“Why are we on a date?” Annika narrowed her eyes at him, as if that were a ridiculous question, when in reality she knew exactly what he was asking.

“Yes, Annika.” He exhaled heavily. “Why are we on a date that you clearly do not want to be on?”

“That’s not true. I like you and—” Annika sagged in her seat at his withering look. “I’m sorry. It’s not you, I swear. I’m trying, I really am.”

He sat back and straightened his back. “Jeez, Annika. My ego is pretty healthy, but come on.”

“Sorry. I didn’t mean it like that.” She was an idiot. And possibly a terrible person. She had no business being here on a date with Sajan when she clearly had no romantic feelings for him, and never would. She had great affection for him as a friend, but that was all.

“Oh, God, Sajan. I’m an idiot.” She started to reach into her purse for cash to pay for their drinks. “You’re right. I never should have called when I’m—”

“Clearly still in love with Daniel.” Sadness fell over Sajan’s face, and he sank into his seat.

Annika pressed her lips together and faced him. “Is it that obvious?”

Sajan nodded. “Yep.”

“Ugh. I’m really sorry. You must think I’m awful—and you wouldn’t necessarily be wrong. You’re a lovely person, and I enjoy your company, and our parents—”

Sajan held his hand up to stop her. “Are wrong plenty of times.” He sighed. “And you’re not an awful person. You’re trying to make your parents happy. And if it’s any consolation, I knew this couldn’t be a real date when I accepted it.”

“How’d you know that?”

He grinned. “I work with Daniel from time to time. He looks worse than you.” Sajan studied her a moment. “Want to know what I think, as a friend?”

Annika smiled. “Of course.”

“I’m guessing he broke up with you?”

Annika nodded.

“Daniel has some serious demons that he has not dealt with. This breakup is about fear.”

Annika sat up and stared at him, a light slowly going on in her head.

“Daniel’s a healer,” Sajan continued. “And I don’t mean just his job. I mean that’s who he is.”

“And he can’t heal himself.” Annika spoke slowly as the realization hit her. “He’s afraid to heal himself. Because he’s afraid of losing her all over again.” Of course. This wasn’t about her judgment. Daniel was a good man. A really good man. And his love for her was true. But she could not fight his demons for him. He had to do that on his own. He had to want to.