She stands, picking up her bag as I pull open the door. I can’t decipher the emotion on Josh’s face, but whatever it is consumes him as he just looks at me.

“I’m making myself scarce.” Pania pushes past both of us. “See you on Monday, Delaney.”

“Sure.” I barely hear myself say the word with all the blood rushing in my ears. “What are you doing here?”

His eyes are wild, searching mine. “I read the letter.”

“I guessed you would. Why are you here?”

He swallows hard. “I want you. I always did. Things got fucked up, but it doesn’t matter.”

“Josh …” I press my palms to his chest. There’s nothing more to say, and I get lost in those dark eyes. I’ve dreamed about them so many times, and now they’re looking right at me.

There’s a moment, just one, where nothing happens and we’re just frozen. But it’s only a moment.

He cups the back of my head with one hand, his mouth closing down on mine. This time, there’s no holding back. I sink into him, and even though we’ve kissed a few times, this is different. This is us, Josh and Delaney, the way we were always meant to be.

When we finally come up for air, he presses his forehead to mine. “Bedroom?”

I gulp. As much as I want him, I’ve been terrified of this moment.

“I don’t want to wait any longer,” he whispers. “We’ve already wasted so much time.”

He’s told me several times, but it’s taken this long for it to sink in. He wants me.

We’re still standing in the doorway.

Thank heavens I don’t have any neighbours.

But as I pull him into the house, I catch a glimpse of Pania over his shoulder. She’s standing by her car, giving me the big thumbs up.

She’ll want every minute detail of tonight.

Looks like there’ll be a lot to share.

Twenty-Four

Josh

“I’m so sorry I never got the letter,” I say as Delaney closes the door.

“I just wanted to show you that I tried to tell you.”

I slide my arms around her waist. “I never doubted you when you told me. But I really appreciate you giving me that. It means so much.”

Her smile quivers. “I’m glad.”

“You went through so much, and I wasn’t there for you. I should have been, and I am so sorry.”

“I’m the one who’s sorry.” Her voice cracks.

“We’re both here now. That’s all that matters.”

“Are you sure this is what you want? You can have a relationship with Amelia without being with me.”

I swallow hard. “Do you think I don’t know that? I want you.”

Delaney is beautiful.