Andrew’s expression softened marginally, and he put one hand on her hip. “It bothers me. I can’t help it.”

She kissed him once and said, “I don’t want to think about Will anymore. It’s Valentine’s Day, and I’m with the man I love.”

Still on her knees, with him standing at the edge of the bed, their faces were almost level. She pressed herself against him, moving his arms to circle her waist. He looked down at her with heavy-lidded eyes, but the muscles in his cheek remained clenched.

Lauren dipped her head to kiss the hollow of his throat, then moved her lips to his earlobe. “Andrew,” she whispered, feeling a tremor run through him. “Aren’t I supposed to be your distraction?”

All at once, his body relaxed, and he nodded. He dropped his head to her shoulder, tightening his embrace. “Distract me.”

…

The next morning, Lauren searched for any plausible reason she might need to be in the infusion center around the same time as Andrew’s appointment. She searched her current patient roster and found one she’d needed to call and check in with, anyway.

She took the back stairwell and wove her way through several occupied infusion chairs. Before seeking out either of the patients she hoped to see, she turned down a short hallway just off the infusion suite for a cup of coffee.

When she came out of the empty break room she almost had a repeat of her first meeting with Andrew. She caught herself just short of colliding with a large male chest, but this one belonged to Gavin.

“Whoa. Hey, Lauren.” Gavin grabbed her by the upper arms. He flashed white teeth in a cocky grin.

Be nice. “Hey, Gavin.”

She backed out of his grip and moved to slide past him, but he put a hand on her elbow.

“Hey, can we talk for a second?”

Lauren glanced around the hallway. They were alone. She hadn’t forgotten about the last time he cornered her, making accusations about her and Andrew’s relationship, and she didn’t want anyone to overhear. “About what?”

“I wanted to say I’m sorry. About the last time we talked, and calling you unprofessional. You’re great with our patients and have made a big difference here at the cancer center.” He raked a hand through his hair. “I think it’s pretty obvious I like you. I have since the start, and I think I was jealous. I acted like an asshole, and I’m sorry.”

Something inside Lauren told her not to trust him, but when she met his ice blue gaze, it surprised her to find he looked sincere. “I appreciate that. Apology accepted.”