Page 158 of Even Ground

I smooth down my dress. It’s one I made myself a couple of years ago at home—a simple black dress—but it works for the event we’re going to. Delaney’s wearing something similar.

Delaney grips my hand. “You go in, and we’ll be right behind you. The press will want to talk to Josh and I’ve got to try and slide in who dressed me.”

I grin. “I’m so glad I’ve got you here with me.”

“You’ll be fine. Just get in there and scare the shit out of Reece.”

My stomach churns. Nothing makes me nervous. No one has this effect on me but him. The thought of being in his arms tonight makes every nerve in my body come alive.

She gives me a gentle shove. “Go.”

I walk into the glittering room. It’s some industry event with dinner and dancing that Josh booked a table for. He’s taken care of all the details, so Reece hasn’t been involved with who’s representing their company. All he’s been told is to show up.

As I scan the room, my nerves start to disappear. I don’t really understand it, but knowing Reece is here somewhere soothes them.

I come to a halt when I lay eyes on him.

He’s so handsome, with his stubble and his shining blue eyes. All dressed up in a tuxedo that just makes me want to jump his bones even more.

What else I see makes my blood boil.

I never thought I was the jealous type. I experienced it when I saw the photos of Reece with Gabby. I’ve seen Reece in movies, and I understand that they’re acting. Hell, I’ve watched Josh strip off and screw women on screen but know the only woman he’ll ever want in real life is Delaney.

But right now, there’s a gorgeous blonde who looks like she just walked out of a Vogue magazine, laughing and joking intimately with my man, with her hand on his arm like she owns him.

I narrow my eyes and stalk toward them.

“Hi.”

Blondie keeps talking, but Reece’s eyes meet mine, and widen.

“Pania?” His voice isn’t much more than a whisper, but his mouth curves into a wide smile.

“What’s going on?”

He looks down at his arm, shakes off the blonde’s hand, and takes a step back.

She very obviously doesn’t take the hint, not stopping for a breath as she just keeps talking.

With barely a glance at me, she shoves her empty champagne glass in my direction.

I shove it back. “Wait. Do you think I work here?”

Finally, she turns her head and meets my gaze. “You don’t?”

I open my mouth to speak but gasp instead as Reece grabs hold of my wrist and pulls me to him.

“This is my girlfriend, Pania.”

Tension tightens blondie’s face so much, she won’t need a facelift any time soon. “Oh.”

Reece gives me such an affectionate look, my stomach flips. “My beautiful, amazing, very clever fashion-designer girlfriend, Pania.”

I bite my bottom lip, blush, and then fix my gaze back on hers. I’ve never backed down from anything before, and I’m not about to do it now. I cock an eyebrow and don’t blink.

She takes a step back, and Reece slides his arm around my waist, hugging me to him. I remember Delaney being anxious about not fitting in—neither of us fit the Hollywood stereotype—but as Josh loves her, Reece loves me. I know he’ll always have my back.

The blonde licks her lips as if she’s trying to work out what to say. “Oh. Nice to meet you.”