His face falls, and I know I’ve made my point.

“Why do you think I never got serious about anyone else, Josh? She can’t have her heart broken. I won’t allow it.”

He nods. “Are we okay?”

“Of course. But please, if you’re going to announce your plans, let me know first? I don’t want to build her up only for her to be hurt.”

Josh lets go of my hands and wraps his arms around me. “I promise. And I’ll be there for her, and for you. It’ll be a lot easier if I can move you two to LA.”

“Will it? You haven’t been back to LA since you left us last time.”

He nods. “I know, but I’ve been thinking a lot about how after this next movie, I don’t have any firm commitments. Reece and I have been talking about working on our own project, and I thought I might take a couple of years off to do it.”

My mouth falls open. “You haven’t stopped working since your first movie. Are you feeling okay?”

He buries his face in my hair. “Being with you again changed my life. All I could think about was work before, and which projects were worth my time. Now, all I want is to be with my family and do what I want to do.”

We’re more important to him than anything else.

I’m speechless. What the hell do I say to that?

“Get dressed, and let’s go and enjoy the night.” He pecks me on the lips and turns to the wardrobe.

I spring out of bed and pick a dress out of my bag. Time for a shower and the good underwear. Might as well go all out.

Tonight, we’ll be seen in public properly for the first time, and my stomach’s a mess of butterflies just thinking about it.

But I deserve this. And so does Josh.

We can’t hide forever.

* * *

The restaurant takes my breath away.

It’s not crazy fancy, but it’s all candlelit with what look like very comfortable chairs. That’s all I care about apart from the food.

“Mr Carter.” The maître d’ greets Josh as if they’re old friends. “This way, please.”

People turn and stare as we’re shown to a table. It’s weird, but I hold my head high and Josh grips my hand tight as we walk.

The maître d’ pulls my chair out, and I take a seat with Josh sitting opposite.

“Like it?”

“It’s lovely.” I lean over a little. “People are looking at us.”

“They will. They’ll see my beautiful girlfriend and they’ll all be jealous.”

My cheeks burn. “Stop it.”

“It’s true. I’m so crazy about you, Delaney. I’m not sure I can ever show you how much.”