Page 85 of Even Ground

“You’re welcome. We all had a pretty big night last night.”

I blow out a breath. “It was one of the best nights of my life.”

Her eyes dance. “Josh’s too. I’m so proud of all of you.”

I move the tray from my lap to the other side of the bed and clasp my hands above my head, stretching out.

“Can you please put your abs away?”

“Why? Do they do something for you?”

Delaney rolls her eyes. “I’ve got my own set out there, thanks. Yours are just distracting when I’m trying to talk.”

I pull up the blanket and grin. “Sorry.”

“You’re trouble, Reece Evans.”

“That’s why you love me.”

Delaney’s cheeks pink up, and she meets my gaze head on. “I do love you. You were an unexpected bonus when Josh and I got back together. You’re one of my best friends.”

I grin. “How do I get that number one spot?”

“That’s reserved for Pania.” Delaney cocks her head. “But you’re right up there.”

Letting out an exaggerated sigh, I move the tray back to my lap. “Always second best.”

“That won’t always be true. You’ll work yourself out one day.” Delaney pushes herself to her feet and rubs her baby bump. “You’re a better person than you think.”

She turns and walks to the door.

“Delaney.”

She pauses and looks back at me.

I swallow hard. I do love her, but not in a romantic way. In an I-always-wished-I-could-have-a-sister way.

Her brows knit. “Are you okay?”

“I just wanted to say thank you. For everything. You feed me, and you let me crash here when I need to, even though my apartment is five minutes away.”

Her gentle smile warms my heart. “There will always be a bed here for you, Reece. Whenever you need it.”

She winks and leaves the room, closing the door behind her.

Josh gets to wake up in the mornings with the one woman who will always be there for him. She laughs at my sometimes hare-brained ideas, but in her own gentle way, Delaney backs me, too, and I appreciate that more than I can say.

But I want that backing for myself with someone I know I can always rely on.

Pania.

Shit. I grab my phone from the bed. A new message notification sits on my screen, and I close my eyes. What did I send her?

I take a peek at the screen.

Pania: Have you been drinking? Miss you too, doofus. Congratulations.

I grin.

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