Page 6 of Even Ground
I bite my bottom lip at the way he pronounces my name. It’s not difficult to pronounce—the same as Tania but with a P, but his soft southern accent twists it a little. It’s the kind of thing I’d usually try to correct, but he’s making an effort.
“Don’t believe a word of it.”
“She only has nice things to say about you. I’m not sure what she’d say about me.” He drops my hand.
“She’s told me you’re always hungry. But that’s about it.”
Reece chuckles. “That’s accurate. But you can’t blame me for liking her cooking. I hear you cook too.”
I clasp my hands together. “We did our training together.”
“And now you’re a hot shot fashion designer.”
Tilting my head, I shrug. “Learning to be.”
“Well, I’m sure when people get a load of Delaney’s wedding dress, you’ll get a lot of offers.” His dimples light up, and I suppress the urge to sigh. I’m not about to make a fool of myself over this guy. “You’ll be here for a while, won’t you? Seeing as we’re all going to my place in Hawaii.”
Shit. I never thought of that. Delaney and Josh’s plan is to go to Hawaii for a week alone before Josh’s parents, Reece, Amelia, and I join them. There’ll be a week where I’m here with Reece. And the others too, of course, but Reece.
“Uh”—I shift on my feet then run my hand through my long golden-brown hair—"yeah. I’ll be here until then.”
His smile’s so warm and genuine, it’s confusing. “Good. I’m glad we’ll be able to get to know each other better.”
Wait. Is this is routine with women? Or does he mean it?
The number one thing I know about this guy is that he’s never had a serious girlfriend. At least, not a public one. I can’t read too much into this, but I know full well that tonight in that bed down the hall, it’ll be Reece Evans who visits my dreams.
“Sounds great.” My voice squeaks, but he doesn’t seem to notice as he takes a look around.
“Where’s Amelia? She’s usually climbed me like a tree by now.”
“She was in her room, playing. I’m sure she won’t be far away.”
As if on cue, there’s a shriek from the doorway.
“Reece!”
He turns. “Hey, little lady.”
Melly runs straight at him, leaping into his arms, and he laughs as he scoops her up onto his hip. Her dress is finished, and she refused to take it off once we got her into it.
“Mummy said I had to show you my dress.”
“You’re all dressed up too? You’re so pretty.” He plants a kiss on her cheek and hugs her before dropping her to the ground and turning back to me. “Do I get to see you all dressed up?”
“On the day of the wedding.” My cheeks heat up again, and I take a deep breath to try and stop this stupid reaction.
He’s just a man.
“Amelia.” Josh’s voice comes from the doorway.
Melly’s eyes widen, and she claps her hands to her face. “Daddy can’t see me in my dress.”
“I’m pretty sure that just applies to your mom,” Reece says. “Want me to sneak you out?”
She nods, her dark curls flying. I love this kid so much, and I’m so glad to see she’s just slotted into this crazy world so well.
“Hide behind me.”