Page 139 of Even Ground

“I don’t want you to roll me out to prove a point. Like ‘here’s my girlfriend and I’ve finally worked out how to have relationship’. I want you to want this because you’re proud of me and—”

“What I want is to show the world we’re together because I love you. And you deserve the opportunity to put a dress on display. Screw whats-her-name. Her display is nothing compared to being photographed for all the magazines.”

Pania grins. “It is, isn’t it?”

“You don’t need her. You never needed her for your talent to shine.”

She flings her arms around my neck, and I hold her tight.

I never want to let her go.

* * *

It’s a quiet ride to the airport in the morning. Each minute that passes reminds me that I’ll be flying away from her soon. How did I stay away for two years from something that’s so good?

With my baggage checked in, we leave it as long as we can before I go through to security.

I sit on a bench and hold her hand until the last possible minute.

“You need to go,” she says.

“I know.”

Tears well in her eyes.

“You said you didn’t want to cry. Not even happy tears.”

She shakes her head. “I think I’m allowed to for this.”

I dip my head and kiss her tears away. “I’ll call you when I get home. I’m going to miss you like crazy.”

She hugs me tight, burying her face in my chest.

“Don’t you dare make my shirt wet. Your mother just washed it.”

Her shoulders shake as she laughs, and when she raises her head, a smile graces her lips.

“That’s better,” I whisper.

“Give my love to Delaney and the kids.” She sighs. “Oh, and Josh I suppose.”

“I’ll deliver it just like that.” I grin.

She pats my chest. “I know I can depend on you.”

“Always.”

And with another kiss, I let her go. “See you soon.”

“You bet.”

I walk away and don’t turn until I reach the last point where I can see her. She smiles and waves, but my heart is aching for her already.

Waiting is going to be hell.

32

Reece