Finding Nymphaea's Haven

Chapter Ten: Becoming Vulnerable Pt.2

POV: Atticus

We sat there for a bit and chatted. Bringing up sports and places we've been. Turns out Mr. Anderson has been to five places I've gone to that most people don't know about. My favorite one that he has been to is Dry Tortugas, Florida. It's been a couple of years since I've been. Maybe one day I can convince Delilah to go on a getaway vacation there with me. I think she'd love it. Maybe even the Caribbeans could be a first getaway.

"You guys having a good time over here?" Delilah says as she walks up to us from behind the bar.

I could see a little bit of exhaustion in her eyes. But you wouldn't have been able to tell with the smile plastered on her face. Even the tone in her voice sounds peppy and cheerful. I wanted to pick her up and take her somewhere to pamper her in private. Watching her work hard like this started to arouse me. I need to get myself under control before I make a fool of myself.

"Don't worry dear, I didn't tell any embarrassing stories..." Mr. Anderson says then takes a sip of water. "...for now." He slips out quickly after taking the sip. Delilah gave him a quick side eye as he kept laughing. I sat there and smiled at their little spat.

She looks at me for a few seconds. She's studying my face and how I'm reacting. I knew she was trying to get a read on me. Only for her not to know that I was doing the same.

The more I pay attention to her, the more something just feels familiar with her. It's something about her comforting wallflower presence that made me feel this way. I honestly I would believe I knew her in a different life it that was possible.

She kept working and popping by to check on us. We just kept talking about our lives, and things were going. Listening to the interesting stories he kept telling me. I never knew he was such an adventurous adrenaline junkie soul. Kind of reminded me of the phase I went through as a teenager. Always searching for an adrenaline high from something absolutely stupid and completely life risking. I did miss that rush feeling you get. Maybe in some way, trying to win Delilah over was giving me that adrenaline rush feeling again. I don't oppose it either, I need any boost I can get to win this woman over.

It was around five when Mr. Anderson had left the bar for the day. He went over what needed to be finished before closing with Delilah before he left. Him leaving gives me a better chance to be charming without judgment or snarcy comments from Mr. Anderson.

I sat there watching Delilah a little more closely once Mr. Anderson was gone. My attention is drawn to the way she moves so swiftly. Almost in a fast blur motion; she makes it look effortlessly easy. Her warm smile she gives to each customer she helps make my nerves feel tingly. It felt warm and cozy in a way. Just her whole presence is illuminating to me. I honestly can't understand why someone would treat this woman so wrong.

She finally came walking to me from behind the bar. Once she was standing in front of me, she stuck her hands on the bar. Letting her upper body weight lean on her hands and arms. Clearly, she was taking a second to rest. And clearly, she didn't want to say she needed a minute to rest.

"You know, you don't have to stay all night." Delilah says while smiling at me. I could hear a hint of exhaustion, but it was being drained out by the resilient energy sound in her voice.

"Already trying to get rid of me, huh? You got another hot date coming?" I said back to her teasingly. A devilish smirk on my face as she looks at me. She looks all flustered and embarrassed in some way. Seeing her like this made her look even more attractive.

She shook her head and let out a giggle. "Of course not. I'm just surprised you stayed this long. And no, no other hot date. Just the one." She says to me as she smiles lightly.

What she said made me feel confident and pleased. Knowing there's not another suiter in line for her is less to worry about for me. I keep staring at her until she stares back at me. Locking her stare into mine. Neither of us can look away to break the tension between us. Looking in her eyes, I can see the green speckles in the blue iris of them. This is what an astronaut feels like looking down at Earth.

I began to slowly reach for her hand with mine. I'm placing it gracefully on top of hers and keeping it there. She doesn't pull away. She just begins to relax a little more to my touch. Like it's all she needed was to feel me to relax her nerves. Seeing how quickly her nerves surrender to my touch.

I start tracing patterns on the back of her hand. I took my chance while I still had her hand. I wanted to see if there was something more than a s****l desire for each other. I want to know if she wanted more than a physical connection in the bedroom like the one we have now.

Her skin was soft like I was touching clouds. Something about my touch on her skin sends little electric pulses through my fingertips. My heart begins to race more than I thought it would. I notice her gaze look at our hands now. She's watching my hand intently and making me feel flushed now. But her eyes soften a second or two after. I felt a cool rush of relief wash over me then. Sending the flush feeling away.

I always wondered if I could have these kinds of emotions for a woman. I've never felt flushed like this before until the first night I stepped back into this bar since I was twenty-two. Laying eyes on Delilah for the first time opened a door to emotions for new possibilities for me. Usually, I'm sprinting in the other direction to things like this. But there's a small voice in the back of my brain somewhere telling me to stay. There is definitely more than a physical connection with her.

"I could stay here all night and watch you work. Not in a creepy way, though." I say as I laugh after for a few seconds. I'm trying to play it smoothly and woo her. I still had her hand in mine. She didn't even try to pull away or retreat her hand to get back to work. It was making me thrilled to know she wanted to be exactly right here.

She let's out a laugh after mine. "I know you didn't mean it like that." After speaking, she looks up at me. I gaze at her for a few seconds before my thoughts collect themselves. The spell she has on me is stronger than I anticipated.

"Something about watching you work in an environment like this really brings you out of your shell. Like you're actually comfortable here. It's honestly a nice reminder." I said to her. That statement sparked something in her. Her eyes got brighter, looking to me. It was a quick transition when I saw it. Almost made me feel like I saw seeing things. I knew if I left, I would miss little things like that.

I let out a sigh and slowly let her hand go. I look up at her to see her lips form a pouting face. It pulled at my heart string immediately. Instead of chuckling and turning on the casanova charm; like I normally would do, I rest my hand under chin. Making her look at me.

"I know I want to stay a little longer too. But I need to go home for a little bit. But I'll come back as quick as I can." I softly assure her. Seeing her pout even if she's not serious brought out the protective instinct in me. But it also made my heart feel crushed. She wants me not to go yet. Making my insides flutter out of control. I just couldn't help the smile growing on my face.

Once she looked at me and saw my actual smile, her pouty face began to melt away. Turning into a genuine smile. She nodded at me then. I then let go of her and stood up out of the bar stool. I decided to lean up against the bar as close as I could. My face just a few inches away from hers. Looking down at her was nice, considering she's not a short woman. I knew she was around seven inches over five feet. But I still manage to tower over her.

"I promise I'll come keep you company tonight. Maybe make a night out of it if you're up for it." I said to her then.

She kept smiling at me and nodding her head again at me. I can tell she was getting a little embarrassed, but I could see a hint of excitement to the feeling.

"That sounds wonderful to me. I'll see you soon." She says to me then.

Her voice captivated my whole attention. I couldn't stop the drawn feeling I was getting. I realize that I begin to move closer to her face slowly. Once I realize my movements, I immediately lock eyes with Delilah. She didn't flinch she didn't try to shy away. She didn't even look scared or nervous anymore. I then move a little quicker to her face. My lips find hers instantly and intensely. She melted immediately into mine then. I then moved my hand to the side of her face to hold her where I wanted her.

Her lips were soft as a rose petal. I didn't think I would get away with slipping my tongue in her mouth, but shocking, she welcomed my tongue. Letting me taste the sweet mint flavor on her saliva. The smell of her coconut body wash filling my nostrils was all I could breathe in. I'm feeling intoxicated by both the aromas. I don't want to stop, but I know I eventually need to go.

Once I pulled away from her, I could hear some employees snickering and oohing at us. I ignored it and kept looking at Delilah. She was breathless when I let her go. Her eyes were wildly wide, staring at me. I smiled at her. Trying to control my breathing and compose myself before she noticed. I got up and said goodbye to her before walking out of the bar.

...

I get home and immediately head to the office room inside. Filling out paperwork and making calls for deadlines that were due. I began to wonder why my dad took all these cases when he knew his condition wasn't the best for this.

I decided to open the email account my father had made for the company. I then found an email sent from yesterday. It looked like it was from the new assistant dad hired months before he passed. Turns out she had almost everything I needed done sent to me. No wonder dad hired this person. They clearly keep this place running, and dad trusted them. I honestly can't wait to find out more about this person and what else they are capable of.

I didn't have much left to do in the office after I printed every document the assistant sent. Once I finished everything, I turned everything off and left the room. Heading to the master bedroom, walking directly towards the closet. I got out a pair of dark blue denim jeans and a white v-neck t-shirt. Along with socks and underwear before heading towards the bathroom on the other side of the room.

I stopped for a second. I'm looking over at my bed. Imagining the night I had Delilah in those sheets. The pillows still smell like her. The scent soothes me when I'm sleeping in the bed. I need her back in my bed. I need her full scent in this bed, not just the pillows. I hope I can convince her to come back over one night. I know it's got to be hard when you have kids. I honestly wouldn't mind them staying with us. I'll just have to come up with ways to keep her quiet when I worship her body. It'll be a fun challenge for me.

I had to have been in the shower for about six minutes. Washing everywhere and trimming my beard a little. It was starting to get a little out of line. I don't remember the last time I had no facial hair. I had to have been my early twenties. I like having a beard and a mustache. With it still being full from taking care of it, I don't have to have it thick or growing long. Plus, I haven't had a complaint from the ladies. Delilah seems to like it, so I will keep it. I just hope she doesn't like men with no hair. I don't know how I'd look if I go bald in the face. I chuckle to myself.

I got out and wrapped the black towel around my torso. I used a hand towel to dry my hair off. Nodding my head to the beat of the music I had blaring in the bedroom. I began to open my top shelf to retrieve my toothbrush and toothpaste. My heart froze when I heard a familiar sultry laugh come from behind me.

I turned around to find who I was dreading on seeing again in this town. Let alone in my own house uninvited.

"My my Atticus, you haven't changed at all. That was one thing I've always liked about you." Rebecca says to me seductively. Leaning against the door frame eyeing me intensely.

I felt my patience wearing thin. I had absolutely nothing to say to this woman. "Look, Rebecca, I don't know how you got in here, but you can wait downstairs. I won't ask you again, move." My voice was firm and harsh. I knew it was just by the look on her face. Changing to this sad pouting face. She was trying to make me feel guilty, which wasn't going to work this time.

"Okay, if you insist. I'll be waiting for you, Atty baby." She sing-songly says as she leaves the room. I let out a sigh of relief that she didn't insist on staying in here. I immediately close the door and lock it quickly. In case she decides to turn around and push further.

What the hell is she doing here? How did she even get in the house. I had new locks installed when I moved into the house. Just for this reason, but figured it would be my own mother to barge in like this. I quickly got dried and dressed. Bolting downstairs to get rid of Rebecca soon.

I found her in the office room. Examining the desk area. She still looks the same after all these years. Her short red hair framed her oval shaped face. Her hair is just as bright as her green eyes. Everything about her hasn't changed much except her age that was starting to show. I used to hold a soft spot for this woman, but now I was ready to never see her again.

She looks up at me when she notices my presence. A devilish grin rose on her face as she eyed me. "What, the towel outfit didn't suit for our conversation?" She says in a teasing voice. Making my skin crawl in discomfort.

"What do you want, Rebecca?" I make my way to the bar table. Pouring myself a glass of scotch while waiting for her to answer me.

"Did you really think I wouldn't find out that you're back? And you didn't even bother to call me." She responds while taking a seat in the chair at the desk. I turn to look at her then. She couldn't be serious about that. I have every reason not to call this woman ever again.

"Why would I have called you? We aren't together anymore, Rebecca. Haven't been for six years." My voice went cold immediately at her response. I was beginning to get irritated. I was wasting time talking with her when I could be back with Delilah.

"You do realize your mom still wants us together. She's been pushing for it for years now. Besides, I've changed Atty. I have grown while you've been away." She begins to debate in her favor with me. I scoff and roll my eyes.

Of course, my mother would be involved in this in some way. That woman never liked any other girl except for this one. Probably because they're both alike in a lot of ways. She's definitely the daughter my mother never had.

"I highly doubt that. I could care less what my mother thinks as well. There is nothing left for you and I."

She barks out a laugh. "Oh, come on! You're really going to tell me that you don't miss me? You really don't miss how I could make your body feel?" The lust in her eyes growing after saying that. She starts to let her fingers trace the shape of her body. I knew she was trying to seduce me then. I look down at my feet and shake my head.

"I remember you used to love taking me in this office. Especially in this chair." She starts to rub the arms of the chair. Elevating her upper body out to make her chest poke out towards me. Inviting me to come closer to her. My skin began to boil then. I could feel the heat radiating through my body. I knew the anger and rage wanted to take control of this situation severely.

"I could have sworn you liked bending over the desk better." I said to her. I kept a serious poker face meanwhile she's in utter disbelief about my statement.

She quickly clears her throat as I make my way to stand in front of the desk facing her. "I like it however you like it, Atty baby." Her voice sounding breathless. Like she was in the middle of an orgasam. Her hands reaches out at the button of my pants. I quickly grab her by her wrist when she got a few inches away.

She immediately looks up at me with some kind of look in her eyes. It wasn't fear but it wasn't shocked either. Like she wanted me to do this. She really thinks she can snake her way back into my life.

"You know I never f****d you over this desk. But I know you f****d Aris over this desk." I said calmly and bitterly to her as I held onto her wrist still.

That's when the lust withered away from her body. Giving me a harsh look in disgust as she scoffs and pulls her wrist away. I knew I had the upper hand then.

"Since you want to be like that, I will leave. But first I am here to tell you that your mother wants us to work together for the charity next month. I know your father always participated in the charity events for the town and he had already signed this office up for every event the town is having."

I groan out loud. I wasn't about to act like I was thrilled to be doing this. I know how much it meant to my dad to help out in the charity events to raise donations for the community. He always did his best to pitch in anyway he could. Clearly he wants this tradition carried on.

"Let's make one thing clear Rebecca. I'm doing this for my father. This meant a lot to him. There is nothing between us this is professional business. Don't try to convince me on anything else." I barked at her as she walked towards the door.

She stops at the doorway and turns to look at me one last time before leaving. She held a high and mighty stance while staring me down. A wicked smile played on her lips before she decided to say anything.

"Oh Atticus. You'll realize you can't do better than me. You'll come around and I'll be here waiting." She let's out a little flirty giggle. She then puts a finger up in the air. "By the way, if you don't want people walking in while you're indisposed you should make sure your door is locked." With that she walks out and leaves the house.

I stood there pinching the bridge of my nose. I couldn't believe dad would sign up for every event and not say anything. He had to have known that woman would be involved in the charities. Her family being important people to the town.

Her father being our best trauma surgeon in town. Her mother is the school superintendent of the town and very good friends with my mom. Rebecca's family has been in my life since I can remember. There's no getting rid of them easily like I would love to do.

I quickly got my things together and locked up before leaving the house. I had finished tidying up the house after Rebecca left. Putting me in an annoyed mood for wasting my time.

I haven't talked to her since she called me that day. Coming here looking for me and found my room almost empty. I had broken up with her during that phone conversation and telling her I left and would never return. I remember she laughed and said I would return that it was in me to never stay away from this town. She was right about that, but she was definitely wrong about wanting her back.

I finally arrive back to the bar and parking my bike closer to the entrance this time. Luckily some spots were open. I begin to look for Delilah. Scoping the place out for her just like earlier. I didn't see her at all. I walk over to the bar then.

"Hey there! How can I help you?" A young lady pops out from the back kitchen entrance and approached me. She had to have been new I've never really seen her in here. I know they were looking for more help but never saw any new faces since the search.

I gave her a small smile. "I'm looking for your boss. I'm a friend of hers she told me to meet her here." I said to her politely.

She gives me a big smile then. Looking at me like I'm eye candy. She even let out a small nervous sounding laugh. "Yes she's here. But I haven't seen her for a few minutes. Someone came in that really needed to talk to her."

I thanked her and told her I'd look out on the patio. No one was inside the bar when I looked around. I head to the door to the patio to continue my search.

I take a few steps out the door and look towards my left. There were a few people chatting and drinking. Even a few dancing to the music playing out here. I didn't see her in sight. I began to have this pit feeling then. The hairs on my neck standing up instantly. Something was wrong and I knew it.

"Let me go now!"

I instantly turn to where I heard Delilah's voice. My protective instincts kicking into high gear as I heard her yell that. I look over to the right there were a few people who looked the same direction as I was looking for. What I saw sent my anger over the edge. After everything this bastard has already put me through, he had the audacity to pull something like this. I wasn't about to let him touch her like that. He just signed his f*****g death wish.