Page 137 of Even Ground

I raise my eyebrows. “Is that a proposal, Reece Evans?”

“I’m not sure either of us are ready for that yet, but I do know I’m happier than I’ve ever been, and I really want to do this with you.”

Sliding my hand down, I palm his cock through his boxers. “I know what I’d like to do.”

“Pania Wilson.” His mouth falls open, as if he’s offended. “It’s the middle of the day.”

“It’s not bothered you before.”

“I know, but …”

I raise my eyebrows and lift my hand. “Don’t say I didn’t offer.”

He crawls onto the bed, pushing me onto my back. “I’ve never been one to turn down an offer like that.”

His blue eyes are filled with mischief.

God, how I love him.

31

Reece

On our last day in Whakatane, the morning sun peeks through a crack in the curtains, and I draw in a deep breath, unsure if I’m ready to face it.

Beside me, Pania stirs, and I stroke her back, planting a kiss in her hair.

“I don’t want to leave,” I whisper.

She raises her head. “What?”

“I’ve never been so happy. You, me—”

“Under my mother’s roof.”

I crook my neck to look at her. “I think I might have to take your mom back with me.”

Pania laughs. “She won’t fly. It’s always scared her. If you want to see her, you’ll have to visit.”

I raise my gaze to the ceiling and huff out a breath. “If only there was some other reason I needed to come to New Zealand again.”

She shrugs. “I can’t think of anything.”

“Me either. I’m not sure why I’m here to start with.” Her palm hits my chest. “Oof. You. I came here for you.”

“Don’t you ever forget it.”

She buries her face in my neck. “I love you, Reece. So much.”

I hug her tight against me. “And you’re my whole world.”

“As much as I hate to say it, we need to get dressed and get out of here.”

“I know.”

We lie in silence, and despite knowing we need to get ready, neither of us move. We still have another day before I fly back to the US, and I don’t want to think about saying goodbye.

Pania nudges my side. “We need to get moving.”