Making My Way to You

Chapter 10

Dinner was wonderful and Cole was extremely attentive. Delilah was soaking up the moments with him. He grinned as he reached for his wallet. "How about we walk down to the ice cream place for dessert?"

Her eyes sparkled as he took her hand. "K."

The night was chilly as they walked down to Paula's Ice Cream Shack. She laced her arm through his and soaked in his warmth. He kissed the top of her head. "So I was thinkin that before we head to Georgia next week we could make a little pit stop...."

"To where?" She tossed her ice cream cone into the trash.

"I was thinkin somewhere tropical....somewhere that involves you in a bikini and a cold beer in my hand...."

"I think you already have something planned and you're keeping it a secret from me...." She teased as they made their way back towards Cole's truck.

"Maybe." He laughed. He stopped walking and turned her in his arms. "I'm serious...after the year you've had, you deserve a little get away." He brushed of hair out of her face. "A little us time. Away from all the distractions...."

Delilah grinned and wrapped her arms around Cole's neck. "I do love the way you think, Mr. Swindell."

He pecked her mouth as he pulled the keys from his pocket. "Let's go home and you can take that bath you're already thinkin about. I'll bring you a glass of wine..."

"You know me so well." She laughed.

"Well well well...."

The sound of the voice made her blood run cold. Cole's head snapped around to see Ryan standing a few feet away. "What do we have here?" His eyes roamed down Delilah's body and her stomach clinched.

"Walker... what are you doin here?" Cole's jaw tensed as his arm dropped from around Delilah.

"Just enjoying your beautiful city." Ryan took a step towards Delilah.

Cole shifted and put himself between them pretty much shoving her behind him.

"Cole." Delilah said softly. He was in a protective stance and she knew he would go after Ryan if he took one more step.

Cole pressed his truck keys into her hand, never taking his eyes off Ryan. "Go get in the truck, Lils. I'll be there in a minute."

"But..."

"Now, Lila. Just go. Do it." His voice came out low.

She swallowed hard and headed for the truck. Her hands were shaking as she hit the unlock button on the key fob.  She climbed into the drivers seat and locked herself in. She shoved the key into the ignition and fumbled for her phone.  

Cole stared down the man in front of him. "She looks good. Happy." Ryan smirked.

"That's because she is happy."

"Didn't you break up? Are you back together?"

"Yes. And we're happy. I'm gonna ask you one more time... what are you doin here?"

"I've got some friends who live here...came for a visit."

"I'm tellin you this only once so make sure you hear me. Stay away from Lila. Don't call her, don't send her flowers, leave her alone. If you so much as breath towards her I will hunt you down and make you regret you were ever born. Do you understand me?"

"Protective are we?"

"She's my girl. So you're damn right I'm protective. I mean it, Ryan. She wants nothing to do with you. You tormented her long enough. If you start your bullshit again I promise you.... hell will rain down on you and you will wish you never met Delilah Bryan."  Cole turned and headed towards his truck.