Back To You

Chapter 11

       

July 2008
Cole took a pull from the bottle in his hand and glanced across the yard at Delilah. She was breathtaking in the light pink sundress. She had pulled her long dark hair back into a ponytail trying to get some relief from the summer heat. They had been seeing each other for a few months and he knew he had it bad. They hadn't slept together but God knew he wanted her. He was trying to be patient and give her time after what she had been through. He wasn't going to force anything on her. She looked over and caught his eye. She flashed him a smile which caused his heart to skip a beat.

"You have it bad, bro." Joel spoke from beside him. Cole turned to look at his guitar lead. "Huh?"

"You just went gooey eyed when she smiled at you. You've got it bad." He laughed.

"She's... different, J. It's different with her. It's easy."

"You don't have to tell me. She's awesome. You know we love Lila. She's like our little sister."

"I know. But to me...she's so much more than a girl I'm dating.  Her nephew worships her and she adores him. She's good with him. Hell, she's good with me." He laughed. "There's just something about how her smile can just make my day. I can't wait to hear her voice in the morning. I hate bein away from her. When we are apart it's like somethin's missin. It's never happened before. Not with anyone."

"You know what it is, Cole. You just have to admit it. And from the way she looks at you.... She feels the same way." Joel nudged him.

Cole nodded as the woman in question headed towards them. "I'm gonna go see what Chris is into."

Delilah smiled again as she approached him. "Hi."

"Hi yourself." He smiled back.

"Where'd Joel go off too?"

"To see what Chris was doin..."

"Oh."

"You look beautiful, Lils. And this party."

"Thank you. And it's my pleasure. I just hope he likes it."

"From what I hear you're his hero by pullin this off." He grinned.

"Hey Caroline did most of the work. All I did was decorations."

Cole took another pull from his beer. "You made him happy."

"I love him so it was easy." She shrugged.

Cole nodded and tossed his empty beer bottle into the trash. "I'm gonna get another beer. You wanna come with me? You look like you could use a drink."

"Sure." She followed him into the barn where they were keeping all the food cool. Cole opened the fridge and pulled out two Miller Lights. He opened them both before setting them on the bar.

Delilah swallowed hard. Her heart was pounding. It was the first time they had been alone in three weeks. He had been on the road and she was busy planning her brother's birthday party.

He smiled. "You ok?"

"Yes. It's just really hot."

"It's July in Nashville..." He teased.

"I know that..." She laughed.

"God, I love hearing you laugh." He stepped closer to her. She licked her lips. She knew what was coming. He was about to kiss her.

"I've missed you." He whispered placing his hands on her hips.

"I've missed you too." She replied.