“Put it through, and don’t worry about it. I’m not going to let you pay for it, Jo,” Delaney says.

I lean closer. “I’ll pay for it.”

Finally, Delaney’s eyes meet mine. “You probably should. If you still eat as much as you used to, you’ll send me broke if I feed you for free.”

I laugh at her unexpected humour, and she gives me a smile—that smile. The smile that ol’ Damon didn’t get.

“Here.” I hand her the bills.

“Thanks.” She completes the transaction on the register. “Where are you sitting? We’ll bring it out.”

“I thought I’d just sit at the counter.”

She swallows hard, shuffling uncomfortably. “Sure. Take a seat.”

Damon’s sitting on the far side of the little girl, and I take a seat closer to Delaney.

“So you did notice me.”

“I noticed you earlier today when I delivered your first meal. I’m not surprised you’re here for more. You always did eat like a hobbit.”

Frowning, I run my fingers through my hair. “What do you mean?”

“First breakfast, second breakfast, elevenses …” Her laugh doesn’t sound the way I remember, and I’m sure she’s holding back. But this is probably an awkward situation for her.

“Oh yeah. I still do that too. Growing boy that I am.”

She nods. “I can see.”

I want to tell her she’s beautiful, and that I can forget that she disappeared on me but being right in front of her, everything goes from my mind except how good she looks.

“Sorry about earlier. I was a dumbass and went straight to sleep jetlagged when I should have tried to stay up to try and get in sync. When you rang the doorbell, all I could think about was my stomach.”

If I’m not mistaken, her cheeks flush pink.

“It’s okay. I wasn’t expecting to see you at all. I thought you were Richard.”

“Richard?”

“It’s his house you’re staying in. And his name was on the order.”

I nod slowly. “Of course. I should have put my name on the order I guess, but I was trying to keep things low-key.” I lick my lips. “Sorry to see me?”

Before she can answer, a little voice speaks up beside me. “Finished, Mummy.”

Delaney gives one of those breathtaking special smiles to the girl. “Good girl. Let me wipe your face.”

She pulls out a napkin and cleans the smears of sauce from around the girl’s lips.

“Your daughter?”

She glances at me. “Amelia, this is Joshua.”

“Call me Josh.” I extend a hand to Amelia and she gives me the sweetest smile before sliding her small hand into mine. Giving it a shake, I smile right back.

“Hi, Josh.”