Page 14 of Even Ground

I turn at the sound of a woman’s voice and can’t help but smile. She’s a brunette with brown eyes and full lips, those eyes widening as she looks between us.

“Stop it,” Josh hisses.

“Stop what?”

“We’re here to buy some shoes.” He shoots me a pointed look. “We need two pairs of patent leather shoes to go with tuxedos for a wedding.”

“We have a range over here. Come with me.”

Trailing behind, Josh elbows me. “What are you doing?”

“I literally just smiled at her.”

“No distractions. We have a wedding to get on with.”

“You’re the one getting married, not me.” I shrug. “I’m not doing anything wrong.”

“You know how much trouble that smile gets you in.”

I laugh loudly, and the brunette looks back at us as she reaches the shelf.

Suitably chastised for smiling, I take a seat on one of the chairs while Josh has a look at the shoes.

He takes his time, trying on multiple pairs until he finds the ones he likes. They’re nothing special, and I’m sure I’ve seen him wear similar pairs.

“I thought Delaney and Pania could do with some time without us for a bit. They’ve gone from seeing each other every day to living in different countries.” He frowns. “It’s the one thing I wish I could give Delaney, but it’s not as if I can force Pania to move here.”

The shop assistant returns, and he points at the shoes he wants. “These ones, and this size is perfect.”

I put up my hand. “Can you make that two pairs? I’m the same size as him.”

He watches me as she walks away. “What do you think of Pania?”

“We literally just met. What do you think I think of her?”

He shakes his head, rolling his eyes. “I just know what you’re like with women, and you two will be spending some time together over the next couple of weeks. She’s not the type you usually like.”

I smooth my hands down my pants. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“She’s tough, and smart. I know she has a soft side because she’s fiercely protective of Delaney and Amelia. She loves the shit out of them.”

I squint at him. “I’m not following.”

“Don’t even think about fucking and ditching her. Pania doesn’t deserve it, and you’ll ruin any friendship you’re developing with my girl.”

I tap my toe on the carpet, not even sure how to respond to that. It’s fair. It’s the kind of thing I might have done in the past. But even if I tell Josh I want to pull my life together, it’s not like he’ll believe me until I actually do it. And I’ve got no one to blame for that but me.

“I wouldn’t do that to Delaney. Or Pania. I don’t even know if she likes me.”

His tone softens. “She’s a big fan of yours. Just don’t take advantage of that.”

“You know, I should be angry that you even think I’m capable of that.”

Josh’s brows knit. “Probably. But I thought I’d say something because I don’t want anything to upset Delaney.” He sits on the bench beside me. “Until a few months ago, I didn’t think I’d ever find her again. And, now, in two days, we’re getting married. She’s my whole life, Reece.”

I smile, gripping his shoulder and squeezing. “I know. I’m pretty sure she feels the same way.”

He nods. “I don’t know how I went so long without her.”

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