Her words punch into me. It’s sweet pain. A small voice in me wants to say I’m not good; I’m not remotely the best. But if she has to believe in how I see her, I have to do the same.

Her gaze searches my face in wonder. “I’d told myself I made that deal with you for my family, but when I walked into your office, I felt alive in a way I hadn’t for ten years. I know now that I made that deal for me too. I’m here for you, Macon. That’s the honest truth.”

Expelling a long breath, I grip the nape of her neck, holding on. “We going to do this, Delilah?”

“Yes, we’re going to do this.”

Weirdly, it feels as though I’ve been waiting my whole life to hear that.

By silent agreement, Delilah and I spend the day together, simply soaking each other in. We hang out like we did as kids, only this time, it’s Delilah who is curled up against my side when we watch movies. It’s Delilah whose hair I stroke. I’m content to stay that way all night. That is until the sound of Delilah’s stomach growling loud and insistent rings out. She turns bright red.

I burst out laughing but quickly quell it when she glares. “I’m sorry. But you are so fucking adorable.”

Delilah makes a face and slaps the side of my arm. “Ass.”

I laugh again and quickly kiss her cheek. “I’m hungry too. Let’s get some dinner.”

The sun has sunk entirely, and the sky is purple in the twilight. I hadn’t noticed. Rising, I offer to cook. Delilah raises a brow.

“What? I can cook,” I protest. “It’s nothing close to what you do, but I can manage simple meals.”

“I believe you.” Delilah rises from the couch, distracting me with her body. “I was just thinking maybe we could go out.”

Go out. For normal people this wouldn’t be a problem. For me, it’s something different. Call me selfish, but I don’t want to share Delilah right now. Out there, I will have to because people inevitably notice.

She clearly sees my hesitation. “Nothing fancy, totally casual. We can even eat in the car if you want,” she adds with a brow wiggle like she’s enticing me to sin.

“Now I’m intrigued.”

“You’ll love it,” she says as we go to change. “Besides, I want to show you something.”

It strikes me just how dangerous it is to live with Delilah because getting ready for dinner feels like we’re something more than just starting out. It’s comfortable in a way I’ve never experienced. Real in a way I only allow myself to dream about in the darkest corner of my mind.