by L C Taylor
“FUCK!” he grunted. His thrusts becoming shallow. His breathing slowed as Delilah dropped her leg from his shoulder and around his waist. Parker pressed a kiss to her head before standing and scooping her into his arms. The room was clad in darkness, the candles had all burned out.
“What are you doing?” Delilah could feel his erection pressing against her bottom as he took the stairs with her in his arms. “I’m going to take you to a bed where I can properly worship your body.”
Chapter 8
Delilah woke to the warmth of someone pressed against her. Her legs were tangled between Parkers, his arm draped over her hip, his warm breath brushing the back of her neck. Delilah bit her lip, the wine had played a role in her decisions last night. But damn, it was good. Regret laced her now, knowing she wasn’t in a place to get tangled up with a man right now. Slowly she slipped her leg from his and rolled out of bed. Parker sighed, but his eyes stayed closed as she rushed towards the bathroom. Splashing water on her face, she thought back to last night. John never gave her pleasure like Parker had. He’d fucked her senseless with his mouth and his glorious cock. Her body flushed thinking about how he’d stroked her insides into submission. Delilah turned on the shower and stepped inside after she brushed her teeth. The warm water cascaded over her as she closed her eyes and basked in the heat of the spray. She hadn’t heard the bathroom door open and jumped when Parker stepped inside.
“You left the bed.” He smiled, his body on display for Delilah to see.
“Yeah,” sudden shyness caused her to look away.
“Delilah,” Parker’s deep voice resonated in her gut, “look at me.”
“Parker,” she kept her head turned away, “Last night…” she couldn’t say it, she was so confused, but Parker gently grabbed her chin and turned her to look him in the eyes.
“I don’t know what it means, but I know you drive me crazy.” He grabbed her hand and slid it to his erect cock, “I’m not asking you for anything you can’t give me, but right now…” he pressed his lips to hers, “I want to bury myself inside you in the day light.” He gently lifted her, forcing her legs to wrap around him. The tip of his dick brushed her folds. She pressed her lips against his again, rocking her hips into him, pushing him inside her. His cock filled her channel to perfection. She hissed, letting out a moan into his mouth.
“Fuck… you feel so good,” Parker licked down her neck, nipping at her flesh. His hips bucked forward, pressing her into the shower wall. Delilah rocked and bounced, writhing in sheer ecstasy as Parker drove himself in and out of her slick cunt. She bounced hard, pressing deep into his hips, “Yes, that’s it baby, fuck my cock like you want it.” Parker moaned against her. Delilah was turned on by his dirty talk, making her gasp as he stroked his engorged member inside her. She tilted her head back, the blissful sensation of her orgasm building.
She could feel her walls beginning to tighten, “I’m going to come, Parker. Harder, please.” Parker drove his dick hard and deep. His balls tightened as her pussy clamped down on his cock. He bellowed out a grunt as she screamed his name and came. Her cunt sucked his cock dry as he shot his load deep in her womb.
“Fuck,” he thrusted his hips a few times, before pulling out and setting her on the tub floor. He kissed her, grabbing the loofa and lathering it up. With no words between them, Parker washed her body before rinsing off and stepping out. He left Delilah alone under the water that had begun to run cold. Not sure what was happening between them, she turned the water off and stepped out. Parker was leaned against the counter with a towel wrapped loosely around his waist.
“Look,” he handed Delilah a towel, “I don’t know what this means,” he pointed between them, “but I want to see where it’s going.” He stayed silent as he waited for Delilah’s reaction.
“Parker,” she shook her head, “This was amazing… but – I just need some time to wrap my head around what just happened.” She darted passed him into the bedroom. Grabbing a sundress, she slipped panties and a bra on before pulling it over her head. Brushing her hair into a ponytail, she pulled open the door, “I’ll be downstairs. Take your time getting dressed.”
Parker watched as the first woman in a long time to catch his attention, darted from the room. Shaking his head, he pulled on his jeans from last night. He found a college t-shirt of Delilah’s, obviously two sizes too big, and pulled it on. It smelled of her, making him close his eyes and inhale. God he was in trouble. He didn’t even know if this woman wanted just a romp in the sheets or something more – but he was so smitten with her, he’d take whatever she’d give him.
Walking downstairs he found Delilah staring out the kitchen window towards the dock. “Please tell me this isn’t Johns shirt.” Delilah turned, finding Parker standing there in her college t-shirt.
“No – that’s mine. Though it seems to fit you much better.”
“Yeah, it seems a bit big for you.”
“I bought it that way… to sleep in.”
“Well, I’ll get it back to you in a day or two. Look, Delilah,” Parker moved to stand beside her at the counter, “I don’t want to push you or make this awkward, but last night and this morning,” he sighed, “well, it was the first time in a long time I wanted to do that with someone. This wasn’t just a hook up for me. There is something here, between us, but I’ll give you space. I just wanted you to know where I stood. I’m going to run home. I’ll be back later to work on the house.”
He fingered a lock of her hair that had fallen from her ponytail. “I’m going to kiss you, ok?” Delilah simply nodded as Parker closed the distance and pressed his lips to hers. “See you later, Delilah.”
After he left, Delilah sat at the table staring at the wooden box. Deciding it was time to read what Momma Belle had left, she grabbed it up and headed outside. Walking the short distance to the dock, she pulled a chair out to sit. The cool breeze and early morning sun sent a peaceful calm over her as she pulled out the first letter and tore open the seal.
Chapter 9
Parker grabbed a cold shower when he got home to try and calm his nerves. Delilah had him all tangled up inside. Stepping into his bedroom with the towel draping over his hips, he sat on the bed. Delilah filled his thoughts. Between the stories Isabell had told him and then the time he’d spent with her – although short, his heart clenched when he thought of her. It seemed too quick to have feelings for this woman, but Parker knew that’s exactly what was happening. He was catching feelings for Delilah.
Sitting there, he noticed the letter he’d shoved in his back pocket. Bending over, her pulled it free from the pocket. Smiling he read Isabelle’s message to read it alone. Well, now seemed like the perfect opportunity.
Slipping his finger beneath the seal, he ripped open the envelope. It was only one page, writing in her classic handwritten scrawl. She was the only person he knew that still wrote by hand, refusing to use a computer to do anything. His eyes prickled with tears as he read the message from the woman he’d grown to think of as family.
My dearest Parker,
If you are reading this, it means my time on this earth has come to an end. I’m an old lady, so that means little to me – I got to live my life and it was a grand one at that. First, let me say that our friendship was very dear to me. You are the son I never knew I needed, for that – thank you. I know you struggle with demons from your past, but it’s time you let those go. Your parents wouldn’t want you to die a lonely man. I wouldn’t want that. Now, the purpose of my letter. There were things I hadn’t told you – things I kept secret from you and most importantly from Delilah. I am assuming since you’re reading this, Delilah found my box. That’s good. I wrote them, always planning to give them to her one day. Once I learned, well… that part is not important right now. I just knew this was how she should find them. There will be things that will be hard for her to read. I know she is stubborn and will try to push you away, but Parker – don’t let her. And if that tool of a boyfriend (I refuse to ackno
wledge as her fiancé) is still around, find a way to make her see he’s useless. She’s too good for him. You’ll see what I mean when you spend time with her. I know you feel connected to her from all the stories I shared, use that to build a relationship with her – you’re the last connection she will have to me. Now, the last and most important thing I need from you Parker….
Parker smiled as he read the rest of her letter. She was a sneaky old lady, but he knew deep in his heart, she would get her wish – if it was the last thing he would do as a man on this earth, he’d see to it being fulfilled. Parker tucked the letter back into the envelop and slipped it into the drawer beside his bed. He hurried to get dressed and headed back out. He would give Delilah time to process what was happening with them. Until then, he would just work on the house, making it the perfect place for her – and maybe him if his plans worked out.
Chapter 10
Delilah sat in the chair facing out towards the creek, this place held so many memories for her. She used to swim in these waters – up until she left for college. Pangs of regret filled chest, her grandmother had sacrificed her life to raise her, and Delilah turned tail and ran as soon as she was given a chance.
Fingering the envelopes, she pulled the first one out. She giggled as she saw Momma Belle had handwritten each of them. Her grandmother refused to use a computer, although Delilah had tried to show her. It was part of the reason they’d lost touch over the years. John kept her secluded from everyone, and email was not her forte.
My sweet Delilah,
Words cannot express the emotions I am feeling today. Happiness, sadness, anger, all wrapped into one. My daughter… my sweet, sweet daughter Cassie died today. She was so young, and so full of life. She had her secrets – and as a mom, not knowing those were hard. When she told me, she was pregnant with you, well… frankly I was pissed. I was pissed because she was only a child herself. But then you came into the world screaming with a head of hair, and we were both lost.
Your mom enrolled in college, promising you a better life. She worked so hard to try and become a parent you would be proud of. I know you probably won’t remember your mom, you’re too young, but I promised her, and you, I won’t let her memory fade.
Today was supposed to be your day. Your special moment turning one, but it was marred by a senseless mistake that took your momma from us. We should be celebrating your life, instead we are mourning your mother. I know you have no idea what’s going on. I watched you play and toddle to and from all the guests. Your clueless to the truth to their presence – how I wish I was you. This pain I feel is nearly unbearable, but looking at you smile and giggle, numbs the sadness in me. One day, when you’re old enough, I’ll tell you the truth. But not today. Not tomorrow either. I want your birthday to be a happy moment, so until you’re old enough, this will be my secret. I love you, little Delilah. You’re all I have left of your mom. I will guard your heart with all that I am.
Love you,
Momma Belle
Delilah hadn’t realized she was crying. The tears splashed onto the worn paper, staining the linen sheet with drops of salty wetness. She folded the letter and placed it back into the box. Closing the lid, she wiped at the tears on her cheeks. All these years, she’d been under the impression her mother died during childbirth. Why didn’t she remember her? Another thing Momma Belle had done so selflessly for her. How hard it had to have been to keep this secret all these years, the burden it had to be. Delilah stood, clutching the box to her chest. She hurried up the walkway towards the house. As she got closer, she could hear the pounding of a hammer. Placing the box on the bottom step, she quickly walked around to the front of the house. Parker was kneeling at the base of the front stairs, nailing a board where the one she’d stepped through used to be. He was bent over, his jeans riding low at his hips, and his shirt had ridden up, giving her a perfect view of his sculpted back. She shook the lustful fog from her head and called out, “Parker, I didn’t know you were back.”
Parker glanced over his shoulder, casting her a panty melting grin, “I didn’t want to disturb you. It looked like you were pretty into whatever you were reading.”
“Oh… I was reading the first letter in the box I found.”
“Anything good?”
“Actually – surprising. Momma Belle never told me my mom died on my first birthday – all this time I thought she died when I was born. She didn’t want it to tarnish my day, at least that’s what she said in the letter anyway.”
“Wow. That’s heavy.”
“What about yours?”
“Oh… she didn’t say much. Just thanking me for the friendship.”
Delilah felt like he wasn’t telling her something. But she wouldn’t press, it wasn’t her business anyway – not really. When he was ready, and if there was more to it, he’d tell her eventually.
“Would you like to grab dinner with me? I am almost done with the step.” Parker drove one last nail into the fresh wooden plank, before standing.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea. Look, about last night.” Delilah sighed.
Parker cut her off, “And this morning.”
“And this morning…” Delilah blushed, “I’m just not ready for whatever this might have meant. I need some space. Ok?”
Parker studied her closely, “Space?”
“Yeah – time to get my head on right. I don’t even know if I want to go back to work. You don’t need that drama weighing you down.”
He stepped close to her, his lips only inched from hers as he placed his hand on her hip, “How about you let me decide what I can handle.” He pressed his lips to hers, the heat of his kiss sent a shiver down her spine.
“No,” she pushed him away. “Please. Parker, I need some time to digest this. Ok?”
She darted under his arm and ran inside, letting the door separate them. She was a mess of emotions, most of which she didn’t understand.
Parker watched as Delilah took refuge inside the house. Throwing the hammer, “FUCK!” he swore to the afternoon sky. Kicking at the ground he heaved the heavy wooden board off the step and plopped onto his butt. She was making him loose his mind. Parker knew that Delilah felt something for him, otherwise the sex wouldn’t have been so damn good. Isabelle’s words filtered through his brain, reminding him he needed to get himself in check. He grabbed the discarded tool and tossed it into his truck. He’d give her the space she thought she needed, even if it drove him out of his mind.
Chapter 11
Delilah managed to avoid Parker for two weeks. She made sure to stay upstairs or leave if he was here working on the house. Her emotions were all over the place. She couldn’t deny he made her heartbeat to a tune she’d never felt before. Plopping down in an oversized chair, Delilah pulled the wooden box towards her. She’d been so busy avoiding Parker that she hadn’t read any more. As she pulled the bundle out, she slipped the next one out and ripped open the paper.
My Dearest Delilah,
I can’t believe I watched you walk across the stage and take your diploma. How is it that you’re graduating high school? The past eighteen years have been some of the best of my life. I see the look in your eyes, the same one your mother had. You’re itching to leave, to move on. Know that it’s ok. Go, find yourself. I am so very proud of you and I know your mom is looking down from heaven smiling. She would have been proud to have you as a daughter. I know I have been.
Delilah, when you go, know you can always come home. I know you’re just going down the road, but college will take you from me – turn you into an adult in ways I can’t. I will miss you – seeing you jump into the water, laughing with friends, crying from heartache. But know I am always here and always proud of you.
Go – explore the world, my dear girl. Make your mark – make it good.
I love you,
Momma Belle
Delilah folded the letter and placed it back in the box. Momma Belle knew she was running before she did. Her stomach rolled with g
uilt and anxiety. How could she love her and not have anger for her leaving? Wanting to know more, Delilah pulled another letter out. She craved her words – craved the closeness the letters brought her.
Dear Delilah,
A college grad? I knew you would make me proud. It scared me that I am losing you, though. I know you just want to find the person you’re meant to be, but New York? Couldn’t you do that from here? I know that boy had you wrapped tight – saying all the things you need to hear, but Delilah, sometimes we are too blinded by love to see truth. I won’t stop you – no… I’ll tell you goodbye and wish you well, even though a part of my heart is breaking. I’ve lived a long life. And I’ve seen my share of bad choices, but it’s something you will have to do on your own. And even though I am hurt, it doesn’t change the fact I love you. I do, Delilah you were the second greatest gift I’d ever gotten in life. You and your mom were the blessings God gave me. Take care of yourself. Don’t let John smother you in him.
I love you,
Momma Belle
Delilah sucked in a sob as she crumpled the letter and tossed it into the box. All these years she’d know she’d hurt her – but seeing it on paper just cemented the guilt inside like stone. Grabbing the box, she walked inside. She left it sitting on the table and collapsed on the couch. She couldn’t contain the tears from saturating the soft fabric beneath her.
Parker was stunned. When he walked into Delilah’s, he never expected to find her wrapped into herself crying. He dropped to his knees beside her.
“Delilah,” he ran his hand across her forehead, “what happened?” Her breaths were riddled with sobs and tears. Parker tugged her up, pulling her into his lap as he sat with her on the cushion. He clung to her tightly as her sadness washed over him. After what felt like forever, her tears stopped. Pressing a kiss to her head, “Delilah,” he shifted her so he could look into her eyes, “you ready to talk?”
