Page 55 of Even Ground

“I’m going to miss you when you leave.” I take a deep breath. “I just wanted to say how much these past two weeks have meant to me. You’re really one of a kind, Pania Wilson.”

She blushes, looking down at her feet.

I reach for her chin and tilt her face up until her gaze hits mine.

Her hazel eyes widen. “I bet you say that to all the girls,” she whispers, her chest rising as she holds her breath.

I shake my head and lick my lips as my eyes lock onto hers. “I’m not sure I’ve ever said it to anyone before. But then, I’ve never met anyone like you.”

“Reece.”

Her eyelids flutter before they close, so I let go of her chin and run my knuckle along her jaw.

Her breath hitches.

“Pania,” I whisper.

My mouth meets hers, and I kiss her gently, the rushing noise in my ears calming as she kisses me back, her soft lips caressing mine. She opens up, and I slide my tongue in, tasting the sweet wine we’ve been drinking this evening.

I kiss her with everything that I am and everything I hope to be. She’s the first person I’ve met that’d make it all worthwhile.

It feels as if we bicker like an old married couple, the gentle sniping that doesn’t hurt but leaves you wanting more, and I’ve only known her two weeks.

She stares at me when the kiss ends, and for the first time I think she’s left with nothing to say.

“I’ve been wanting to do that for a while.”

“I’ve been wanting to do that since before I met you.” Her lips quirk in amusement.

“Maybe I just want to kiss you some more.”

She grins and drops her gaze. It’s coy and cute, and it makes my heart sing.

“That’d be nice, but I’m not sure it’s a good idea.”

My eyes narrow. “Why not?”

Pania stretches her legs out and sighs. “I live on the other side of the world, and I leave tomorrow. I’m not looking for a quick hook-up. I don’t know if you want anything more than that.”

I suck on my bottom lip. “Truth is, I don’t know what I want.”

“What do you mean?”

I turn toward her. “I’ve spent years avoiding commitment and seeking the hook-up, but those two inside are making me reconsider all of it. What if there’s more out there for me?”

Her lips twitch, and she tilts her head. “I’m sure there is if you give it a chance.” She touches my arm. “I’ve enjoyed getting to know you. I’m not star struck anymore.”

“You mean you were at the start? I couldn’t tell.”

Her cheeks flush with colour and she laughs. “For about the first thirty seconds. And then you opened your mouth and it was all over.”

I chuckle. “I’m usually good with words. Or so I’m told.”

She shoots me a wry smile. “When the first words are flirting with my bestie, they’re not so impressive.”

Oh.

“I hope I’ve made up for that.”

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