Divine Phoenix(Divine Creek Ranch 10)(88)

After preparing her coffee, she set the filled mug on the counter and went to him with a smile on her face. He kissed the top of her head as she wrapped her arms around his waist, and they hugged each other.

“This is a nice way to wake up, Del.” She let out a long, wistful-sounding sigh.

He looked down at her and asked, “You really okay?”

She didn’t look up, just nodded her head and said, “Yes, it’s just…a lot.”

“Missing Clay a little?”

Quickly, she looked up at him and seemed to gauge his reaction as she nodded. She bit her lower lip and laid her head back against his chest and said, “He seems to think we could…He thought perhaps we might be lucky, like…He hopes that you can…” She finally sighed and said, “I’m making no sense at all.”

He stroked the silky length of her hair. “I know what Clay wants. It’s unusual to be sure, no matter how common it may be here. How do you feel about it? You’ve had more time with him than me. Do you love him?”

Looking certain, she nodded. “I do love him. He said he loved me, too.”

“Given time, do you think you could love me, too?”

Lily gazed up at him. “Yes, but that’s not what concerns me. I know if the roles were reversed, I’d never share him or you with another woman, ever. I mean ever. How can I know that about myself and expect for you to share me? It’s not fair. It might lead to jealousy. I don’t want to risk our friendship. He seemed to think this time we have together could tell us if it would work.”

Del kissed the crown of her head and said, “Lily, I don’t feel jealous when I am around the two of you, even when you’ve shown affection to each other, or when he kissed you yesterday. It actually…” How do I say it without sounding like a pervert?

“It actually…what?”

“It…turned me on to watch him with you like that. I wanted to sneak up behind you and kiss your neck and your shoulder while he kissed your lips.”

Her brows arched, and she smiled. “Really? You mean you…”

“Got hard?” he asked. His accuracy was confirmed when her cheeks bloomed in a pink blush. He could feel his cock hardening again at the thought. “Yes, definitely. I must have a voyeuristic streak.”

She sighed softly. “Oh, boy. This is going to be interesting.”

Del tilted her chin up and gazed into her warm amber eyes. “We’re not going to rush into anything. The most important thing to either of us right now is that you’re happy and kept safe if your ex is planning something.” He patted her ass. “Go take your shower before I take you back to bed. Work has to get done today.”

She looked up at him with big eyes, but he didn’t grin like he was teasing, and her lips parted a little in surprise. She grabbed her cup of coffee, and scurried from the kitchen. He could’ve sworn he heard a giggle as she went down the hall.

Twenty minutes later, he placed the last bowl on the table and was setting out utensils when he heard her footsteps in the hall. She breezed into the kitchen clad in a silky red top and a shin-length black skirt and black heels. She’d swept her hair up into a soft knot with a clip at the back of her head.

They were both startled by the sound of the utensils clattering on a ceramic plate. She ducked her head and giggled when he blinked and looked down, realizing he’d dropped the utensils when he’d set eyes on her.

There was a twinkle in her eyes, despite her blush. “I take it I chose well?”

He grinned when she struck a pose and nodded. “Hell, yeah. I think I could get used to you being around here, Lily Bell. You look beautiful. I can’t believe I did that.” He shook his head at his callow response to her appearance.

“I could get used to the compliments.”

“I think you’ve a deficit to make up for in that department.” He kissed her temple and breathed in her sensual, womanly fragrance. “I hope you’re hungry.”

“I’m starved. Thank you for going to all this trouble.”

“Knock, knock!” Clay called as he came in the front door.

Confused, Del looked up when his brother stepped into the kitchen. He was still wearing his cowboy hat and rain droplets covered the shoulders of his tan barn jacket. “Good morning. I thought you wanted me to bring her in.”

Clay ducked his head, looking a little sheepish. “I was up early and decided to save you the trip into town. Smells good in here.”

Del pointed at the cabinet. “There’s plenty. Get yourself a plate. So you were up early, huh?”

Clay nodded as he held open his arms for Lily when she rose from her seat to give him a hug. He kissed the side of her head, and Del noticed he closed his eyes and smiled in what looked like relief when he enveloped her in his arms. Del was struck by the fact that the moment felt good…right. “Yeah. The house was awful quiet this morning.”