“No, we’re not. I’m not exactly sure what we are, to tell you the truth,” Lauren confessed. “I sort of want to get back with him, but I’m kind of nervous about it.”
“I understand, but can I tell you something?” she said softly. Lauren nodded. “He was so devastated when you left. I don’t think he’d ever risk losing you again.”
“I don’t know, Leigh. It’s just that it hurt so bad when Brian called and told me. I don’t think I could handle that kind of pain again.”
“I know, sweetie, but look in your heart. If it says he won’t hurt you again, you’ve got to believe it.”
“Thanks, Leigh.”
The room was almost empty now, the only ones still there being Brian, Leighanne, Kevin, Kristin, and Lauren. Nick had gotten tired and gone up to his room fifteen minutes earlier. Lauren sighed. “I’m going to join Nick. Good night.”
“Good night, sweetie, and remember what I told you,” Leighanne replied.
Lauren walked over to where the guys and Kristin were talking. “Good night, everyone. Happy anniversary, Brian!”
A chorus of replies followed. “Good night, Lauren. Thanks.”
“Great to see you again.”
“Keep in touch!”
“Good night!”
Lauren went up to the fourth floor and let herself in, making sure to be quiet in case Nick was already asleep, but he wasn’t. He was watching ESPN instead. As she walked in, he turned the television off. “Hi.”
“Hey.”
He stood up and walked over to her. “You looked really beautiful tonight.”
“Thanks. You looked really good, too.”
Nick searched her eyes and placed his hands on her waist gently. Nervously, she licked her lips in anticipation. Slowly, Nick brushed his lips against hers, and a shock of electricity went through their bodies. Though he had expected her to pull away, she didn’t even tense up. To his surprise, her arms wrapped around his neck as she deepened the kiss.