Page 99 of A Moment for Us
I lean in and kiss her neck, causing her to giggle. “Anyway, she called me, I came and got him loaded into the car. When I turned to find out where she had gone, I found her standing in this very spot, staring at this house.”
“This very one?”
“This very one. She told me how she dreamed, that one day, she’d own a house with three roofs and windows that looked out at the world. She said she’d meet a man who would love her, give her a home filled with happiness and love.”
Delia turns her head. “She had big dreams and a big mouth.”
“I happened to think her mouth was perfect, and I wanted to kiss her that night.”
“Dirty old man you were, lusting after a fifteen-year-old.”
I burst out laughing, pull her to me, and spin us so we’re both turned to the side, the house silhouetting us. “Do you remember what else you said?”
“I told you that this place was magical and was somewhere that people could forget their troubles if they let themselves.”
“You did. You also said that you met someone who stole your heart.”
“Did you know I meant you?”
I shake my head. “I thought you meant Alex.”
“I didn’t.”
“I know that now, beautiful. I think you stole my heart that day. We stood here, with you looking at that house and the snow all around you, and I thought: God, that girl is special.”
Her hand lifts, pushing my hair back. “And I thought: God, I’d really like him to kiss me.”
I wanted to. So damn bad, but she was young, and I was in college. It felt wrong to think of her that way, so I held back. I gave Delia every indication that she was too young, too immature for me, even though I wanted her more than anything.
But I can kiss her now, so I do. I kiss her with everything inside me. “Sorry I’m a little late on that kiss,” I say as I pull back and press my forehead to hers.
“I forgive you. But if you loved this fantastic girl so much, why didn’t you ever come back for her?”
“Because I was an idiot. I left town, did my best to forget this one magical kiss I had with her, and tried to give her a chance at love.”
“There was no love, Josh,” Delia says with a little bit of sadness.
“No, but I wasn’t ready for you. I knew you’d own me, Delia. I knew that if I let myself near you, I would stay in this town and become what my father wanted. I couldn’t do that. So, I went back to New Orleans after that day in the diner.”
Her lips turn down and she sighs softly. “That kiss is why I never could get over you.”
“I’m sorry.”
She shakes her head. “Don’t be, tell me more about this fantastic girl who you knew would own your heart and soul. She sounds like a keeper.”
I chuckle, and we turn our heads to see the house. “She and I talked for an hour while Alex was passed out in the car. She told me about losing her dad, how she wanted to go to college but was afraid to leave her mom alone, and she made me forget about our age difference.” I take a pause, remembering it all. “You scared the hell out of me that night.”
“Me?” she asks, her voice going up a notch. “What the hell did I do?”
“I wanted you, but I was so much older, and it felt wrong.”
“Is that why you always made me feel like a little girl after that night?”
I nod. “If I put you in that category, I thought it would help.”
Delia smirks. “Guess that didn’t work out for you.”
“I’m glad it didn’t.”
