Finding Nymphaea's Haven

Chapter Nine: Becoming Vulnerable Pt.1

POV

Atticus

I knew she started her shift at eleven today. As much as I wanted to go up there immediately, I knew she would be busy for the first few hours of her shift. It's best if I keep myself occupied until close to one o'clock. I can't help but feel giddy excited about seeing Delilah. That woman makes my days just a bit brighter than before.

I spent some time working out and cleaning up the house. I ended up painting the walls in the house downstairs a dark brown color. It was the best color that suits the esthetic of the house. I even spent time cleaning the pool and hot tub out. Since it was still hot enough to swim. I knew this would come in handy in the near future, hopefully. As long as I play my cards right.

It was a little after one when I hopped in the shower. Rinsing off the sweat and dirt before leaving the house. Once I was done rinsing off, I got dried off. I stuck on some jeans and a black t-shirt with my leather jacket. I decided to let my hair air dry while I drove my bike there. I left the house once I stuck on my Street and Steel Kickstarter riding shoes and had everything I needed.

The drive on the way there was refreshing. Feeling the warm summer breeze wrap around me while driving the bike. It's been a while since I've driven my Kawasaki Ninja 650. Even before I moved out here, I hadn't taken it out in a while. I did keep up with the maintenance on it, so the drive was absolutely smooth. I really need to take it out more. Who knows, maybe Delilah will like it and be my backpack.

Once I got there and parked, I walked towards the entrance of the bar. Walking in and looking around at the place. I really haven't been here during the day like this. The sunlight made it so bright in here that you didn't really need any of the lights on. The owner is smart how he built his place. Not having lights on during the day definitely saves him a fortune on an electric bill. I see they only use ones that they have to use. There weren't a lot on that you don't really notice them with the natural light from the sun hitting the windows. Surprisingly, it's not even hot in here either. Must have some type of special glass. Bet it cost highly for it and if he had to replace it as well.

I look around to see the employees working peacefully while there isn't much business happening. Things inside the bar seem peaceful and relaxing to be in. The type of environment you want for a bar like Lucky A's.

I kept looking around for Delilah. I didn't see her amongst the employees. My eyes skimmed the patio area outside. I began to feel frantic when I still didn't spot her. Maybe she didn't come in after all. It was right when I was close to the door to enter the patio when I stopped in my tracks.

I finally spotted her. I don't know how to explain it, but something told my whole body to turn towards the end of the bar. I did, and there she was, sitting at at the very end of it. Her back was facing me; no wonder I didn't see her. She was sitting there peacefully with her attention in a book. I kept staring at the back of her as I made my way next to her. Her long black hair was down and free. Even from the back, she looked breathtaking.

I finally got next to her and sat down beside her. I placed my helmet on the bar next to my left side. She still didn't look over at me, but her body language expressed that she sensed my presence. I didn't mind waiting. Getting to stare at her while this concentrated was the real prize.

She was so focused on the book. I noticed it was something for a business class. I didn't know she was trying to earn a degree in business. I didn't even know she was in college. I noticed she would scrunch up her nose every once in a while. I knew the smell of my colonge and body wash was distracting her. I love the way she looks when her nose is like that. The innocence peeking when her face looks like that. How happy and calm she was surrounded by my scent. It made me feel noticed like I've never been before.

Her gaze slowly turned to my direction and froze immediately when she saw it was me sitting next to her. Her face began to turn red in the cheeks. Her mouth even made a small oh shape when she realized it was me the whole time. She looks absolutely extraordinary. It is just magnificent and beautiful when she gets all embarrassed and flustered. My presence being a reason for that makes me even more attracted to her. I am completely drawn and captivated by everything she already does.

"You made it!" She says quickly but with a sweet tone in her voice. I could tell she was trying to play it off. I gave her a devilish grin then. She started to turn red again, and it made me chuckle so low that she didn't hear it. She had to have known that I truly believe that I see her for her. There's no way I'm taking my eyes off her when she's this way.

"I made it in time to see how concentrated you get." I say to her while using my head to gesture towards the book. I've been wanting to know more about her, and now is my chance.

"I'm just reading up on my studies, and my boss has been helping me." She says as she holds the book up in front of us. Giving me a better look at the book. The title of the book was 'Blue Ocean Strategy' by Renée Mauborgne. I've never heard of the author. But then again, I got my degree in law. I have an assistant to help make sure the business stays running. From what I heard, she has been doing a great job since my dad hired her before he passed away. This assistant just may need a raise with how excellent our funds have gone up and things are taken care of quickly.

I reached out for the book in her hand. Letting my fingers graze hers as I grabbed the book. Lingering for just a second or two against her fingers. The skin on her fingers was soft as velvet. Making my fingers tingle into numbness against hers. I didn't want to stop touching her hand. It felt nice and comfortable to be this close to a woman like her. But I can't keep lingering like this. I don't want to scare her off. Some women don't like clingy men. But God, if she asks me not to stop, I will do as she wishes.

As I open the book, I begin to discover the contents of it. I read some of the book but not too much. Maybe I could use this book. Since I am the owner of the firm now. Maybe I should brush up on my business knowledge for the near future.

I was so concentrated on the book. The strategies and knowledge this man talks about for business management were astonishing. I learned things I never even thought I would think I needed to know. It is intriguing my attention to continue the book some more. I then felt her eyes on me. My attention is starting to come back to reality.

I look over at her slowly then. Coming face to face with her. I paused on her face, looking at her long. I kept studying her expression and the smoothness of her face. No lines were visible as she stared at me now. I've seen some lines when she's mad or upset so far. I knew she wasn't either of those.

I couldn't help but to wonder what she was thinking while watching me. I've seen women stare me down like a piece of meat before. But the way she watched me wasn't like that at all. It was more sincere and vulnerable than I've seen on a woman's face in a moment like this.

I know she's not the normal type I keep my attention on, but something about her was not like any type of woman I've even known before. She's more unique and exotic than most women. She's the type of beauty that most attractive women would be threatened by. Just cause how pure and rare of a woman she is. They don't make women like Delilah anymore. She could have any pick of men to show any interest in. Somehow, I managed to catch her interest, and I just hope I keep it.

I noticed her attention draw away from mine. I began to look to see what was grabbing her attention now. An old man starts walking towards us. He had to of been in hid mid fifties close to sixty. For a man his age, he seemed to be in good health. I was sure he was the owner of the bar. Watching Delilah's face light up as looking at him, I could tell he was important to her. They must be very close to one another. Especially if he is helping her with her studies. I don't know many bosses that go out of their way to help their employees like this. At least not from the city I moved from. Seeing this was a nice change.

"How was your phone call, Mr. Anderson?" Delilah asks him as soon as he gets closer to us. She even got up and offered her seat to him. He gladly took it, too. Giving her a light smile and patting her cheek lightly. A way you would do to your child when they're being sweet to you. I kept watching her with him. I was intrigued by how compassionate she was for this man. I knew she felt me watching her. She kept trying to avoid eye contact with me. Making me more excited than before.

"Oh, it went as expected, but I got what I needed in the end. That's all that matters." Mr. Anderson said to her in a triumph tone. She squeezed his hand and gave him a light smile. I could tell she was happy for him. Just by that small reaction to his news said it all.

"That's fantastic to hear! Everything has been good out here, too. Everyone has everything under control." She says to him as she walks behind the bar counter. Probably to get ready to go back to work, but make a quick chat with Mr. Anderson.

I watched Mr. Anderson, as he took a sip from the glass of iced water, she gave him moments after getting back there. I noticed he was scoping me out a few times. I think Delilah noticed it as well. I could see the nervousness in her on her face. She was still avoiding making eye contact but kept looking at my hands when she wasn't looking over at Mr. Anderson.

"I know you have everything under control, sweetheart. I wouldn't have made you bar manager if you didn't." He said to her as he chuckled. I could see the tension in her body begin to smooth away then. Watching how composed and poise she was being through this was incredible. The way she does it so quickly makes me envy her. I wish I could be that composed when necessary.

I saw Delilah finally look at me and hold my eye contact. I knew Mr. Anderson was staring me down, but I didn't mind. Right now, I just want to look into her eyes. They were shimmering this time. They're more of a crystal blue color. Just two beautiful crystal blue ponds hidden in the mountains. I just want to drown in the depths of her eyes.

"And who is this young man?" Mr. Anderson asks out loud then. Snapping me back into reality. I knew he was asking me more than Delilah.

I then turn to face him. I'm getting a better look of his face up close now. I then realized that this man was somehow related to her friend Daisy. I could tell he has the same nose and cheekbone structure. He almost looked like a female version of Daisy if he had long red hair, not his short dark red-orange hair. I can see he has taken Delilah as one of his own besides Daisy. I knew then that this man was going to test me. To see if I'm suitable for a magnificent woman like Delilah. I need to play my cards smart and right.

I let out a small light chuckle before answering this gentleman. I thought the young man remark was quite ironic. I haven't heard someone call me that since my father was alive. He knew that kind of comment made me feel humble. I haven't felt like a young man in quite some time. Just hearing that from this gentleman, I know nothing about made me feel like an open book then.

I held my hand out in front of me. Waiting for him to accept it with his. I gave him a smile when he looked skeptical for a second. I wanted to win this man over. I knew I needed to, or I could kiss any chance with Delilah goodbye.

"My name is Atticus, sir. It's nice to meet you." I said to him then. Seconds felt like hours that passed before he finally took my hand and shook it.

From my peripheral vision, I could see Delilah sigh of relief when he took my hand. I tried not to break eye contact with him. He has a firm grip on my hand. I can tell he's testing my strength the best that he can. He looks impressed by how calm and collective I am while he's trying to death grip my hand. He then lets go to take a drink of his water and smile at Delilah.

"So how do you know my Lilah?" He asks me as he looks over at me again. His voice is firm like a fathers would be. Interrogating the suspect that has it for his daughter. I actually admire this man showing this side of him for Delilah. She is clearly important to plenty of people.

"We actually met here just the other day. It was during her shift on Thursday. We met again at the party the girls went to Friday." I responded to Mr. Anderson's question.

I took a quick glance at Delilah to see her reaction. I couldn't read it this time. I knew she knew I was watching her as much as possible, but I couldn't read how she was taking that or this situation. Her face went completely poker face. Honestly, it had my balls shriveling up to nothing just seeing her that poised.

Mr. Anderson looked at Delilah before I looked away. Casually acting like I was watching the TV behind her. I saw her give him a small smile when she looked at him. She looks casual about how I answered his question. Maybe there was more into it than I was reading, but he didn't say anything else about it.

He began to ask me what I did for a living and when I moved here. I answered his questions as Delilah began to walk away to help the bartender. We started talking more about sports we played growing up. Finding out he used to play football and soccer here growing up. How his team went to state four years in a row. Come to find out, he knew my dad. They were actually really close friends growing up. Even when he moved us out of this town after he divorced my mom.

"Your dad was a great man, you know. Hearing him pass away was hard to take in. That man held us all together. I know you're making him proud." He says to me empathetically as he puts a hand on my shoulder.

I nodded to him and halfly smiled at him. I knew my dad was a great, respected man in this town. My mom tried so hard to ruin that for him but never could.

"I actually heard you're taking over his law firm as well. I know someone who's been working there for a little bit now. They have told me how your dad ran a safe and content business before he got sick. I hope you'll be the same in your own way, though." He says to me before he takes a drink of his water.

Hearing this man say this to me and me feel under pressure somehow. Like he knew this person very well and I should take what they think into consideration. And I don't even know who this person he speaks of. But his tone left me feeling suspicious of what he's not saying.

"I do my best to take what my father taught me and turn it into my teachings as well. Just with my own spin on them." I said to him before I took a drink of whiskey. Giving him a smirk as he's chuckling at my response.

I noticed Delilah looking over in our direction. She did that a handful of times while she's been working. I know she's getting nervous about us two being alone. Probably afraid of what Mr. Anderson could possibly say to scare me away. It's like watching a girl with her crush and dad in a way. It's cute and makes her look absolutely innocent of anything this man tells me.

"You know she has kids. They're amazing kids, too. Love those little squirts." Mr. Anderson says as he nudges my forearm lightly. I look over at him then and nod.

"I figured you knew. She's pretty good at making it known immediately. She says she wants to be out and open about it, but I think she does that to scare men off. I mean, men nowadays aren't too big on raising some other man's kids. I can see why she's so nervous now." He chuckles and shakes his head before taking a gulp of water.

"Look, Atti, I know you went through some tough s**t growing up. Even after the accident. Hell, your whole family went through hard times. But if your past has darkened your values or thoughts, you need to leave that family alone. They've been through enough trauma and pain to last for a lifetime. Just think about what I said, son. I know you'll do the right thing no matter what you choose."

The smile on his face was sincere and somewhat stern about what he had said. I can't blame him for being protective over her. He never had kids and only had his niece and nephews. Clearly, he thought of Delilah as family, almost like a daughter. I couldn't help but admire the man for how big of a heart he has. Made me miss my father in so many ways. He would have given me the same advice that Mr. Anderson just gave me.

"I promise Mr. Anderson, I'm willing to wait or take baby steps. Whatever she wants, I'm willing to go along with it with her."