14 Chapter 14

I’m scared by how much I care for her; she tugs at my heart the way Shanice did. I’ve held back, of course. Thought it wise. Surely it’s too soon to reignite emotions that scorched me so recently? How could I bear the pain if our relationship failed? I study her face, her wonderful smile…Concentration lapsing, I gasp as I drop too fast in a jarring jolt.

“Careful,” Anika calls.

Careful. I am being careful. Toocareful? My head tells me I don’t love her—can’tlove her. I’m not over Shanice. My heart says otherwise.

“Lauren? You okay?”

I’m not. I’m floundering.

* * * *

Anika was unusually subdued the next morning. Obviously hung over, she swallowed painkillers with her morning coffee then buried herself in work. She didn’t mention her nightmare or the previous night’s flirtation, so I didn’t bring it up either.