Page 17 of Code Trauma

Holly sighed. It was more than that, but she wouldn’t think about it for now. She checked her phone and found a message from Andy.

Can we have dinner?

Yes. What time?

Whenever you can get away.

I’m on duty, so has to be here.

As he well knew.

Of course. Don’t leave base without me. I want to meet you at the door and walk down with you.

He was worried she’d be attacked again. In the hospital where she’d always felt safe.

That’s fine. I’ll be here.

See you soon.

But what would she say to the man who’d ghosted her during one of the most painful events of his life?

While he appeared to regret that, could she ever trust him not to do it again?

And if Dr. Mann wasn’t the person threatening her, who was?

* * *

Andy waitedfor Holly to step through the door and join him in the hallway. She looked rough. Lovely, but ... “Hard flight?”

“I can’t even explain how hard.”

He took her hand and led her to the hospital cafeteria, where they walked through the line then headed to their table in the corner. He slid onto the padded seat and over next to the wall, then waited for her to join him on the same side.

Only she put her tray on the table and took the opposite booth.

He raised a brow, his heart constricting, praying he didn’t fumble his words. He cleared his throat. “So, I owe you an apology. An ... explanation.”

“No, you don’toweme anything. If you’re going to explain, then do it because youwantto, not because you believe youoweme something.”

He paused and nodded. “Okay, fair enough.” He drew in a steadying breath. “I ... don’t even know where to start. After Chris was killed, I just ... reacted. I couldn’t think. I didn’t want to be around anyone.” His eyes met hers. “Except you,” he whispered.

She frowned. “Then why push me away?”

“Because I was afraid.” He lifted a shoulder in a hesitant half-shrug.

“Afraid of what?”

“Of you seeing that side of me.”

“Whatside? Please, Andy, don’t make me drag this out of you.”

He ran a hand down his face. “I’m not trying to make you do that.” Clearing his throat, he took her hand. “You know that from the age of six, Jacob and I were in and out of the foster system.”

“Yes.”

“Well, when we got older, we ended up going back to live with our parents for a while. Shortly after Jacob and I were returned to our parents after the latest foster stay, my dad left. Just packed up his stuff and walked out the door without a backward glance.”

“Oh, Andy, I’m so sorry.”

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