Andrew pulled her close and kissed her. His lips were slow and determined, like he was communicating something he couldn’t seem to put in words.

And she understood him perfectly.

…

A week later, Lauren and Jeni sat in a booth at Republic, having dinner after a day of shopping. Other than texting her to check on Andrew, Lauren had avoided Jeni during the breakup as well. She’d apologized for being so distant when they first met up that afternoon, and Jeni had waved her off with a smile and a hug.

“I’m just glad you’re back together,” Jeni had said. “He was driving me crazy. Don’t ever do that to me again, okay?”

Lauren didn’t plan on it.

They’d just finished eating, and as they waited for the server to bring the check, Jeni asked, “So, how do you feel about St. Louis?”

“The city? Nice arch, I guess.”

Jeni laughed. “I meant Andrew’s St. Louis thing.”

Lauren frowned. “What St. Louis thing?”

Jeni returned her confused expression. “Andrew’s interview at the DA’s office in St. Louis.” She paused. “He didn’t tell you?”

Lauren’s pulse slowed way down. “No, he didn’t mention it.”

Though her face still appeared unsure, Jeni shrugged. “Oh…well, maybe something has changed. I’m sure he would have said something if he was still considering it.”

Lauren rubbed her thumb along the seam of the leather booth. She thought about asking Jeni if she knew more, decided against it. “I’m sure you’re right,” she said. He’d tell me.

Wouldn’t he? Surely, now that they were back together, and after all the things they’d talked about, he’d tell her he was considering a job in St. Louis.

But uncertainty continued to build throughout the evening, and by the time she and Jeni parted ways, insecurity coursed through her. What if he was just too afraid to say something?

Only one way to find out. She sent Andrew a single text.

Lauren: We need to talk.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Two

Andrew sat up straight, fear shooting down his spine. That was not a text message a man ever wanted to get from the woman he loved.

He tried to stay calm.

Andrew: Okay, can I come over?

Lauren: I’ll come there.

Fifteen minutes later there was a light knock on his door. Lauren didn’t touch him as she walked in and took a seat on his couch.

Apprehension churning in his gut, Andrew closed the door and sat down beside her, angling his torso to face her. He reached for her hand. “Is something wrong?”

“Are you considering a job in St. Louis?”

Andrew opened his mouth to speak, then stopped. That’s what was bothering her? “How did you hear about that?”

“It’s true?” Her lips dipped slightly at the corners. “Why didn’t you tell me? That’s almost four hours away.”