“That’s fine.” His expression turned serious. “I was kidding about that part. I’m in no hurry. I want to take this slow, do it right.” He stopped for a second and gripped the back of his neck with one hand, suddenly appearing vulnerable. “I chose you even when you weren’t an option. I won’t do anything to mess this up now that you’ve chosen me, too.”

“Andrew,” she murmured, reaching up to tug at his hand. He let her bring it between them, where she pressed it against her chest. “My heart chose you a long time ago. Even if it took my mind a while to catch up.”

Lauren didn’t make it home that day, and not because a foot of snow covered the ground.

She and Andrew were all over each other all day, kissing, touching, and tangled up together. Lauren had, without question, never enjoyed kissing someone so much. He alternated between slow, languorous minutes where he took his time learning what she liked and how she responded, and greedy, hungry kisses where it seemed he couldn’t get enough.

She’d never felt so safe and wanted. Was this how it felt, to be in a real relationship? With someone who cared about you, who maybe even loved you? It felt surreal, the joy inside her, ready to burst at any moment.

No wonder people loved falling in love.

Lauren saw Andrew every day the following week. After work on Friday, she tried to keep her distance so she could get some things done.

Key word: tried.

Andrew: Come over.

Lauren: Can’t, I need to study.

Andrew: Study over here.

Lauren: You know that’s not what I’ll end up doing.

Andrew: I can control myself.

Andrew: Promise

Andrew: I miss you.

Lauren: You said we’d study last night, and when you came over you pinned me to my couch for two hours.

Andrew: Funny, I didn’t hear you complaining.

Lauren: Duh

Lauren: Regardless, I really have to study tonight.

Andrew: I want to see you. I should study too. The Grind House?

Lauren: Can you keep your hands to yourself?

Andrew: I can be discreet.

Lauren: That’s not the same thing.

Andrew: It’s a risk you’ll have to take.

Lauren: I’m not going until you promise me you’ll be good.

Andrew: No one’s even going to be paying attention to us. But I promise that if someone looks at us, they’ll have no idea about the dirty thoughts running through my head.

Lauren: …

Andrew: Fine. I’ll be good, I promise.

Lauren: Okay. I’ll be there in twenty.

Nineteen minutes later, Lauren walked into The Grind House to find Andrew already at a table. He’d done well, grabbing a two-top near the back corner, partially hidden from the busiest part of the café.