Page 99 of Even Ground

“I … I’m just on my way home. We could go there.”

His lips quirk. “Well, I do need somewhere to stay.”

I gape at him. “You really didn’t plan this well, did you?”

His smile widens to a grin. “Not at all.”

I shake my head. “What am I going to do with you, Reece Evans?”

“Once we get to your place, anything you want.”

Swallowing hard, I try and smile, but my head’s spinning from his words. Where has this come from? I’m not complaining—hell, thoughts of Reece have often kept me warm at night, but this is unexpected.

“I thought …” Tears prick my eyes. I don’t cry.

“We’ve got an audience. Let’s go,” he says gently.

I turn my head. Behind me, Sam and about two dozen other people have gathered to watch us.

Turning back, I shake my head rapidly as if waking myself up.

“We have to catch a bus and then it’s a bit of a walk to my car. It’s not parked near here.”

He shrugs. “I’ve been on a plane for hours. I could do with stretching my legs.”

“Come on, then.”

Reece picks up two duffel bags and nods. “Right behind you.”

I take a deep breath and lead him down the steps and onto the footpath. We walk down to the end of St Paul Street and cross Symonds Street to get to a bus stop that will take us to Mt Eden Road.

He’s dressed casually in jeans and a T-shirt, and we get the odd curious look but no one approaches us.

“It’s good to see you,” he says.

I’m not sure I want to have this conversation at a bus stop, surrounded by other people.

“You too.”

He takes my hand in his, and I look down as he runs his thumb over my knuckles. I gaze at him, my stomach fluttering as he does it in front of a crowd. I’m not even sure anyone notices, but this is Reece staking his claim. I think. It’s so confusing right now.

“Do you need me to carry one of your bags?” I ask.

He’s carrying two duffel bags, and although he has both handles gathered in one hand, I want to help.

“No, I’m good.” He squeezes my hand.

I use my bus card to pay our fares, and we take seats near the front because it’s not a long trip, and there’s room for his bags.

He leans against me. “I don’t know the last time I was on a bus.”

“Welcome to my life.”

Reece smiles. “I’m glad to be in your life.”

I swallow hard. This isn’t like him. There aren’t any jokes or making fun of me, and I don’t have the heart to do it in return when he seems to be so earnest.

Looking out the window, I try and focus on making sure I press the button in time to get off at the stop nearest my car, but it’s not easy when Reece is right next to me.

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