Page 47 of Even Ground

Reece doesn’t respond, and as we make our way out the airport door, he pulls up alongside me.

“He’s right. You are. I should have pushed both our trolleys.”

I’m left open-mouthed as he moves past me and he and Josh start loading the suitcases into the boot of the car.

After climbing into the open door of the limo, I sit next to Delaney and she gives me a quick hug.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” she says, pulling back.

“Me too.”

“Did you have a good week? Reece didn’t do anything dumb, did he?”

I take a moment to think, but all that comes to mind is the laughter and teasing, and the way he smells after the shower, and …

Delaney’s brows knit. “Was it that bad?”

Laughing, I lean against her. “No. I was just trying to think of anything dumb he did, but it was all pretty good.”

She smiles. “I’m glad.”

“I’ve got a ton of photos to take home with me. And now I’m looking forward to putting my feet up for a while.”

Delaney squeezes my arm. “There’ll be plenty of opportunity for that. Wait until you see the house. I think you’re just going to fall in love.”

“That good, huh?”

Cal and Ros join us, followed by Josh and Reece climbing into the limo. After buckling in and helping myself to a glass of sparkling water from the limo’s bar fridge, I’m transfixed by the palm trees, crystal clear blue ocean and mountainous views we’re passing by, until a security guard waves us through a gate.

I gape at the lush green spacious grounds and gasp as the house comes into view. Josh and Delaney’s home is amazing, but it’s love at first sight when it comes to Reece’s mansion.

It’s a beautiful two-storey blue and white house with a veranda running around the outside.

Reece nudges my arm. “You like it?”

“It’s beautiful.”

I swear he puffs out his chest as he smiles at me.

“It’s my getaway for when it all gets too much.” His eyes shine with pride. “It was the first big thing I bought. I love it here.”

The limo parks parallel to the house, and the door opens. I step out into the warm breeze, the scent of frangipani hanging in the air, and take a deep breath.

“Aloha. You must be Pania. Delaney’s told me all about you.”

I shift my gaze to the direction of the voice and smile at an older woman walking toward me.

“Pania, this is Leilani. She’s the boss around here.” Delaney grins.

Leilani reaches for my arm, and instinctively, I step toward her as we hongi, placing our foreheads and noses together. There are some traditions that span pacific countries, and that’s one of them.

“It’s so good to meet you. I know you took good care of my friend last time she was here.” I smile as we move apart.

She places a fragrant lei around my neck. “She’s good at getting into trouble, I’ll give her that.”

Delaney slams her hands onto her hips and looks between us. “You’re not supposed to gang up on me.”

We both laugh, and Delaney finally caves and grins.

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