Romancing Delilah

By Breanna Cone

Delilah Banks goes to work every day with the bittersweet knowledge that love will once again bring in customers to buy engagement rings or other specials tokens of affection for that someone special in their life.

With each passing year, Del asks herself two questions. Where is that special man who is her destiny and when will he come into her life?

Just when she resigns herself to a solitary lifestyle, she discovers she has a secret admirer who writes poems to capture her heart.

Who is this mystery man?

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Dec 20, 2006
• ISBN: 9780595864591

Breanna Cone

Breanna Cone has been writing since 2001. Her Spencer City Series characters are portrayed as small town citizens who live life to the fullest and truly care about the rest of the townspeople.

Book preview

Romancing Delilah

Copyright © 2006, 2007 by Breanna Cone

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

iUniverse

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1-800-Authors (1-800-288-4677)

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

ISBN-13: 978-0-595-42118-3 (pbk)

ISBN-13: 978-0-595-86459-1 (ebk)

Contents

Prologue

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 20

CHAPTER 21

CHAPTER 22

CHAPTER 23

CHAPTER 24

CHAPTER 25

CHAPTER 26

CHAPTER 27

CHAPTER 28

CHAPTER 29

CHAPTER 30

CHAPTER 31

CHAPTER 32

CHAPTER 33

CHAPTER 34

CHAPTER 35

CHAPTER 36

CHAPTER 37

CHAPTER 38

CHAPTER 39

CHAPTER 40

CHAPTER 41

CHAPTER 42

CHAPTER 43

CHAPTER 44

Epilogue

To my husband

Carl

the Man who fills my world

with love and romance.

Prologue

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Delilah Banks couldn’t concentrate as she added the day’s receipts. Her thoughts kept returning to the last two customers. The installment plan she approved would not make her bottom line look good but she just couldn’t help it. The starry-eyed look the prospective bride gave her intended compelled Del to offer the extended time needed to make the monthly payments match the man’s bank account.

The first thing she noticed about the engaged couples who came into B.B.’s Gems and Jewels was the man’s eyes. He would look at his fiancée as if his world revolved around her. Sometimes the love was so powerful it would bring a tear to Del’s eye and an ache to her heart. I would give anything to have a man look at me that way.

Shaking her head at the forlorn turn of mind, the shop owner locked up and drove home. The streets were empty on this Wednesday evening—almost as empty as her house. Del valued her independence, especially from her match-making great-aunts, but her only companion this evening would be a good mystery book. Maybe, she should get a cat. No! That would be conceding my single life to one of an old-maid spinster like Aunt Mary and Aunt Martha. I’m not that lonely.

The man stood with his hand on the latch of the mail receptacle in front of the bank and watched until the car disappeared around the corner before he strolled leisurely down the street. He stopped to look at the jewelry display in the window, glanced around once to the left then the right before he quickly dropped the folded note through the mail slot in the door. Turning to walk back toward the bank, he began to whistle a jaunty tune, confident the act hadn’t been witnessed by anyone. Turning the corner, the man got into his vehicle and sped away into the dusky twilight.

CHAPTER 1

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Del Banks gathered up the folder on her desk and closed the office door with a bump of her hip as she headed through the shop.

Penny, I’m going to my theatre committee meeting. I’ll be back in an hour. Call my cell number if you have any questions.

Yes, ma’am.

The jewelry store owner walked quickly toward the theatre, muttering to herself. A glance at her wrist and the mutter turned to an expletive no lady would say in public. I hate being late.

As she rushed through the double doors of the Starlight, the file in her arm started to slip. Del juggled her purse and managed to catch the papers before they could drop. Next thing she knew, she slammed into a solid body coming from the lobby. Looking up, Del encountered an amused look from the new theatre director as he steadied her by clasping his hands around her waist.

I beg your pardon, Mr. Warner. I wasn’t paying any attention to where I was going. This inane statement came out in a breathy rush as a shiver of awareness tingled through her body.

No harm, no foul, Ms. Banks. Geoffrey Warner gazed into her blue eyes, the same brilliant color of a mountain lake in spring. Since we’re going to be working together on the Starlight Theatre events, I think we can dispense with formally and use our given names. You can call me Geoff.

Okay, Geoff.

The smile that curved her lips made his heart leap in his chest. And you’re Delilah.

I prefer Del. The tilt of her chin suggested it was not a request. I think we should join the other committee members before somebody calls out the town sheriff.

I agree. We have a lot to discuss and organize before we start productions.

When they approached the stage stairs in the auditorium, Del sprinted up them like something was nipping at her heels. The smug smile on the director’s face made a faint blush stain her cheeks. I didn’t fool him one bit. He knows exactly how his touch affected me. Pushing her distraction aside, she took her seat at the large table, around which sat the other members. The gemologist let her eyes roam over the faces of the townspeople sitting around the table.

There was Julie Williams, co-owner of Good Samaritan Tree Farm; Angela Marshall, who ran an interior designing business; Aimee North, the new art museum curator. Sitting between Geoff and Amanda Rogers—theatre owner and committee chair—was a very distinguished looking older man, who was a stranger to Del.

Please forgive my tardiness. A phone call from a supplier came just as I was getting ready to leave.

Not a problem, Amanda assured her before turning to place a hand on the shoulder of the guest. This handsome gentleman is Julie’s uncle, John Jones, who is a patron of the arts in New York City. I’ll let him tell you why he is here today.

Good afternoon. Since I retired from my law firm, I’ve found myself with too much time on my hands. When Julie and Aimee mentioned this Starlight project, I decided to visit and see if I could be of help. John smiled at the group. Who knows? You might have need of a man to play the part of a grandfather.

Welcome to the Starlight Gazers, Mr. Jones. I’m Del Banks.

Any relation to Jack and Elaine Banks?

They’re my parents.

Then the Adams sisters must be your aunts.

Yes.

Are Mary and Martha still the town’s unofficial matchmakers?

Unfortunately, Del grimaced. But I think I’ve slowed them down for a week or two.

A raised eyebrow gave doubt to that accomplishment before John’s glance fell on the last woman at the table. She looked vaguely familiar but he couldn’t place her. With a twinkle in his eye, he spoke to her. "What might your name be, young lady?’

Hello, John. I’m Angela Marshall, a new resident of Spencer City and Amanda’s old college friend. We met at the wedding. The smile she aimed at him was dazzling. I don’t think the ladies in town would believe you were old enough to be anybody’s grandfather.

Don’t pay any attention to Angie, sir, the young man beside him advised. She’s been hanging around those Irishmen too long.

A smart man never dismisses a compliment from a woman, regardless of the incentive, John answered with a wink. But I’d better let you get this meeting underway before Julie tells my wife I’m flirting.

Julie just shook her head in amusement. If Aunt Mary doesn’t know how charming you are by now, it’s too late to fill her in.

Okay, ladies, let’s get down to the business at hand. Geoff ’s derisive tone indicated his opinion of those elderly charms. If we decide which play to produce by next week, I can order copies of the play and start try-outs next month. That should give us plenty of rehearsal time for an opening night in mid-August.

Should we start with a drama, a comedy or a musical? Del asked.

A comedy or musical would be best since amateur thespians find that easiest. Drama requires a bit more experience.

The committee discussed the merits of various plays but could not pick one that would work for the limited stage area of the Starlight. The only thing they agreed on was that it should be a musical to give Geoff ’s glee club students at Spencer High a chance to perform.

I have a couple of ideas. Let me check my sheet music library and we can decide next week, the theatre director informed the group.

I didn’t realize you were a music instructor at the high school, John replied. That’s a great asset to have as a playsmith. Do you enjoy teaching?

Very much, the man’s eyes glowed with enthusiasm. For those who don’t have the desire or talent—of which there are many—to perform publicly, a few singers have special voices that make it worthwhile to help shape their vocal range.

What musical instruments do you play? I didn’t even think to ask during your job interview, Amanda queried just to keep that expression in his gold-ringed eyes. She might be married and pregnant but she could appreciate the sensual light that caused the other women to stare in fascination.

Piano and guitar mostly.

Then I think we got a real bargain when we hired you. A man with all your talents is rare.

Blushing at the unexpected compliment, he smiled and changed the subject. I think that’s all we can do today. I’ll see everyone next Friday—same time, same place.

Uncle John, let me treat you to lunch at Joe’s. You can’t come to Spencer City without enjoying Charlie’s apple pie.

I’d be delighted. Would anyone else like to join us? John asked.

Sorry, I have to get back to B.B.’s. Del declared as she picked up her folder.

I have a consultation in fifteen minutes so I’ll have to take a rain check. Aimee waved on her way out the door.

I’m headed to the school so I can’t either, Geoff told them.

And I have a decorating class in five minutes, Angie announced.

Well, I never pass up pie. Besides, Junior needs nourishment. Amanda patted her rounding stomach that was beginning to show beneath her soft T-shirt.

You three go ahead. I’ll lock up on my way out, Geoff told his boss. The theatre director watched as the women each took an arm of the silver-haired gentleman and walked through the swinging doors.

While he tidied up the stage area, his mind swirled with thoughts and impressions from his earlier encounter with Miss Delilah Banks. It was nearly impossible to concentrate when he looked into those eyes. Every time the woman got within arms reach, his internal antennae sprang to attention, among other things. It was more than a little embarrassing at his age to be reacting like a randy teenager. But he didn’t think the attraction was all on his part. The lady’s reaction earlier was not just from being startled. There had been a flash of awareness for an instant before she dropped her eyes. Geoff, old boy, if you bide your time, the lady will fall in your arms willingly.

Pulling himself out of his fantasy, Geoff grabbed his briefcase and strolled to the swinging doors. At the main light switch, Geoff stopped to admire the rich velvet curtains and the mahogany wood trim of the auditorium. The wall lighting was styled after the old gaslights used at the turn of the century. It brought to mind ladies in flowing cloaks with fur-trimmed hoods and men wearing stripped waistcoats and snowy white cravats. It was going to be a pleasure to bring back smiles and laughter to such a grand old theatre.

A flurry of customers occupied Del for the next two hours. That was a good thing not only for the store’s till but her ability to think coherently. Given the slightest chance, her mind would return to the subject of one Geoffrey Warner. She had to admit the man was a prime specimen of the male species. His attempts to tame the natural curl in his brown hair had not been successful. The one unruly lock that persisted in falling onto his forehead made her fingers itch to smooth it back into place. But it was his eyes that turned her insides to jelly and a warm flush to spread over her body. Shaking her head to chase the inappropriate thoughts away, she spoke to her clerk.

Penny, why don’t you take your break? I can listen for the door while I look at the morning mail.

I would like to go to Counterpunch for a fruit smoothie. Do you want one?

No, but I’d love a caramel latte with extra whipped cream. Del pulled a ten from her purse. The smoothie is on me.

Thanks. I’ll be right back.

The shop owner began to sort the large pile of envelopes into three stacks; one for payments to accounts, another for invoices and one for advertisement circulars. The supply catalogs she dropped into her carryall to take home later. She was almost to the bottom of the pile when she found a single sheet of regular copy paper folded in half. No envelope, no stamp. It was simply addressed to Delilah. Unfolding the note, Del stared in amazement at the printed words.

Your beauty of face

Is matched only

By your infinite grace.

I gaze longingly at you

And yearn to hold a place

In your heart.

A secret admirer

She was still staring at the paper when Penny entered her office and placed a frothy cup of coffee in front of her.

Here’s your change, Ms. Banks.

Del held up the note. Did you see who left this sheet of paper?

No, ma’am. The shop was quiet while you were gone, Penny answered.

It must have been slipped in the night mail slot, Del replied absently.

What is it?

Her cheeks turned a rosy hue as the woman handed the paper to her young clerk. I think my Aunt Martha would call it a ‘mash note’. It would appear I have an amorous fan.

Penny read the poem. Her eyes rounded in surprise and her voice filled with awe as she spoke. Oh, that is like…so romantic. Do you know who wrote it?

Not a clue. I’d be more impressed if he delivered it in person so I could thank him.

I’ll keep a lookout for any lovelorn guys.

Thanks. But let’s keep this our little secret until he shows his face. Del was fairly certain this missive could have come from her interfering aunts.

CHAPTER 2

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Julie watched a look of ecstasy come over her uncle’s face as he put a large bite of apple pie in his mouth. The man is a magician, isn’t he?

A nod was the only acknowledgement she got to this observation. Only when the bite was eaten then chased by a sip of coffee did he reply.

Do you suppose he would be willing to give my Mary the recipe?

You can ask him. The worst he can do is say no, Julie answered.

If necessary, we can call in reinforcements. I bet Aimee could sweet talk him for you, Amanda suggested.

Has she been listening to those Irishmen, too?

Just one of them. The Hunter men, young and old, have been busy charming the ladies in town this summer.

Their waiter overheard this comment as he returned to check for refills.

Amanda, darlin’, ‘tis insulted I am. The aggrieved tone was accompanied by a wicked sparkle in his emerald eyes. "We haven’t met all the ladies in Spencer City."

Not from lack of trying on their part. We have a hard time keeping the fitness center women from sneaking off to watch the sparing lessons you give the boxers, the sheriff ’s wife teased. I expect to see them swoon over in a faint any day now.

Julie laughed at the cook’s shrug of male acceptance. Uncle John, this is Charlie Hunter, the man with the pie talent. Charlie this is my uncle, John Jones.

Charlie offered the man his hand. How do you do, sir?

From all accounts, not as well as you, John replied as he shook the hand that dwarfed his own slender fingers. He smiled at the knowing grin on the cook’s face. I was asking Julie if you might divulge the ingredients for this delicious pie.

It’s just the usual. I throw together some apples, a little sugar and cinnamon dotted with butter into a crust and bake.

The patrician gentlemen shook his head at the ambiguous reply. You would have made an excellent attorney. You presented the facts without giving any vital information.

I’ll take that as a compliment, coming from a trail lawyer with your reputation.

That was before I retired. Now, I’m just a tree farmer. With a conspiratorial wink at his table companions, he continued. It looks like we have to go to Plan B.

Charlie gave him a puzzled look as the two women nodded in agreement. Plan B?

Amanda smiled at his look of suspicion. We thought a certain curator in town could tempt you to tell all.

A flash of heat filled those expressive eyes. I’d welcomed her to be trying. It would be most enjoyable.

A hand dropped on his broad shoulder as the town sheriff joined the group. Is this crew ganging up on you, Charlie?

Nay, just a wee bit of bribery going on, Greg.

Wait a minute. As an elected official, I’m the only one that’s supposed to get bribed in this town, especially by one of the females. Sheriff Rogers arched an eyebrow at his lovely wife.

Amanda smiled innocently at her husband. Bribery is such an ugly word. It was more like a plan of seduction.

Hell, that’s even worse. Greg glared at Charlie. Hunter, have you been bothering Amanda?

Calm down now, Sheriff, John hastened to explain. "The ladies and I were proposing we have Aimee cajole the recipe for this apple pie from the cook."

Greg Rogers smiled sheepishly at his better half and patted Charlie on the back. Sorry. I didn’t mean to come off like a cave man.

No sweat, man. I just don’t know if I should take it as a compliment or be insulted that you think I would chase a married woman, he replied with a roguish look in his eyes, even if it is someone as pretty as Amanda.

Since I’ve seen the aftereffects of the Bruiser right hook, it better be a compliment.

Come on, Greg. You can walk me to my car. His wife tucked a hand in the sheriff ’s arm. I need the exercise and you need to chill out.

John watched the couple stroll to the door of Joe’s Diner then went back to his pie eating. As soon as the last bite was consumed, he turned to his niece. I think Mary and I should visit you and Scott more often. I didn’t realize the citizens of Spencer City provided so much entertainment for lunch.

If you want entertainment, you should drop by the gym to watch the lads practice their glove and footwork, Charlie remarked. If you will excuse me, I have to clean the kitchen up before I head over to MHO.

Julie saw John’s startled look and shook her head. Her uncle was clearly confused. Even when you knew the Hunter men, it was hard to figure out where they got the energy to keep up such a hectic pace. She once asked Paddy O’Shay how a man his age kept up with the frenzied pace set by his nephews and the Irishman said he was too busy to notice the years slipping away.

Did he say moo? As in a dairy cow?

Charlie was referring to the gym. M.H.O. is the acronym his brother, Marty, gave the name of the gym, which is Murphy-Hunter-O’Shay Sports Center.

It sounds like the Hunter men are more than just charming Sons of Eire. John pulled a twenty from his money clip and tossed it on the table. We’d better get back to the tree farm. I promised Scott I would walk the new section of seedlings with him this afternoon.

He is so proud of those baby trees, as he calls them. He tends them as carefully as any father would a child.

Her uncle heard the love in her voice and a feeling of warmth spread in his chest. His brother’s little girl was all grown up. Julie was a woman who sounded happy and content with her life as Mrs. Scott Williams.

Mary Jones gazed out across the seemingly endless rows of symmetrical trees to where Julie’s husband was hooking up a trailer behind the John-Deere cub tractor. The years had passed in a flash since she had first met the young man. Scott had been so eager and full of wonderful plans seven years ago. It was nice to see that Fate had been on his side. The tree farm was prospering according to schedule because of all the physical labor he expended to make it happen. When he looked up, she waved a hand to get his attention.

Scott, lunch is ready whenever you want to come eat.

I’ll be there in ten minutes. I just need to load some supplies first.

When she heard the water running in the laundry room, she glanced at her watch. True to his word, Scott sat down at the bar with two minutes to spare.

This looks delicious, the man told her. I guess John and Julie are still in Spencer City.

They called to let me know they were stopping at Joe’s Diner for lunch.

If I know Julie, she ate dessert first. That woman has a real sweet tooth.

She inherited that from her mother and will most likely pass it on to her children, Mary said.

According to John, she also got her mother’s looks. If Ellen Jones looked like Julie, she was an extremely beautiful woman.

She was and had the same spunky personality as her daughter. Everyone adored Ellen, especially her husband, Clay. Mary sighed. It was such a tragedy for them to die so young.

Julie doesn’t seem to have suffered any psychological damage at being left an orphan. You and John filled her parent’s shoes admirably.

Yes, she was a happy and well-adjusted little girl. We couldn’t love her more if she was our own child.

Scott looked up to catch Mary looking at him oddly as if she had something on her mind but didn’t know how to say it. What?

Since I feel like Julie’s mother, I wondered when John and I will get the joy of holding a grandchild in our arms. He and I aren’t getting any younger, you know.

Scott felt his cheeks redden at the woman’s forthright inquiry. You’ll have to ask Julie that question. She thinks we should wait a while.

CHAPTER 3

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Sheriff Greg Rogers walked side by side with his wife expecting her to berate him for his stupidity but she wasn’t saying a word. Her silence was starting to worry him.

Are you upset with me?

The Boone County sheriff’s beseeching look, just like a little boy who knew he was in trouble, made Amanda smile in spite of her irritation with her husband’s reaction to the silly diner incident.

"Not so much upset as disappointed. I wasn’t expecting you to jump to the wrong conclusion like you did. It gave me