Page 12 of Reuniting with Lucy

“I thought maybe I’d see you around campus, but I never saw you again.”

“I was a senior and graduated not long after meeting you. After…what happened, I made it a point not to hang out near your dorm. I lived off campus, and it was weird I was there that day anyway. I’m not surprised our paths never crossed again. God gave us one chance, and I blew it.”

“Technically, He’s giving us two. I guess I’m blowing this one.”

“I wish I could go back. Knock on your door. Wait for you in the quad. Something. I was an idiot.”

“I’m sorry too,” she said.

“You’re married?” He pointed at her left hand.

“Engaged. Just recently,” she said, twisting the diamond band around her finger.

“Oh. What’s he like?” Jack asked.

“You’ve seen him. He was the blond, wearing a black sweater yesterday when we all came to see the pipe damage. He’s nice. Dependable. Does what he says he’s going to do.”

“Got it.”

She blew out a deep breath. “Look,” she said. “It might be awkward, but we have to work together, so we need to get past this and move on.”

“Is that really what you want?” he asked softly. “I feel the same pull to you as I did ten years ago. I don’t know what it means, but I’d like to find out. Is there any hope of another chance?”

Wasn’t that the million-dollar question? It would be so unfair to Curtis to dump him just for what might be. Plus, she couldn’t endure the pain of losing Jack a second time. Better to play it safe.

She shook her head. “No. Even though I hardly knew you, it took me awhile to get over you. But I did. I’ve moved on and learned a few lessons. One being, it’s not all about how you feel. It’s not as easy as love at first sight.”

There was more she could say, but she didn’t want him to know just how deeply he’d hurt her. Or how much that day had affected her life and all her relationships since.

“I understand,” he said. “Friends then?”

She nodded and swiped at one final tear. When she finally braved a look, he was staring intently at her. They were inches apart, and it would be very easy to close the gap and kiss him. Without conscious thought, her body leaned in, seemingly planning to do just that. He inched closer and closer. At the last second, right before their lips touched, she came to her senses. She was engaged for God’s sake. To another man.

She stood abruptly. “I can’t do this. I’m sorry. I have to go.” She gathered her things and left without another word. Damn, that was close. She’d have to be on guard from now on. Jack’s pheromones were nothing to mess around with.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Jack sat at The Drip, working on order forms for materials they would need soon. It had been a few days since he and Lucy had talked. And almost kissed. Even after hours of reflection, he wasn’t sure what to make of that. The attraction between them was still alive and well. At least on his end. And while he was glad they’d cleared the air, now that he knew the truth, he couldn’t help but curse himself for being such a dumbass all those years ago.

Lucy was doing her best to avoid him. Except for introducing him to three old coots at the shop—she called them the Three Musketeers—she’d hardly said two words to him.

The trailer slash office he was supposed to work in stunk like a dead cat. It was cluttered and cramped, and gave off a coffin-esque vibe. On the second day, the coffee maker broke, which was the last straw. Now, he started his days at The Drip, getting paperwork done before heading to the site.

The coffee was better here anyway. And when Lucy was around, so was the view. She usually came in about seven or eight. Sometimes she helped at the counter, but mostly, she worked in her back office. She was avoiding him, but that would have to end soon. He still needed her input on what supplies to order. Today or tomorrow, he’d pin down a time to meet again.

“Hey, Jack,” the Musketeer named Archie greeted. “How’s it going this morning?”

“Can’t complain,” Jack said. “How are you three?”

“Another day above ground is always a good one,” Walter said, and Jack chuckled.

“It sounds like I might have to challenge you to a duel,” Gene said. “I hear you been makin’ moves on Audrey Parker.”

“Oh, well. She is a beautiful lady, but she’s more woman than I could handle,” Jack said with a wink. “She’s all yours.”

Gene grinned and gave him a thumbs-up.

Jack had set up his laptop at one of the tables out of the way and was engrossed in a spreadsheet when a man’s raised voice caught his attention.

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