The pale blue walls with white curtains leave the room looking so bright and airy. A large bed sits at one end of the room, and there’s a walk-in wardrobe opposite. My single suitcase looks wholly inadequate in comparison.

“I’ll leave you to it. There are fresh towels in the en-suite if you’d like to take a shower or a bath, and just pick up the phone if you need me and dial zero for the kitchen.”

“Thank you so much.” I want to hug her. She reminds me a lot of Pania’s mother. The two of them would probably get along great.

“You’re welcome. Hopefully Josh will be back soon. I’m so happy that he found you, Delaney. I’ve been taking care of this house for four years, ever since Reece bought it, and Josh looks happier than I’ve ever seen him.”

I grin. “I’m pretty happy too.”

“You have a beautiful little girl. I’ve seen the photos. Next time, you bring her to come and see me.”

Laughing, I nod. “I will. Promise.”

“I’ll leave you to settle in, and remember, call me if you need me.”

“I will. Thank you.”

She closes the door behind her, and I head straight to the bed. All I want is to shut my eyes for a little while.

The mattress is the most comfortable one I’ve ever lain on. This is the luxury I expected from this trip. Today’s been exhausting, so it doesn’t take much to fall asleep.

When I wake, it’s dark, and I slide off the bed and venture downstairs just in time to see Josh walk in the front door.

His whole face lights up at the sight of me.

“I’m sorry I’m so late. Have you been taken care of?”

I nod. “Are you hungry?”

He grasps my arms and pulls me toward him. “I’m starving, but I want a taste of you first.”

All the tension in my body disappears when I’m in his arms, and he gives me a soft, but needy kiss.

“Fuck food.”

I squeal as he bends and scoops me into his arms. All is right with my world again, and I’m where I need to be—with Josh.

Fuck Mac and his attempt to get rid of me. I’m stronger than that. We’re stronger than that.

Josh carries me up the stairs and back toward the bedroom. I laugh the whole way.

“I’m too heavy for this.”

“No, you’re not. You’re perfect.”

I bury my face in his neck for the rest of the way, and he sets me on my feet inside the door which he closes behind us.

“How was your flight?” he asks.

I pause. There’s no point in lying, and Josh knows me well enough to read me. “Not fun, but I’m here now.”

“What happened?”