“Not that it’s any of your business, but we have history. So, I’d appreciate you dropping the guard-dog thing because she’s not yours either.”

He recoils, and I know I’ve hit a nerve. I’d bet anything his next step is to run to Delaney to tell her what he’s done. That’s what guys like him do.

He turns and walks away, and I open the car door and step in. For a moment, I close my eyes, picturing her behind the counter. She still has that curve to her lips, and the smile in her eyes that always made me feel like I was the only man on the planet. That look was for me.

Even six years later, she shared it.

And it was all mine.

Ten

Delaney

From the moment I heard Josh’s voice, I knew I was screwed.

How else would I have greeted him? The last thing I wanted was a scene in my own diner.

So, I treated him like I would have anyone else I know. I teased, but tried to keep things business-like.

But I’m still shaking like a leaf by the time I get back into the kitchen. Melly holds my hand as we walk through, and I find Pania by the back door, waiting.

“I heard you-know-who was out there.”

“He’s not Voldemort.”

She laughs. “You okay?”

I nod. “I have no idea how, but I think I dealt with it alright.”

She smiles. “You don’t look alright. Go home and have a drink after the munchkin is in bed.”

“I think he knows.” My voice is barely more than a whisper, but I don’t want anyone else to find out.

“What? How?”

I shrug. “He said we need to talk.”

“Maybe he just wants to compliment you on your delicious food.”

I shake my head. “I doubt it. I mean, I know he liked the food, but his tone said there was more to it.” Biting down on my bottom lip, I press Amelia to my side, covering the ear that’s not stuck against me. “What if he does know? What if he tries to take her?”

Pania sighs. She places her hand on my arm as if to steady me. “Then, talk to him. Find out what he wants. If anyone can talk him into being reasonable, it’s you.”

“Mummy, can we go?” Melly’s full of food and tired.

If she falls asleep now, it means I have lots of time to sit in the quiet and think at night. That’s the opposite of what I want today.

We walk out the back. There’s a small car park, and we live right across the road behind the diner.

My car’s already parked up at home.

We cross, and as we reach the front gate, I let out a sigh at the sight of Damon walking toward me.

“Delaney.”