Page 159 of Even Ground

“Sigourney and I made a movie together a couple of years ago. You probably saw it. The Long Walk?” Reece says.

Oh I remember. It was a romantic movie about a woman with only a few months left to live who falls in love. She dies at the end.

“I’m not sure. I usually remember your films, but I can’t seem to place that one.” I flash a bright smile at Sigourney. “Maybe it wasn’t very good.”

He chuckles in my ear and pinches my bum. “All my movies are good.”

I wiggle my hips against him, and turn to murmur back at him. “Oh, you’re usually good.”

“Behave.” He places a kiss on my temple. “At least until we’re out of here.”

Sigourney looks a little uncomfortable and steps back even farther until she finds someone else to start talking to.

“So, what’s the deal with her?” I ask, crossing my arms and tapping my foot. “Why does she think she gets to touch you like that?”

Reece purses his lips before raising his hand to his mouth and letting out a laugh. “Well, hello to you too.”

“Don’t you try and sweet talk me.”

He places his hands on my wrists, pulling my arms apart. “She wouldn’t stop talking. I just zoned-out after a while. What are you doing here?”

“I came to surprise you.” I pout.

He tugs on my arms, bringing me closer before sliding his arms around my waist. “You did that. I’m so happy you’re here.”

And without a care in the world as to who sees us, he kisses me long and deep, lingering on my lips as he pulls away.

“That’s a better welcome.” I nuzzle my nose against his. “Now, what did that woman want? What’s her name? Susan?”

Reece raises an eyebrow. “Sigourney is hoping to meet Delaney tonight. She thinks knowing me and making friends with her will help her get a part in our next film.”

I roll my eyes. “Couldn’t she just audition like everyone else?”

“Sure, but making friends is always advantageous in this town.” He chews his bottom lip. “She’d be better off just approaching Josh instead of trying to get to him through his wife.”

“Uh huh.” I nod.

“Speaking of whom. They’re here.”

I turn, and grin as my bestie walks into the room with her husband behind her. Heads turn where Josh goes. His career’s in the stratosphere with the Oscar win, and he’s the man everyone wants to know. But his eyes are firmly on Delaney. They always are.

She’s the one person he’s always out to impress.

Out of the corner of my eye, Sigourney straightens up and puts on a dazzling smile.

My gaze locks with Delaney.

She squeals, and all but races across the room, gathering me into her arms.

“I couldn’t see. How was the reunion?”

Reece clears his throat. “You set me up?”

“It was a surprise.” She looks between me and Reece. “Everything’s okay, right?”

“Apart from a blonde near-misunderstanding, we’re fine.”

Delaney’s eyebrows creep up. She looks around the room. “Josh was right behind me.”