Page 134 of Even Ground

“And now you own my dick.”

Pania pushes herself up. “I do, don’t I?”

“Don’t you ever forget it.” I reach over and run my fingers through her hair. “I hate the thought of us being apart again. I’m not sure how I’ll cope without this.”

“Me too.” She plants a kiss on my pec and lies back down. “I feel comfortable with you. It’s not a common thing for me. Most of the time I barely tolerate people.”

I chuckle. “No kidding.”

“I’m just not a patient person.” After a few moments of me saying nothing, she lifts her head again. “Aren’t you going to respond to that?”

“What do you want me to say?”

“You’re supposed to say, I know, Pania, but I love you anyway.” Her imitation of my drawl is so on point, all I can do is laugh.

“You’re good. Not as good as Delaney’s impersonation of Josh, but not too far off.”

I close my eyes and smile as Pania snuggles closer. She’s not the only one who feels comfortable. Usually by now, I’ve cut and run, but not with her. Never with her.

I’m at peace with myself for the first time in years, and it’s all thanks to Pania.

30

Pania

Reece assures me he’s driven on the left side of the road plenty of times—just not in New Zealand—so despite my concerns, I let him drive my car.

It’s a little embarrassing that he’s driving it after the luxury of his own car, but Reece takes to her without a care. It makes me love him even more.

After so much time on the road, it’s a relief to lay eyes on Mum’s house. At least now we’re here, it’s a while until we have to make our way back to Auckland.

Mum’s standing by the door as we drive up the driveway and park. Reece steps out of the car, and I follow behind.

“Reece.” She beams.

I put up my hand. “I’m right here.”

Mum shoos me away with a flick of her wrist. “You I can see any time.”

Reece stifles a laugh. “Hi, Mom.”

“That’s my boy.” Mum’s just about stratospheric from the looks of the smile on her face. I just shake my head, roll my eyes, kick off my shoes by the backdoor, and walk inside.

“Who crapped in your cornflakes?” Wiremu laughs. He’s standing by the kitchen bench wearing nothing but a pair of shorts.

“I’ve become a visitor in my own mother’s house.”

He grins. “All she’s done while you were gone is talk about Reece. And how good he is to her daughter.”

“Whatever.” I bite down a smile.

“It’s true. I’m pretty sure she’s hearing things too.”

I frown. “Like what?”

“Wedding bells.” He chuckles and walks off into the living room.

I shake my head again and turn left along the hallway, heading toward my bedroom. Faceplanting on the bed, I draw in a breath.