“That son of a bitch.” I’ve never heard Josh so angry. “At least we know where it’s come from. How did you find out?”

I take a deep breath. “He came in to apologise. He thought you would be the subject of the article.”

He growls. “Are you two okay?”

Closing my eyes, I lean back on the couch. “I’m glad you turned off my social media notifications. I’ve had tweets from reporters, and plenty of people want to tell me what a bitch I am. The school’s taking care of Melly.”

“I’ll organise some security. I should have done it the other day. You two need to be protected.”

I blink rapidly. “No.”

“I need to make sure you’re safe.” His tone is so anguished. “After what happened in Hawaii, I don’t want anything else coming between us.”

“It’s not coming between us.”

“Whether we like it or not, these things are going to wear us down. The sooner we’re all together the better, and I’m working on that right now.” He pauses. “At least, for a little while. I miss you like crazy.”

I rock as I cradle the phone. “I miss you too. Want to have phone sex?”

Josh’s strained laugh gives him away. He’s as tired as I am. “You’re sounding more like yourself.”

“I feel more like myself now I’m talking to you. I’m looking forward to you coming to stay with us.”

“Me too. Listen, I’ve got to get going, but call me tomorrow or I’ll call you. If you’re going to be stubborn about security, then I need to know what’s going on and when to step in.”

This is the part I hated thinking about. There was always a chance we’d end up with our carefree life being curtailed. I just thought we had more time. But Josh is right. We have to make sure this gets under control before it damages our relationship.

And that’s all that matters.

Forty-One

Delaney

Thankfully, nothing more happens before Josh is due to arrive.

Damon hasn’t been near the diner, to my relief. I’ve seen him in passing from across the street, but he hasn’t tried approaching me. I think Pania put the fear of God into him. She’s good at doing that.

The bell rings to say someone’s walked in, and Jo has to nudge me to get me to look up.

Dark eyes greet me from the other side of the counter.

My heart races as I run around and into his arms.

All the pressure of the past few weeks flows from my body as I cry happy tears, his arms wrapped tightly around me. Josh is always what I need.

“Hey, baby. Miss me?” he murmurs, pressing a kiss into my hair.