Page 36 of Even Ground

Reece nods toward Melly. “She changed my life. I know I haven’t known Delaney and Amelia for long, but that little girl in there is such a big part of Josh, and he’s the brother I never had. I’ve been rethinking my future since I met those two.”

He says it with such awe in his tone that I feel fortunate to be a part of this moment. Melly’s birth had a big impact on my life—more than I’ve ever admitted to anyone. She’s family.

“How about I make us a coffee and maybe we can talk some more?” I swallow hard. It’s only been a few days, and while I have this almost constant reminder in the back of my head that Reece used to just be some movie star on the big screen to me, I like the idea that we could be friends.

Reece turns and smiles. “I’d like that.”

Delaney’s told me there’s more to him, but he keeps it to himself. I don’t know Reece well enough to judge that for myself, but these past few moments have told me there’s something more.

Media coverage isn’t any indication of what people are like. They’re not always kind to Delaney, and yet I know she’s the warmest, most caring person I know. Even if she is a little cynical at times.

“Come on, then.”

By the time we get back to the kitchen, the table’s clear and the dishwasher’s running. There’s no sign of Ros and Cal, but they’re probably tired after the past couple of days.

The smell of coffee fills the kitchen as I grind it, and I take a deep breath.

And just like this morning, I make two cups and give one to Reece before we sit at the dining table, across from one another.

I pull out my ponytail with one hand and shake my hair loose.

His piercing blue gaze makes my cheeks burn.

“This coffee’s really good.” He holds up his mug.

“I know.”

“I should get you to make my coffee all of the time.” He shoots one of those winks at me, and I bury my nose in my cup.

“You couldn’t afford me.” I place my empty cup back on the table. I’m not about to let him get the better of me, no matter how cute he is.

“Probably not.” He puts his drink down and rises from his seat, rounding the table until he’s next to me. “So, what are we going to do for the next week until we join them?” he asks as he sits back down.

I shrug. “No idea.”

“Want to hang out?”

I open my mouth to speak, but then pause as I take in the sly smile on his face. His reputation precedes him, and I should get up and walk away, but there’s something behind that smile, and I want to know what it is.

“Is ‘hang out’ a euphemism for having sex?”

His eyes widen. “Well … I ….”

My own smile must be pretty smug. “Have I rendered Reece Evans speechless? The one thing I know for sure you have in common with Delaney is the ability to talk a lot.”

He just stares at me. His lips twitch, and it takes a moment, but soon enough his laughter fills the room, and he cocks his head. “You really are something, Pania Wilson.”

I raise an eyebrow.

He leans forward a little. “Josh told me you scared him. I can see why.”

“Josh is a pussy.”

Reece chuckles. “I’m going to enjoy this week. I can tell.”

“Maybe you will. If you like getting your arse handed to you by a woman.”

“Oh you can handle my ass any time.”

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