His eyes shine with amusement. “I’ve tried not to let it change me. It’s nice, but at the same time, there’s so much pressure. But now I have you back in my life, I’m sure you’ll keep my feet firmly on the ground.”

“I’m not sure if that’s an insult or a compliment.”

Josh laughs. “You’re not capable of bullshitting me. If I’m being terrible, I doubt you’ll hesitate to tell me.”

“Oh, you know it.” I lean over and peck him on the lips. “I doubt you know how to be terrible.” Licking my lips, I continue. “I used to think you were, but after finding out the truth, I don’t think you have it in you.”

He lets me go. “I’m so glad we found each other, Delaney. And that we can both put the past behind us. I still wish you’d come with me, but it doesn’t take a genius to understand you can’t just walk away from everything you’ve built.”

I swallow hard. “We just need time. I need to know that you’re one hundred percent with me and Amelia. I need to know we’re solid before I can consider moving with you. How else will I know we’ll last or just fall apart?

“It won’t. I swear.”

“We’ve been together five minutes, Josh. Trust takes time. And I’m not talking about me trusting you; you have to trust me too.”

He nods. “I know. I’m sorry I’m impatient. Sometimes, I feel like I’ve waited six years for this.”

My heart weeps when he says that. It’s all my fault for rushing. But I was never patient, and even less so back then. And I’m not one to back down from confrontation either, but those simple words he said hurt me.

But I can’t back down from this. I need to know Melly and I have that security.

Even if it means delays in being together.

Twenty-Seven

Delaney

Somehow, I’m not surprised when Jessie turns up in the diner the next day.

I know it’s personal between us. It doesn’t take a psychic to know it’s all about Josh.

It has been from the night in the club when she realised I was in the picture.

I’m at the counter, and Trina is out serving customers when she arrives. She sits in a booth not far from the counter and smiles as Trina approaches.

I can’t hear what she orders, but the next part is much louder.

“Don’t take all day about it. Last time I was in here, the service was so slow.”

Trina shrinks, but I’m not about to take that.

“If you think the service is that bad, you’re welcome to take your business elsewhere,” I call out.