“But once I learned about clinical pharmacy and the specialty of oncology, I never looked back. The day I told him that I didn’t want to come home and work with him, with the plan of eventually owning it, was awful. He was so upset that I ended up telling him if I didn’t get a job offer to stay here at the hospital I know I love, I’d consider forgoing an oncology job and move back to Cedar Creek.”

“There’s no way you’re doing that,” Andrew said tightly. “The man can’t even invite you to the beach with him and his other family for Thanksgiving.”

Lauren’s lips quirked at his quick defense of her. “It wasn’t that big of a deal. Was he the most involved or affectionate father? No. But he gave me a safe place to live, took me to the doctor when I was sick, and he never forgets my birthday. He paid for my school, all of it, and in a way I feel like I owe it to him. Not enough to drop my extra training right away, but in all honesty, oncology pharmacist jobs are scarce right now. If I can’t land one at Coleman, I don’t know that I’ll have another option.”

“Believe it or not, I understand how you feel. My dad wanted me to take over the family farm, and he wasn’t happy when I told him I wanted to go to law school instead. It’s hard to feel like you’re disappointing a parent, but you gotta do what’s best for you. What will make you happy.”

That explained a lot about Andrew and his dad’s interaction—or lack thereof—today. “We’ve both got daddy issues, huh?”

Andrew chuckled. “I haven’t referred to it that way, but I guess so. How likely is it that you’ll get a job at the cancer center?”

“Pretty good, I think. Dr. Hawthorne, the Chief of Medicine, and the Director of Pharmacy have both said they’d like to keep me on. It all depends on if the administrative and financial side of the office think I’m worth it.”

“You are.”

Lauren smiled. “I think it will work out. I’ve worked hard to create a good reputation.” She met Andrew’s eyes and took in his muscular form sitting so near, his handsome face focused on her.

The skin on his jaw was smooth, but he looked just as good this way as he had on the day they’d met. Without the light layer of scruff, her eyes seemed drawn straight to his lips.

She swallowed and looked away.

“I just can’t mess it up.”

Chapter Ten

Chapter Ten

“What’s going on with you and Lauren?”