Page 113 of Even Ground

“Your secret’s safe with me.” He grabs my hand and laces his fingers with mine. “Now, where’s this famous dress?”

“You want to see it?”

“You know I do.” His eyes shine with pride, and I draw in a deep breath and give him a sharp nod.

“It’s over here.” I lead him to the back of the room where our designs are set up on mannequins. My skin prickles as Judith’s eyes follow us, but I don’t care. Reece has seen the dresses I’ve made Delaney, but this is my chance for him to see something I’ve made for me. “This is it.” I brush my fingers down the soft fabric. Every time I see the deep blue of it, I fall in love all over again.

“Woah.” Reece’s tone softens. “It’s beautiful. Tell me this is going on display in her store.”

My cheeks burn. “No. I didn’t get a spot.”

“What?” He shakes his hand free of mine and holds up his palms, and his voice is way too loud, but there’s a part of me that doesn’t care because I wanted this so badly. “You’re wearing this next time you’re in LA.”

I don’t dare look away from him. “I don’t know—”

“This is a red carpet dress.”

His devilish smile makes me dizzy. He knows exactly what he’s doing.

Reece dips his head and kisses my ear. “I mean it.”

A cleared throat behind us makes me turn. “Ms Wilson, I’m about to lock up, so …” Judith’s icy tone is back, and when Reece turns, her lips curl into a smile. “Have a lovely holiday.”

“Thanks.”

Reece grabs my hand again as I walk back to the bench to pick up my bag, and we leave the room, hand in hand.

“She would have heard all that,” I mutter.

“That was the plan. She’s a fool. You’re meant for bigger and better things, Pania Wilson.”

“You say that as we walk to the bus stop.” I laugh and lean my head against his shoulder.

“Let’s Uber instead.”

“That sounds way too luxurious for me.”

* * *

Commuters out of the city honk their horns as they fight to gain more distance and time, but none of us are really going anywhere.

Despite being earlier in the day, I didn’t anticipate the stampede out of town before the holidays as people decide to take off early.

It’s nearly four by the time we get back to my flat.

“So, now you’re all mine for two whole weeks?” Reece asks.

“And Mum’s.” I laugh.

“I’m looking forward to meeting her.”

I drop my bag beside the couch and throw myself on my bed.

Reece sits beside me and places his hand on my back. “Tired?”

“Yes, but glad to be on holiday.” I roll over and push myself up to sit. Thank you for what you did for Sam. It was really sweet.”

His eyes meet mine, and for a moment he just gazes at me. “I’d do anything for you.”