Zeke’s stomach knotted, and a fresh wave of remorse twisted his gut. “I won’t walk out again.”

“You’re that certain?”

“Yes.”

After scrutinizing him, she pivoted away and unlatched the door. “I have to think—and pray—about this. I’ll have an answer for you by Wednesday.”

Not what he’d hoped to hear, but at least she hadn’t said no outright.

“I can live with that.”

He crossed to the door as she pulled it open. Stepped into the hall. Turned back to say—

Whoa.

A shot of testosterone zipped through him, and it took every ounce of his willpower not to pull her into his arms and claim another kiss.

Because if she was facing a mirror and could see the love and longing in her eyes, she’d know that’s where she belonged. She’d know what her answer should be.

But he could wait until she came to that conclusion on her own, now that he’d had a clear indication of her feelings.

Unless fear kept her from saying yes.

He cleared his throat. “I may approach Fischer tomorrow. If we need to talk afterward, I’ll text you.”

She blinked, clearly thrown by the abrupt change of subject. “Uh . . . okay. Fine. That w-works.”

“See you at school.” He lifted his hand in farewell and walked down the hall.

After pressing the call button for the elevator, he glanced over his shoulder.

She was watching him.

But she ducked back into the room and shut the door at once.

The elevator arrived, and Zeke entered. Pressed the button for the lobby.

Yet as he descended back to earth, his spirits soared.

Cate wanted to say yes. Wanted to trust him. Wanted to give their relationship another go.

And if she listened to her heart, she would.

He’d done everything he could to convince her he was in for the long haul.

Now all he could do was wait—and pray.

“This history assignment sucks.” Kayla shoved the book on her desk aside, stood, and stomped over to her bed.

Geez, her roommate was in a funk tonight.

And after her emotional encounter with Zeke this afternoon, Cate wasn’t in the mood for moodiness.

She lowered her trig book and adjusted the pillow behind her head. “What’s with you, anyway? You have a bad weekend?”

“I didn’t get to spend it in a cushy hotel room, that’s for sure.” She sat cross-legged on the mattress, snatched up the tattered teddy bear that was always propped against the bolster, and hugged it against her chest.

“You also didn’t have to spend it putting up with a father who is totally out of touch.”

“You know what?” Kayla glared at her. “You ought to be glad you have a father who cares enough to fly halfway across the country to see how you’re doing. Get some perspective, girl.”

O-kay.