Come Home Again (The Donovans) by Nana Malone Page A

grin. “You really haven’t changed, have you?” Delilah always fought dirty when she was angry. And with brothers, who could blame her? He'd learned early on that if he was going to take her on, he'd better come wearing a cup.
    Nate glanced down at her legs as she crossed and uncrossed them. She might deny it, but he knew he had some effect on her. He could only hope she was suffering half as much as he was. He'd been on edge since he'd walked out of her office today.
    He cleared his throat. “I’m trying apologize for leaving the way I did. I know you were probably confused and worried, and I’ve wished a thousand times that I could have called and at least told you I was okay.”
    She stared down at his hand. When she spoke, her voice was tight. “But you didn’t call, did you?”
    Fuck . This was not a conversation he wanted to have. “With the whole Trent thing, I knew he would give you his version of the truth. I didn’t think you’d hear me out. I never meant to put you and your family through anything.”
    Her voice was soft as she turned her attention to her glass. “They were your family too. Do you know how long Mom cried for you? Do you have any idea how long Dad looked for you? He used to drive me around on the weekends and we'd search. He checked missing persons reports, and John Doe morgue reports, just praying it wasn't you. He treated you like you were one of his. He was so proud when you got into college.” There was a quiver in her voice, and Delilah shook her head.
    He hated that he’d put that sound there. Wished that there was an apology strong enough. But how could he tell her he’d been doing her family a favor? Sparing them from the pile of crap masquerading as his baggage. “I wish there was something I could say.”
    Delilah squared her shoulders. “I just—I’m sorry. I thought I could do this.”
    She stood, and his mind made a mental grasp for her. “Lila, please.”
    Her stride was brisk as she strode away, shaking her head. Shit . He couldn’t let her go like this. “Lila, wait.”
    But she didn't even slow. He caught her as she slid into the revolving door, and he stepped in behind her.
    “Nate.” She didn't turn to look back at him.
    But there wasn’t much room in the door, so he knew she could feel him pressed against her back. “Just tell me one thing.”
    “What?”
    “Are you still thinking about that kiss?”
    The sound of her sharp inhale filled the quiet space around them. Slowly, she turned to face him. “I cannot do this with you. Do you realize I could lose my job if Jake ever found out about today? I’ve fought too hard to get here. This job is all that matters to me. There are rules. And I broke one by letting that kiss happen. I can’t do it again.”
    His gaze dropped to her ripe lips. She had a point. He had to get shit under control. Problem was, now that he’d tasted her, he wanted to do it again. “Answer me, Delilah. If it wasn’t against the rules, would you let me kiss you again? Because since leaving you, it’s all I’ve been thinking about.”
    She brought her gaze up to meet his. Her pupils were dilated. He had to leave her alone. Any more time in her presence, and he was going to crack open his chest and give her access to his heart. His body swayed into hers. He needed to taste her again, prove that it wasn’t an illusion. He leaned in.
    Delilah gasped and turned around.
    He didn’t want to let her go, but he had no choice. As he pushed the door button, he prayed he hadn’t pushed her away. He needed her to pull this crazy scheme off.

Chapter 6
    D elilah placed her fingers to her lips. Even a day later, she could still feel Nate’s lips on hers. Taste him, feel his arms wrapped around her like he never wanted to let her go. Heat pooled in her core, and she groaned. Attempting to clear the air hadn’t helped.
    “Earth to Dee. Oh, sister, where art thou?”
    Delilah blinked her sister, Mia, into focus. “Shit, sorry, Mia.