“Look, I’m not interested, but I appreciate the offer.” Delilah turned back towards the bartender. She’d drank quite a bit already, making the drive home a problem.
“Who say’s I’m looking for something serious?” He brushed her hair off her shoulder.
“Look,” Delilah jerked from his touch, “I said I wasn’t interested.”
Chapter 14
Parker had just finished assisting Florence PD on a call and was walking back towards his SUV. They’d rounded up about a dozen drunk frat boys and carted them off to jail after they decided it would be a good idea to streak through downtown. Parker wasn’t ready for what he saw inside AlaBrew. There, at the bar, was Delilah. And she looked as though she was having a hard time getting rid of a creep. Jerking the door open, Parker stormed passed the hostess.
“Is there a problem here?” the anger in his voice made Delilah jump.
“Parker.” She smiled, “No, Jackson was just telling me goodnight. Isn’t that right?”
Jackson looked from her to Parker, “Um, yeah. Good night.” He bolted around Parker, bumping his shoulder as he did. Parker reached out and grabbed him by the arm.
“I don’t want to see you around here harassing women again. Or you’ll be spending the night in a cell. You got me?”
“Yes, sir.”
Delilah couldn’t help the giggle that escaped. Parker had gone all alpha male on her. “Geez, Parker. I think he might have pissed himself. Why are you here anyway?”
Parker pressed his hand to her cheek, “You’re drunk.”
“Nah – just a bit buzzied.”
“Buzzied? Delilah, you can’t drive. How’d you get here?”
“I drove, duh.” She started to stand, tripping and falling into his hard chest. “Why do you have to be so damn sexy?” She pushed away from him, “God. I can’t think when you’re around.” Trying to walk pass him, Parker grabbed ahold of her wrist.
“Wait. Let me take you home.”
“No. I can get an Uber.”
“Um… you do remember where you are right? An Uber isn’t going to take you all the way home from here. Hell, I don’t even know if Uber is out here.”
“Fine.” Delilah stormed out of the bar, stopping on the sidewalk. “But I am not riding in the back.”
Parker shook his head, “I wouldn’t dream of sticking you in the backseat. Come on,” he tugged her hand into his, “I’m parked over here.” Parker radioed into dispatch, telling them he would be tied up for a couple of hours. He opened the passenger door and helped her inside. Shutting the door, he rested his head against the cool metal frame. This woman was going to be the death of him.
“Why’d you come out to get drunk, Delilah?” He steered the car towards her house, watching her out of the corner of his eye as he drove.
“Momma Belle knew my engagement would fail.”
“What?” Parker turned to look at her, “What do you mean she knew?”
“Don’t play stupid, Parker. I know you and she were close. I am sure she told you all about how she was disappointed in me for being with John.”
“Delilah, your grandmother loved you. All she ever talked about was how proud she was of you, and how she wished you’d see how much more you deserved. Hell, her admiration and love are what made me fall for you so easily.”
“I’m a screw up, Parker. You deserve someone who has their shit together.”
“Nah… I know what I want. And you do have your shit together. Maybe you need to use your time to write again. Isn’t that what you wanted – before John stole your passion?”
Delilah let his word soak in. Maybe he was right. Perhaps she just needed to start somewhere. And with all the money Momma Belle had left her, she didn’t need to work. “Yeah, maybe you’re right.”
They pulled into the driveway, Parker parked and hopped out before Delilah could say anything. He pulled her door open and helped her out.
“Thanks for the ride. I guess you need to get back to work.”
“Not yet, I told them I’d be out of service for an hour. Let me help you inside.”
Delilah hurried up the steps, pushing the door open and rushing inside. Parker closed the door behind them, “Why don’t you sit down and let me get you some water. You need to hydrate after drinking alcohol.”
“Geez, it’s not like I’m drunk. You’re the one who insisted I let you drive me home, but I'm ok, Parker.”
She flopped down on the couch and watched as Parker removed his gun belt and set it on the table. He filled a glass with water and carried it to her.
“Thanks,” she pressed the glass to her lips, watching him over the edge as she drank. The cool liquid slid down her throat, barley dampening the burning desire she felt in her chest. She set the glass down and stood, pressing her hand to his shoulder, “Parker.” Pressing her lips to his, she melded into his body. His hands wound around her waist, holding her still and he gave into the kiss.
“Wait,” he pushed back, “Delilah, you’ve had too much to drink. I should go.” He stepped around her, grabbing his gun belt from the table and put it on.
“You’re leaving?” Delilah watched in confusion.
“Yes. Look, I want you. But I want you to be sure you want this – me. So sober up and call me tomorrow. I’ll take you to get your car.”
Delilah stood, unsure what to say as he walked out of her house. She was sure he wanted her, and sure, she’d been drinking, but she wasn’t drunk. Angry at herself, she ran upstairs and threw herself onto the bed. How in the hell had her life taken such a fucked-up turn? Between the alcohol and tears, Delilah gave into sleep.
Chapter 15
Parker was pissed. Delilah didn’t understand how much he wanted her – and not for just a night either. He parked his SUV at the station and got out. He was going to avoid her at all costs. She needed to get her head on straight and decide if she was willing to give him a chance… a real one.
“Parker.” The chief called out to him.
“Yeah, Chief?”
“Can you work over?”
“Sure. I can stay as long as you need. I’m off tonight anyway.” Parker was relieved to have something to take his mind off Delilah. He needed to stay busy or he would drive over there and make an ass of himself.
Parker headed towards the locker room. He needed a shower to cool his body down. His nerves were still on fire from their encounter. It had taken everything in him to shut her down and walk away from that kiss. God, he wanted her. But it was more than want… he was sure he was in love with her. And until she pulled her head out of her ass, he was going to stay away.
∞ ∞ ∞
Delilah woke with a pounding headache. She didn’t drink that much, but it was enough to leave her regretting her actions. The memory of kissing Parker, him pushing her away and storming out, flashed in her eyes. Slowly she stood and padded to the shower. She needed to figure out how she was going to get her car. Too embarrassed to call Parker, she texted him. Only to have him text back saying he’d have Jed get her car and bring it to her. Disappointment filled her gut, he was mad and obviously avoiding her now.