Page 38 of Even Ground

“You’re crazy.”

She shrugs. “Maybe, but I feel as if I need to make the most of being here before I go home.”

Home.

The thought of her leaving stabs me right in the chest. Even if this doesn’t take a romantic turn, I like her being around. Since Josh and I went into business together, and Delaney and Amelia moved here, I’ve never felt so settled.

Sure, I spend a lot of time at their place, but I’m beginning to think it’s a sign that I need to do something about my life.

“I thought today we could just go for a big drive, and maybe somewhere quiet for lunch.”

Her smile warms my heart. “I’d like that.”

“I just think it’d be better if we didn’t go out too publicly. The last thing we need is the media to get the wrong idea about—”

“Are you embarrassed to be seen with me?” Her brows furrow.

“No. Of course not. It’s just … I’m sure you know what Delaney has dealt with, and I don’t want that to happen to you, especially when we’re not actually dating.”

She straightens herself up to her full height and looks me straight in the eye. “I can handle it.”

“I’m sure you can, sweetheart, but I don’t want you to have to.”

“They say some pretty mean things about you. How do you cope?”

I lean back in my seat. “I know what’s true and what isn’t.”

She’s silent for a moment, dropping her gaze. “I don’t read magazines anymore. Not since Delaney got together with Josh. Or those trashy gossip websites. It’s so unfair.”

“It is what it is. It only gets worse if you try and stop it.”

“Delaney says she tries to ignore it.” Her eyes are back on mine again, those hazel orbs penetrating my brain. Her lips twitch, and the small freckle above her mouth moves. The overwhelming urge to kiss it makes my chest ache.

I’ll only hurt her.

“She’s a strong woman. I admire that in her.” I cock my head. “I think that’s one thing you two have in common.”

Pania crosses her arms. “Well, then maybe you should trust me when I say I don’t care what anyone says if they see us together.”

“Did you ever think that maybe I do because I don’t exactly have a stellar reputation when it comes to women?”

She unfolds her arms and places a hand on my bicep. “No, I didn’t think about that. It’s nice that you want to protect me. I’m sorry.”

“I’m not as bad as people make me out to be either.”

Pania leans in until her face is inches from mine. “Are you pouting?”

“No.”

“You so are.”

“Can we go now?”

She leans back, tugs on the seat belt and clips it into place. “I don’t know. You’re the one who’s driving.”

I laugh and then let out a big sigh. “Is this our first fight?”

“If that was fighting, it’s not just Josh who’s the pussy.”

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