Page 115 of Even Ground

Delaney makes so much noise, I can hear her from across the room.

“Yes, he’s here. Yes, he came for me.”

“Not tonight, I haven’t.” I grumble.

“What was that?” Josh laughs.

“Shit. I forgot you were on the other end of the call.” I look over at Pania. “This isn’t confusing at all with us both on the phone to the two of you.”

Pania holds up one hand and walks straight into the bathroom, closing the door.

I laugh. “Pania’s just disappeared into the bathroom with Delaney.”

“Delaney’s just headed to our bedroom.”

I blow out a breath. “Thank God because that was nuts.”

“So, where did this come from?” he asks.

I’m lost for words for a moment, unsure how to tell my best friend everything that’s happened within the past two years.

“Dude, I’m sure as shit not judging you. I think it’s great.”

I swallow hard. “I’m glad.”

“I have noticed you’ve worked hard on yourself. Remember when we first started our company and you’d disappear to make food videos with Delaney?”

I chuckle. “That was much more fun than any actual work.”

“Yeah, but then you put in the work. You got the rewards and now you have the girl. And we both definitely approve of her.”

I look at the ceiling. “I don’t know if you remember, but before your wedding, you warned me away from her. Told me not to fuck and ditch her.”

“I’m so sorry. I should have given you the benefit of the doubt.”

Drawing in a deep breath, I take a moment to answer. “You were right. At that point, if things had taken that turn between us, I would have hurt her. But I wanted to be better than that.”

“You’ve always been better than that, Reece. You just didn’t know it.”

The bathroom door opens, and Pania walks out. She drops her phone on the coffee table and then sits on the end of the bed.

“Thanks, Josh. I really appreciate it.”

“Delaney’s just walked back in, so I’ll leave you guys to it. Have fun.”

After saying goodbye and disconnecting the call, I look at Pania.

She stands and walks toward me. “Delaney says you’re a true romantic and she didn’t think you had it in you.” Pania raises her palm to my chest. “She says she’s very proud.”

I grin. “They’re both pretty happy about it.”

“It’s not really surprising. They love us.”

I drop my phone on the coffee table alongside hers. “They do.”

“So, now what, Mr Evans?” Her eyes shine with happiness.

“This.” I lean in and kiss her, starting soft but deepening the kiss until she sighs in my mouth.