Page 48 of Even Ground

“This is such a beautiful house,” I say, shading my eyes from the sun as I look up.

Leilani holds out her hand. “Come inside. I’ll show you your room, and there’s plenty of food ready for you all. I know airplane food is awful.”

I laugh. “It wasn’t too bad, but there’s never enough.”

She pats me on the back. “I understand.”

I follow her inside, and it’s as beautiful as the outside—similar to Delaney and Josh’s home with large rooms and a sweeping staircase.

We head upstairs and down a hallway until we reach one of the rooms where she comes to a stop and opens the door.

Leilani doesn’t say anything, just gestures I step inside, which I do, shocked and in awe of a pale blue room with a four-poster bed, and a balcony that I head straight for. The doors are open, and I step out to see a view of the backyard with a large pool and grounds that seem to go for miles.

Turning, I smile at Leilani. “It’s gorgeous.”

“Anything you need, just pick up the phone and dial zero for the kitchen. When you’re ready, come downstairs and turn right to get to the dining room.”

“Thank you so much.”

She hesitates, as if she’s unsure to say something, and I frown.

“I’m not supposed to tell you this …” There’s a cheeky glint in her eye as if she’s about to let me in on a big secret. “Reece wanted you in this room. It’s the best guest room because it has the best bed and the best view from the balcony. He’s never given me any advice on where to house his guests before.”

I bite my bottom lip “Thank you for telling me.”

She smiles. “See you downstairs.”

After she’s gone, I walk back out to the balcony and look around. LA was so busy and noisy, even from the car, but this? This I could live with forever.

And I haven’t even ventured beyond the gate.

10

Pania

I don’t want to open my eyes.

It’s our first morning here, and the warm breeze floats through the open window carrying the fragrant scent of flowers through the air. I could lie like this all day.

The bed dips beside me, and I shake my head to wake myself up.

“Good morning.” Delaney sounds way too chirpy, and I let out a moan.

“What are you doing in my bed?” I rub my eyes.

“Waking you up. We have places to be.” Delaney leans her head on my shoulder. “I’m borrowing one of Reece’s cars and we’ll go for a drive. We can’t get that lost on an island.”

I push myself up to sit. “Just don’t let Josh drive. We’ll get lost if he does.”

Delaney bursts out laughing. “You’re not wrong.” She wriggles. “Your bed is so comfortable. This is such a nice room. Maybe I should sleep in here with you.”

“You’re supposed to be on your honeymoon.” I raise my hands above my head, clasping them together and stretch. “With the gorgeous Josh.”

“I live with him. And I only have you here for a week before you go home.” She rolls off the side of the bed to her feet. “Leilani’s made breakfast. That woman can bake.”

My mouth waters at the thought of food. I crawled into bed early last night, tired from our flight and full of the seafood feast Leilani had put together.

Swinging my legs out the side of the bed, I sit there for a moment as Delaney makes her way around the bed.