last deployment, and losing his parents in a house fire, he’d decided to get out. Not knowing really where he wanted to go, he wound up in the small town of St. Florian. He got hired on immediately with the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s department. But out of boredom, started doing odd jobs in construction on his off days. He remembered the day he’d met Isabelle. The old woman was a hoot and nearly ran him over in her prized Ford truck. They got to talking and she offered him part-time work fixing up her place. When he was at her house working, she told him stories of Delilah. She was damn proud of her granddaughter and did not hold a grudge when she left this town after graduating college. She did mention a time or two how much she disliked her boyfriend. Isabelle thought he was bad news, putting his needs above Delilah’s. But, Delilah, a stubborn woman according to Isabelle, refused to listen to reason. Another reason Delilah probably struggled with Isabelle’s death.
Parker pulled off into the Happy Hollow parking lot. Cutting his engine, he glanced at his dash clock… almost midnight. He had another six hours to go before his shift was over. Not much happened in Lauderdale, so he knew he would probably fight sleep more than crime tonight. Parker rested his head against the seat, his eyes closed as he remembered the last day he’d spent with Isabelle. He’d been on the roof trying to cut down the monstrosity of a tree that had fallen on the house. Isabelle had been making jokes about him being shirtless and how she was going to take photos and sell them to the tabloids. Park
er had turned his back for just a second when he heard the scream. Almost falling off the roof, he slid down the side, landing on his feet by some miracle. Isabelle laid on the ground near the water’s edge with a massive oak lying across her body. Blood seeped from her head, and when he’d gotten close enough, he knew she was gone. He remembered the paramedics somber expression when they arrived on scene. The fire department helped him clear the fallen tree and then assisted in getting her into the ambulance. They’d ran lights and siren to the emergency room, more as a formality, but everyone on scene knew she was dead. He came back to her place two days later and destroyed that damn tree. Chopping and hacking at it until it was a mere tattered stump. Then for good measure he’d lit the damn thing on fire. He was pretty sure Delilah could tell it had been burned, yet she said nothing. Isabelle had hoped Delilah would come home, but she never pressed.
Instead, she reminisced about Delilah growing up and shared stories of the girl she was before meeting John. He didn’t know much about the jackass of a fiancé, well, ex-fiancé now, but he knew enough to know he didn’t like the man. Any man that put his needs before the woman he supposedly loves – well, he was a man Parker wanted to pummel. At nearly 35, Parker didn’t see love as being something that was for him. The military, and now law enforcement, made it challenging to have a relationship. There wasn’t a woman he’d met so far that didn’t ask him to quit or find a normal job. Those relationships ended before they began. He had no trouble finding the company of a woman when he was younger, but since meeting Isabelle, those meaningless hook ups became… well, meaningless. He hadn’t been with a woman in years. But now…
The sound of his radio snapped him from his thoughts. Sighing at the sound of dispatch, he responded and pulled from the deserted lot. Two days and he’d be able to talk with Delilah again.
Chapter 5
