I turn to Amelia. “Why don’t you go and wait for me at the front door? I’ll be there in a minute.”

She nods, and I watch as she walks up the path toward the house.

I turn to Damon. “Yes?”

“I just wanted you to know that I had a word with that guy who asked for your number.”

My eyebrows rise right along with my temper. “You did what?”

“I told him you’re not that kind of girl. Men like him, they roll into town and expect girls to just drop their knickers after knowing them for five minutes.”

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. That’s not Josh. At least, it wasn’t when I knew him. He and I spent weeks just being friendly with some gentle flirting before we even went out on a date. And even then, he was the perfect gentleman, and in the end, it was me who initiated sex.

“You don’t have to defend me. I’ve known him more than five minutes.”

He hesitates. Damon’s made it clear in the past that he’s interested. I’m not. As confused as I am about Josh’s arrival, I’m not about to let Damon think that goading Josh is the way to my heart. Not when Josh could so easily turn my life upside down. He has the money and the means to insert himself into our lives. I’ve always known that.

“Josh is an old boyfriend. We haven’t seen each other in six years. He’s never been anything but good to me.” Except for that one time that he broke my heart.

Damon frowns. “I thought you’d appreciate me sticking up for you.”

“He did nothing wrong.” I’ve been avoiding this conversation for a long time. He’s a customer, but he’s got a nerve taking a shot at Josh when he’s asked me out for himself. “Look, Damon. It’s nice that you want to look out for me, but I get guys asking for my number all the time. I give them a smile and serve them more food. I’m not interested in dating. I have Amelia to look after.”

He takes a step forward. Without thinking, I move back to maintain distance. His expression tightens.

“I always thought I’d persuade you otherwise.”

“I’m flattered, but I don’t need a minder trying to scare anyone else off.”

“I see.” He nods. “Bye, Delaney.”

For a moment, I stand there, making sure he’s moved away before turning back toward the house.

A long time ago, a teenage Josh got so deep into my heart, I never thought I’d shake him loose.

And seeing him today just clarified one thing for me.

I still haven’t.

Eleven

Josh