Page 27 of Until Delilah

“Max’s place does have a great view. I’m sure that doesn’t hurt.”

I slap at his chest. “Are you going to be disappointed in me if things don’t work out between us?”

Pulling my head back down to rest on his shoulder, he hugs me. “Not at all. I only want you to be happy. Tomorrow we’re going to take Beck with us to look at places, so you and Max can have some alone time.”

It’s good to know my parents like Max so much. Maybe I should have listened to them more about the relationships I was previously in.

My dad pats my leg. “I’m going to give you some alone time with Max before the pizza gets here. I have a feeling it’s going to be chaos once the food arrives.”

“I think you’re right. I don’t know what he was thinking inviting the whole team over.”

Standing, my dad leans down and kisses my forehead. “I think he did it for Beck. Save me a seat when it’s time to eat.”

“You got it.” I smile as I watch my dad go to my mom and wrap his arms around her from behind and then kiss the side of her neck. When I was growing up, I thought their affection was gross, but now it only makes me happy and yearn for it myself.

Sitting down in the seat my dad just vacated, Max leans over and whispers, “I love your parents.”

“They love you. They’re going to take Beck with them tomorrow when they go look for a place to buy here.”

Max’s blue eyes widen almost comically. “That was fast.”

“I think they’ve fallen in love with Murfreesboro just like I did, but they’re not moving here permanently. They want to be able to watch as many games as they can of Beck’s and be here when the baby comes. They’ll still be traveling for work and living in California. The reason they’re taking him with them is to give us some alone time.”

“Oh.” He draws the word out. “Maybe I should ask you out on a date then. Make it official.” He smirks down at me.

“Maybe. I might say yes.” I shrug like there’s a possibility I’ll say no.

A strong wave of nausea hits me, and I fight off the need to be sick.

Worry creases the area around his eyes. “Are you feeling okay?”

“I’m nauseous. I’m hoping it’s something I ate earlier not the start of morning sickness.” I’m only kidding myself though. I know it’s morning sickness.

The tip of one of Max’s fingers skates along the side of my leg under the table where no one can see it. “Will you be up for a date tomorrow?”

“Nothing, not even a little morning sickness could keep me away, but first you have to ask me.” I raise one brow as I look at him.

Picking my hand up, he asks, “Delilah, will you do me the honor of going out on a date with me tomorrow?”

I can feel eyes on us, but I don’t care. I’m not going to let them ruin our moment. “I’d love nothing more.”

Bringing my hand up to his mouth, Max brushes his soft lips along the top while keeping his eyes locked on mine before he pulls it to his chest to bring me closer to him. “I’m going to kiss you now.”

All I can do is nod, wanting nothing more. I want to feel those lips on mine. I’ve wanted it for days. Slowly, as if someone turned the world to slow motion, Max’s hand comes up to grasp the nape of my neck as he leans in. The kiss is tentative at first. Only our lips touching as zips of electricity make my lips tingle with delight. I hum against their softness. My eyes flutter closed, wanting to cherish this moment for the rest of my life.

Angling my head, Max takes control as he deepens the kiss, sweeping his tongue along the seam of my mouth. Gladly, I open for him, meeting his tongue with mine. I make a move to crawl into his lap when Max breaks the kiss. He’s got a lazy smile on his face, and his eyes are hooded with need. I try to make my move again when he chuckles. “Maybe we should wait until we don’t have an audience.”

I jump back, having forgotten where we are and who’s around us. Covering my face with my hands, I groan. “I’m sorry. I…” I swallow down the bile that’s slowly climbing up my esophagus.

Heated breath fans across the side of my face and neck. “It’s alright, beauty. I like the fact you lost yourself in our moment. There’s nothing I want more than to have you on top of me.”

Clamping my mouth shut, I nod in agreement. My body feels like it’s on fire, making it almost impossible for me to hold back from being sick. “I’m sorry. I’ve got to…” I stand abruptly, no longer able to hold back, and run inside the house.

I can hear the clamor of the guests as I dash through the house and up the stairs. I barely make it inside the bathroom and slam the door shut before my breakfast is greeting me and the toilet.

Retch after retch follows until I’ve got nothing left inside of me to throw up. My stomach muscles clench and ache leaving me feeling miserable on the bathroom floor. Closing my eyes, I rest my arms on the toilet seat, and lay my head on top of them, trying to catch my breath and make sure I won’t start dry heaving again.

I can’t tell how long I’ve been laying there when I hear the door open and close. I don’t even have the energy to tell whoever it is I want to be left alone.

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