Delilah told me a few days ago how Delaney’s opening up a bit more to her, and it makes me very happy. I want her to bond with Delilah, because I see her being part of my life for a long time. If she wants to, that is.
“You did a fabulous job with helping Cassie and Delilah,” I comment, knowing Delaney busted her arse with all the work she put into the event. She got up early and stayed up late. Even members of the security team were going out and about with her on trips into the city for things they needed tonight.
“Thank you. I’m really seeing myself doing this for work, or something close to it, at least. It was stressful at times, but I enjoyed doing this. Hopefully, if Delilah or Cassie need my help again, I can help them out.” Delaney smiles softly, but I don’t miss the hidden message.
“Don’t worry, I’ll talk to Delilah about asking you if she needs your assistance in the future.” I speak up, wrapping my arm around my sister.
“You’re literally the best. Thank you so much!” Delaney giggles.
“Speaking of Delilah, what’s going on with the two of you?” Eamon prods. As far as my siblings know, I’ve been spending time with Delilah. They’ve made jokes about hearing her in the middle of the night, but I know they want more details. I’m surprised he’s been so quiet about what’s been going on between Delilah and me. I should’ve known at some point he’d be asking questions.
“Something, but I’m not sure what. We haven’t put a label on anything,” I answer honestly.
A waiter comes up with a tray of champagne, and we each take a glass. I sip on the bubbly liquid, and Eamon nods. “Interesting. I figured you’ve been interested in her for quite a while and locked it down by now.”
“Who says I haven’t?” Instantly I’m frustrated with him.
“Um, you just sort of did,” Delaney reminds me.
“Shite, brother. What do you think I’m going to do, make a move on her?” I know Eamon wouldn’t do something like that, but the mere suggestion I haven’t locked my relationship with Delilah down doesn’t bode well with me.
“No, I’d never think that.”
“What’s with the attitude then?” Delaney asks, and her eyes are focused on me.
“I’m just . . . sorry,” I glance over at Eamon, “I didn’t mean to get pissy with you. Just realized I’m a bit angry with myself for not putting a label on this. I’m happy with her, and I don’t want to lose what we’re creating.” I’m not a man who enjoys speaking about his feelings, but the only people I will have in-depth conversations about this will be Delilah and my family.
“Don’t sweat it. I was only fucking with ya.” Eamon cackles, and a hot blonde walks by. His eyes follow her movements and he clears his throat before looking back at Delaney and me. “I believe I’m needed elsewhere, to discuss charity and whatnot. I’ll see you both later,” he says and walks after the blonde. Meanwhile, Delaney’s giggling beside me because we both know he doesn’t want to talk about charity. He only wants to keep his bed warm tonight.
“Would you like any advice about Delilah, or am I speaking out of turn?”
“I’d always appreciate advice, and you can’t ever speak out of turn, Delaney. You’re my sister and your opinion is always respected.”
“Man, I don’t know what I did to deserve a brother like you, but I have to let you know I love you so much. You’ve always acted more like a father to me than anything, but I’m very lucky.” I’m not an emotional guy, but fuck, her words just hit me in the heart.
I pull Delaney closer against my side and kiss the top of her head before letting her go. “You were going to give me advice, yeah?”
“Oh shoot, yep.” Delaney pauses to clear her throat. “I’m not a professional in the dating game or anything, but I do think you need to tell her how you feel. You’ve never been this happy before, Keenan, and I know this is a bit new . . . but we all see the way you look at her. Just give it a full go and see where it takes you.”
Delaney is wise beyond her years. She’d be the one to tell anyone to follow their dreams and shoot for the stars. “Thank you, I might just have the opportunity to do that.”
Delilah walks away from the woman in the bright pink dress and heads over to where Delaney and I are standing with our champagne. “You look beautiful,” Delilah tells my sister, and Delaney smirks.
“So do you!”
“Thank you so much. How has the event been so far? I’ve been in work mode, but I’ve just gotten the charity another gold sponsorship,” Delilah adds.
“That’s amazing. Congratulations, D!” Delaney tells her as a waiter with champagne glasses walks by. I flag him down with a wave and take a drink from the tray, handing it to the woman who I hope will agree to take things to the next level with me.
Delilah’s father walks by us, and she takes a hefty sip of her champagne. “Is everything okay?” I ask, and she gives me a couple nods. I’m sure it’s still tense for her. Shite, I didn’t even think about wanting to have this conversation with her tonight. Obviously, her father doesn’t know anything, and they have an interesting relationship with each other regardless.
“Oh, Cassie’s waving me over. I’ll leave you two be.” Delaney speaks up, and I glance to where Cassie’s talking to a couple of men in tuxes. I don’t see her waving, so I guess Delaney took that as her cue to give us some space.
“Sorry, I haven’t said a word to him and this is a bit odd. I do want to say something to you, though.” Delilah grabs my hand and leads me outside toward the terrace. She wants to give the two of us a bit of space from prying ears, and I’m all for it. “What you said earlier in the car . . . I, um. I want you to know that it meant a lot to me and it gave me the push I needed to be able to say this to you—”
I could be wrong, but I think I know where she’s going with this. I take her flute of champagne from her hand and set it on the marble railing, as well as put my own drink next to hers. With my index finger, I tip her chin to look up at me, and with her pouty lips, I struggle to hold my desires back. I could fuck her right now with the way she’s looking at me, but this isn’t the place to do so.
“Keenan.” Delilah says my name in a breathless manner, and I inhale through my nose. Instead of speaking, I bring my lips to hers and inhale her like she’s the air I breathe. Our kiss is deep, passionate, and yet raw. Her body melts against mine and she wraps her arms around my neck. God, she’s a vision, and she’s exactly what I’ve always wanted. Every bit of fear I once had about ruining our friendship is replaced with excitement. Replaced because we know we’re damn near perfect together as a romantic couple.
