But seeing Annika this happy—it was delightful. She had almost completely shed her armor for the moment. A large grin formed almost automatically at the realization that her happiness made him happy. And he wasn’t used to any kind of happy. Daniel tried to force his expression into something neutral, so as not to appear ridiculous to her, but he couldn’t stop. Being with Annika made him want to smile.

Huh.

“Hey, Daniel, I know we just met, but could I come as a ride along on the chopper one time? I won’t get in the way—but I’m thinking about med school, and it would be awesome to see what happens,” Nilay said.

“Nilay,” Annika started in her big-sister voice, “I’m sure Daniel has better things—”

“No, actually, it’s fine. We do it from time to time.” Daniel looked at Nilay. “I’ll do you one better. You can come and shadow me at the ER, too.”

“The ER? Seriously?”

“Yes.”

This was the second chance today that he’d had to tell Annika the truth about how he met her—how he’d really met her—and he couldn’t bring himself to do it. It was cowardly and he knew it. But the smile on her face and the unspoken closeness when he caught her eye stirred something within him that he had forgotten was even there. What difference did it make how they actually met, when the connection was clearly there now?

“What? Are you serious? That would be beyond—I mean that would be so—I promise I won’t get in the way.”

“Great.” Daniel chuckled at Nilay’s wide-eyed gratitude. “I’ll have some forms for you, and a parent will have to sign off on it.”

“No problem!” Nilay was about busting out of his seat.

“Eyes on the road!” Annika and Daniel spoke together.

AT ANNIKA’S REQUEST, Nilay dropped her off at the bar, and Daniel got out, as well. He loitered outside the bar while Annika and her brother said goodbye.

It was properly dark now, a crispness lingering in the air. Not quite winter, but not summer, either. They stood alone in the streetlight, suddenly awkward with each other, and spoke at the same time.

“Listen, about what I told you.”

“You should rest that.”

Daniel smiled. “Sorry, you go.”

Annika met his eyes, bit her bottom lip. Damn. “Just about what I told you... Thank you for listening and for...everything.” She broke his gaze as a flush colored her cheeks. “I’m sorry I fell apart...”

Daniel held up a hand. “Don’t apologize for having feelings.”

Gratitude washed over her face as she nodded at him. “I do feel much better now, thanks. I just don’t want you to feel sorry for me.”

“I don’t feel sorry for you. You’ve had to deal with some hard situations.” He paused. “I wish I had your strength.”