Page 5 of Even Ground

I arrived in LA a week ago, and was horribly disappointed when Reece wasn’t around. Delaney told me he was off filming for a movie. Patience and I don’t really get along, and my anxiety over meeting him has only risen this past week.

And now he’s here, larger than life.

Not looking at me.

“When did you get back?” Delaney asks him.

“My first port of call had to be my favourite girl. I’ve missed you.” He crosses the room and holds his arms open. “You look fantastic.”

She grins. “Thank you.” She goes to him and kisses him on the cheek. “I’m glad you’re back.”

“It’s not too late to leave him.”

I raise an eyebrow, and he flicks a glance at me.

But Delaney just laughs. “That’s enough of that.”

“He’s not around, then?”

She shakes her head. “No, but he’ll be home soon. I need to get out of this dress.”

Reece claps his hands together. “Now we’re talking.”

“Do you ever stop?” Delaney shifts her focus to me. “Are we good?”

I nod. “It’s fine. I have enough to work on. We’ll need another fitting before the big day, but we’re almost done.”

Reece catches my gaze. “You designed the dress? You must be Pania. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

My heart seizes when he flashes his beautiful smile at me. I’m never lost for words, but this is the moment I’ve been looking forward to and dreading all at the same time.

“Help me unzip?” Delaney turns her back on him, and just like that the smile’s gone, and I can’t help but watch as he slides the zip halfway down her back. What I wouldn’t give to be in her shoes right now. “Ta. I’ll be back in a minute. Pania, I know you know this is Reece. Reece, take care of my best friend while I’m gone.”

My eyes widen as she disappears out of the room. She just left me alone with a man she knows I have the major hots for. Then again, there was a time we both crushed on him even though Delaney’s heart always belonged with Josh.

“You did an incredible job. She’ll be the most beautiful bride.” His blue eyes hit mine and it’s so hard to look away.

“That’s the plan.” My cheeks burn just from being under his gaze.

I quickly look away and stick my pins into my pin cushion before throwing it into my sewing bag.

Reece extends his hand as I unfold my legs from under me and push myself to my feet. “I hope you don’t have to cut my eyes out for seeing the dress.”

“No.” I laugh and take his hand in mine to steady myself. “You’re fine. That only applies to Josh.”

He smiles. “That’s a relief.”

Close up, Reece Evans is a work of art. Dimples grace his cheeks when he smiles, despite the stubble. And his eyes are so blue you could dive right in and never come up for air.

He’s so cute it hurts.

“Are you all ready for the wedding?”

He nods. “Yes, Ma’am. I’ve got my tux, and Josh is uber organised. He’s been ready for this for a long time.”

“So has Delaney.”

Reece looks down at our still-joined hands, and he gives them a small shake. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Pania. Delaney’s told me all about you.”

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