“And then what? We’d pick up right where we left off? That the job—the one I came here for, the one I would’ve done anything for—would just be a moot point?”
Well, it would’ve. But he wasn’t stupid enough to vocalize the thought. “I know that position meant a lot to you and—”
“Means, Jonah. Itmeansa lot to me.”
“Right. I just meant—”
“That before I lost my memory I was ready and willing to give up everything I’d worked so hard for? But guess what? I’m not. And if I’m lucky enough to salvage this situation, I’m taking that position.”
Relief and dread jostled for first position. Time enough later to unsnarl those feelings. “The job’s still available then?”
“She’s considering it. But I’ve probably alienated her, and she’s just waiting till next week to turn me down.” Her shoulders heaved. Her eyes flashed. A tear trickled down her cheek.
His chest tightened painfully. When she hurt, he hurt.
Her chin notched up. “Even if I get my memory back, I’m taking that job, Jonah.”
“Of course. I would never stand in your way, Lauren. That’s never been my goal.”
Her nostrils flared. “You’ve had six weeks to tell me about this.”
Hadn’t he already explained?
“You didn’t tell me because you knew I would’ve left, and you couldn’t risk that.”
“I was worried about you!”
“Maybe that was true at first. But six weeks, Jonah... You were being selfish.”
He opened his mouth to refute the idea. Then his conscience kicked in. He’d thought about telling her that day he had lunch with Javier. But then she’d texted him, and he was so filled with hope he decided to wait. Hewasafraid she’d leave and he’d lose her for good. He’d admitted as much to Meg this afternoon. So at least part of his reasoning had been selfish. The realization weighed on him like a steel anchor.
He blew out a long, slow breath. “Okay. You’re right. I should’ve told you sooner. I’m truly sorry. I’ve never wanted you to sacrifice your career. But you got so excited about running the barn venue. If you could remember, you’d know what I’m saying is true.”
She dashed away a tear. “Well, I can’t remember. And at this point I’m not even sure I can take your word for it.”
Ouch.
“Or your family’s—they must’ve known too.”
He winced. “This is my fault, Lauren. I asked them not to say anything. They were worried about you too.”
A knock sounded on the door.
He sighed at the bad timing. “I ordered pizza. Stay and have dinner with me. Please. We’ll talk this out.”
Her shoulders went even more rigid. “I think I’ve heard enough.” She opened the door and stepped around the startled delivery boy.
Jonah watched her practically sprint down the steps as he reached for his wallet. After he paid for the steaming box of pizza, he closed the door and set it on the island.
His appetite was gone.
Chapter 24
It was Saturday afternoon by the time Lauren was able to check the barn’s new paint job. The crew had finished yesterday while she’d been stranded at the trapper’s cabin with Jonah.
Jonah.
She didn’t even want to think about him or the flicker of desperation in his eyes when she’d stood in his doorway yelling at him. She had every right to be upset. She never should’ve learned about her job like that. He should’ve told her after the accident when it became clear she didn’t remember.
