Page 110 of Even Ground

“Hush, you.” I grab a pair of jeans and a shirt out of my drawers before returning to the bed and grabbing clean underwear from the bedside cabinet.

He’s surprisingly well behaved as I drop the towel and pull on my clothing, except for when I sit on the bed and he lazily drifts his hand up and down my back.

“Do you really have to go on the last day?”

“She’s making her announcement today about whose designs will go on display in her store.” I tug on my socks.

“Do you think she’s going to choose you?”

I shrug. “Doubt it. She hates me. I missed out last year and the year before. And in my opinion, my dresses were the best.”

Reece pulls me round until I’m facing him. “Why are you still doing this, then?”

“Because I made a promise to myself to complete the course. She’s just pissy because Delaney keeps mentioning me in interviews. I could ask Delaney to stop, but I kind of enjoy it.”

He grins. “You’re such a masochist.”

“I could have dropped out, but I’d still have a student loan to deal with. I’ve learned a lot. It’s not all been a waste.”

Reece squeezes my arm. “I’m sure. You’re so talented. It’s not surprising Delaney sings your praises.”

My cheeks burn. “Stop it.”

“It’s true. Everything I’ve seen, from her wedding dress to the dresses she wears to events, are amazing. You’ve got a huge career ahead of you. Shame that whatever her name is doesn’t want to nurture that.”

I lean over and brush my lips against his. “You’re the best for my ego.”

“You’re just the best. Period.”

I pull away. “I need to get going or I’ll be late. Last day. I finish at two, so I’ll be home after that.”

“I’ll go and buy some condoms.”

Laughing as I stand, I turn to face him. “Good thinking. I’ll leave my spare key on the coffee table if you do want to go out.”

I grab the leftovers from the fridge, pick up my bag and head out the door, blowing him a kiss before I close it behind me.

It’d be so easy to stay in bed today, but I have to see this through.

* * *

I get a ton of curious looks in the morning, but no one says anything.

Thanks to Judith, they’re all aware of my relationship with Delaney, and if any of them are fans of Josh or Reece, they’ll know how we’re all connected.

Even Sam, who I was anticipating an interrogation from, says nothing. It makes me self-conscious, but with it being the last day of term, we’re not doing much actual work. It’s good because I wouldn’t be able to concentrate, but at the same time it makes the day drag.

At lunch time, I head out alone and go for a walk around the block. I’m still not sure how to process the events of the past twenty-four hours, and when I think of the way Reece touched me last night, my cheeks get hot.

I can’t believe he’s here—in my flat, in my bed. I’ve dreamed about him for so long, and he has feelings for me.

It’s so hard to wrap my head around.

By the time I return, there’s an hour left to go. Everyone’s back at their tables, and I join Sam, who smiles at me.

“You okay?” she asks.

“I’ll just be glad when today is over.”