Page 114 of Even Ground
I reach up and cup his cheek. “You are really sweet. Did you buy condoms today?”
“I bought three packets to be sure.”
I bite my bottom lip and snort at the thought of some poor checkout operator serving Reece Evans buying three boxes of condoms. “Three?”
“I bought some other things to make it look like I wasn’t just buying condoms. All the shopping’s in the kitchen. Nothing that’ll spoil while we’re away.”
I snort again. “I thought you forgot the key.”
“About that …” He shrugs. “I just wanted to see this woman who has you tied up in knots. And maybe a little of that shit stirring you were talking about.” He slides his arms around my waist. “Now, I’m way overdue kissing you, so pucker up.”
“Is that right?” I purse my lips.
And then he kisses me, and all is right with my world.
Even if he just pissed my tutor off even more.
26
Reece
Pania’s bags are packed, and we’re ready to leave for her mom’s tomorrow. My stomach churns at the thought of taking this step. I’ve never met anyone’s mother before. But there’s also something about it that feels right. If I was going to take this step with anyone, it’d be Pania.
She slides her arms around my waist from behind. “Ready for bed?”
“Thought you’d never ask.”
“The Imperial March” from Star Wars burst from the speaker of my phone and echoes through the room.
Pania laughs. “What on Earth …?”
“That’s Josh. I changed his ringtone when he took charge of our movie.”
Grabbing my phone from the edge of the bed, I accept the call. Pania lets me go and walks over to the couch, dropping onto it.
“Josh.”
“Where are you? We haven’t seen you for three whole days and Delaney’s worried.”
I chuckle. “Is it just Delaney who’s worried, or do you miss me too?”
Pania’s eyebrows rise as she catches my gaze.
“It’s just not like you to not turn up to be fed. I know you’re not working.”
I run my tongue over my bottom lip. “Uh yeah. I’m in New Zealand.”
“New Zealand? What are you doing there? Oh …”
It takes a moment longer for Delaney to squeal in the background.
“Is he with Pania? Please tell me he is.”
“I don’t know. Give me a minute to find that out.” Josh laughs.
“Yes, I’m with Pania.”
Pania bites her bottom lip as her mobile starts jiggling on the bed. She crosses the room and picks it up. “Delaney.”