Picking up the two plates, he leads me through the dining room and into a soft-lit room with a big couch and an even bigger television.

“What are we doing?”

“I thought we could watch The Fellowship of the Ring. It’s been a while since I’ve seen it, and it’s the extended cut so it’s the longer version.” His lips curl. “And the longer I get with you, the better.”

I nod slowly. “That’s a great idea. But if you’ve got it, why don’t we watch your movie?”

“Which movie?”

“The movie.”

Josh smiles. “You might be in luck. I think it’s on Netflix.” He licks his lips. “You know, if things had been different, you would have been on my arm at the premiere, and we would have celebrated its success together.”

I let out a sigh. “I know. I wish things had panned out that way.”

“Me too.” He places the plates on the coffee table in front of the couch. “Did you want a drink? There’s literally everything here.”

“Juice or something fizzy would be nice.”

Josh nods. “Coming right up.”

I take a deep breath as he leaves the room. He’s being so sweet. I’m not sure what I expected, but him cooking cheese on bread in a frypan wasn’t at the top of the list.

It takes me back to when we first met. It’s the kind of meal we shared when we were dating.

“Here we go. Two orange juices.” He places the glasses on the table and sits beside me. “This takes me back. Grilled cheese used to be the only meal I could afford on the menu of the coffee shop.”

I laugh. “Is that why you ordered it so often?”

“That, and I got to spend time with you. I borrowed off Reece to pay for it most of the time.”

“Really?”

He shrugs. “I needed an excuse to spend time with you, and at that stage you hadn’t said yes to going out with me.”

All I do is smile. I liked him so much too. He came in daily, always with the same order, and spent every minute until he got his food chatting to me. I knew he was interested, and I was too.

I pick up my plate. “Let me critique this meal.”

“Please don’t.” He laughs.

“It’ll be fine. When the weather’s cold like this, Melly and I snuggle down on the couch with a blanket and some cheese toasties and watch movies.”

His lips twitch. “Does that mean we get to snuggle? I’ve got plenty of blankets.”

“Maybe. Depends on how good this is.” I pick up a sandwich.

“That’s harsh, Delaney.”

I laugh. “That’s me.”

* * *

When we’ve finished eating, he takes my plate and disappears, returning with a wool blanket and a hopeful look on his face.

How can I say no?