Page 49 of Even Ground

“You, me, and Melly. It’ll be like the old days.” Her smile’s so wide, I don’t have the heart to tell her I just want to stay in bed.

“The old days a few months ago.”

Delaney grabs one of my hands and swings my arm. “Yes. I don’t know when we’ll get to do this again.”

“That’s fair.” I pull my hand away and scrub my face with my palms. “Give me a few minutes to get dressed and I’ll head downstairs for breakfast.”

“See you soon.”

She floats out the door, and even though I’m tired, I can’t help but smile at her enthusiasm. Delaney’s right. I don’t know when I’ll get to spend time with her again—we have to make the most of every moment.

I pull on a pair of shorts and a shirt. I’m looking forward to taking a tour. Going to LA for the wedding was my first international journey, and I’m eager to see the sights of Hawaii before it’s time to head home.

As I make my way downstairs, I pass Leilani coming up. Her welcoming smile just makes me feel even more at home.

I moan when I reach the doorway of the dining room. The scent of fresh bread wafts through the air, and my stomach grumbles in response.

Reece stares at me.

“That food smells amazing.”

He grins. “Leilani makes the best croissants. They’re why I don’t stay here for any length of time because I’d have to spend twice as much time in the gym.”

“It’s so yummy, Pania,” Melly mumbles, her mouth full of food.

I take a seat next to her. Delaney smiles from across the table. “Eat up.”

“I hear you’re going out with Delaney today,” Reece says.

Plucking a croissant from the centre of the table and placing it on my plate, I tilt my head to look at him. “That’s right.”

“Save some time for me this afternoon. I want to take you somewhere.”

“Ooooh.” Delaney waggles her eyebrows.

“I told Pania about some of the sights around here and just want to show her.” He winks at me, and even though my stomach grumbles again as if reminding me that the food is right there, I ignore it for a moment to squint at him.

He didn’t say anything of the sort, but I’m not about to announce that with the way Delaney’s gaze sits expectant on me.

“I want to see everything.” I beam a smile before breaking open and buttering my croissant. Spreading jam on it, I then take a big bite and moan again. “Damn. That is good.”

“Told you Leilani was an amazing baker. Maybe I can convince her to come home with me.” Delaney flutters her eyelashes toward Reece who snorts.

“No way. You’re not stealing her.”

“I’m not sure you could handle sharing your kitchen anyway.” Josh nudges Delaney’s arm and she leans her head on his shoulder.

“Probably not.”

“Where are you going today?” Reece asks.

“We’re checking out the markets.” Delaney reaches for another croissant. “Have credit card, will shop.”

“Sounds dangerous.”

“It is. You haven’t seen her credit card bills.” Josh winks at his wife who slaps his arm.

“Be gentle with her. She’s shopping for two.” I wrinkle my nose at Josh.

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