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“How’s the website coming along?” Mia asked, doubt etched in her features.
“We’ve worked out the theme and overall concept. Now it’s just a matter of the designer putting it all together.”
Barb patted Del’s hand. “It’s okay, honey. You can just say Isaac.”
Del threw Mia a dark look and started to object, but Margaret cut in on a shrug. “Don’t blame her, we did our homework. And since no one else in town has that particular skill set, clearly, it’s your new boy toy. Don’t worry, we’ll keep your little secret. For now, anyway.”
Great, she’d already managed to break the one promise she’d made to Isaac—not that she planned to tell him. Hopefully, he could just go on with his design work and the chatty Cathys in here would keep their mouths shut. Though it did make her wonder how big a deal it would be if his secret did slip out. Surely, the guy wasn’t some serial killer on the lam.
Part of her wanted to know his story and why he’d moved here, behaving the way he did. The other part of her wanted things to stay exactly the same, moonlight kissing in ignorant bliss. Though, ignorant bliss was exactly how she’d gotten into her last relationship debacle. It was also a trap she’d vowed to never fall into again. Silently, Del conceded that maybe it would be wise to get to know him better before things went any further between them.
The discussion continued without any further ribbing, their group’s optimism riding high. And though skeptical of this entire talent show idea initially, Del was starting to believe they just might pull it off. Even Mia was smiling and engaged, which always made functions like this that much more fun; worrywart or not, she had a huge heart and a contagious smile.
The meeting let out a short while later, each member leaving with a fresh to-do list. Del hugged her friends and family good-bye, then headed for her truck. A quick glance at her phone found a waiting text from Isaac.
Hope your meeting went well. Looking forward to our dinner tomorrow.
She glanced at her dashboard clock, wishing tomorrow was already here but grateful she had time to go home, relax, and get a good night’s sleep before then.
Great meeting tonight—
A knock sounded on her window.
Del jumped in her seat, then softly cursed as she tried to capture her bobbled phone. Mia stood outside her door, a repentant look on her face.
“What’s up?” Del asked, rolling her window down.
“Nothing really, I just… I wanted to apologize for lecturing you so much lately. About Isaac. You know I’ll always worry about you, but watching you in there tonight, I realized that you do look happier than you have in a long time. More…you. So I’m going to stop nagging and start cheering you on instead. You deserve a good man, Delaney, and I’m hoping that’s what this guy turns out to be.”
“Aw, thanks, Sis. But you talking like that sounds like I’m about to fulfill Nan’s tarot card prediction and elope.”
She laughed while Mia smiled uncomfortably.
“It’s a joke, Mi. I’m not going anywhere, you know that.” Del looked toward the lamplights glowing softly over Main Street. “As for Isaac, right now he’s just fun to be around. Will it last? Who knows. But for the first time in forever, instead of wanting to run away, I’m content to take things one day at a time and see what happens.”
A gentle smile lit her sister’s face. “That’s my girl. Now, get out of here. I’m sure you have some web stuff to share.”
“Something like that.” Del winked, then waved her sister good-bye. Window rolled up and defenses down, she finished her text to Isaac with a smile.
I’ll share more tomorrow, can’t wait to see you.
Chapter Ten
Isaac spent Fridaycleaning and primping—neither of which he planned to admit to anyone. Since he was about to have the first company he’d had since moving in, though, both tasks were necessary. He even bathed Louie—something neither of them enjoyed. But he’d be darned if everything wasn’t perfect for their first date.
Well, as perfect as a first date could be, considering he was in an outdated rental property with minimal furnishings and having his date bring carryout so he could avoid being spotted in public. Not ideal, but tonight he didn’t care about any of that. It was Delaney he looked forward to being with, not stuff or crowds.
Yes, Will had warned him to stay the course, but Delaney was like sunshine to his formerly overcast existence. After the year he’d had so far, being around someone who could lift his spirits was quickly becoming a hard habit to break.
Isaac spied her truck rolling up the drive shortly before seven and hurried outside to help her bring dinner in.
“Hey there, beautiful,” he said, giving her a quick kiss as she stepped from the truck. His compliment was sincere—she was rocking that pair of cutoff jeans and a pink, off-the-shoulder tee. Del had on her favorite sandals again, too, showing off painted toes that matched her top.
“Aw, thank you, handsome. I sure hope you’re hungry—you ordered a ton of food.”
He pulled her closer and nuzzled the hollow beneath her ear. “Sure am.”
She shivered in his arms, the reaction giving him confidence. His lips traveled north, grazing the shell of her ear. “Starving.”
