heart gave a thud, like a rock hitting the bottom of a well. “Of course not. We’ve stayed friends for Erin’s sake. But when we were married, we drove each other crazy. Most of the time I can barely tolerate the man.”
He released her hand as the waitress brought their meals and set them on the table, but his light hazel eyes continued to hold hers. “I’m not a fool,” he said. “You’re the woman of my dreams, and I want you for keeps. But when you’re in my arms, I need to know it’s me you’re thinking about, not another man. I understand that you have to put this trial behind you. But once it’s done, whatever the outcome, I’ll need you to give me an answer.”
“I understand.” Tori poked at the sandwich on her plate, her appetite gone. “You’ve been an angel of patience, Drew. I promise I won’t keep you waiting much longer.”
“I’m holding you to that. If you say yes to me, I expect it to be a hundred percent. No hanging on to the past, agreed?”
“Of course. That would be the only way.” And it would, Tori thought, but maybe it is time. For the past eight years, she’d been living in limbo, caught between her work in town and the ranch, never moving beyond that half-life with Will that was more than friendship, yet no longer a marriage.
Now she’d been given a chance to change all that. Drew was a good man—intelligent, sensitive, kind, and patient. She was physically attracted to him—not in love yet, but she could be, once the baggage with Will dropped away. She could almost imagine saying yes to him.
But what about Erin?
Drew picked up a French fry, swirled it in the ketchup on his plate, and put it down again. It appeared he had no more appetite than Tori did.
“What is it?” she asked. “Is there something you haven’t told me?”
“You’re very perceptive,” he said. “As a matter of fact, there is. It’s the reason I came back here early—to talk it over with you.”
“Tell me,” she said.
“I’ve been offered a new job—assistant principal at a big school in a wealthy district that can afford to pay teachers what they’re worth. I’d be making twice what I make here, to say nothing of the chance to move up the ladder. The job would start spring semester.”
“So, have you said yes?” Tori spoke calmly, but her head was already spinning with the implications of what she’d just heard.
“I promised them an answer within two weeks,” he said. “If I take the job, my assistant could handle things here till they found a replacement. It’s short notice, but given what the job could do for my career track, I can’t imagine turning it down.”
“And where is this educator’s paradise?” Tori struggled to ignore the flip-flopping sensation in her stomach.
“Seattle—a great area close to the university. You could find plenty of legal work, or even go back to school if you wanted. You could—” He broke off with a nervous laugh. “Why are you staring at me like that? Don’t you know I’m asking you to come with me? With a ring on your finger or without—your choice. This isn’t really a proposal, unless. . .” He reached over and captured her hand again. “Unless you want it to be.” He paused, an uncertain look creeping over his handsome features. “So what do you think?”
Tori found her voice. “I’m just wondering about Erin.”
“She’d love it,” he said. “Beautiful, green city, lots of culture, friends, and things to do. You could put her in a good private school, take her on trips, give her a chance to learn about the world beyond Blanco Springs . . .” He shook his head. “Sorry. I know I’m rushing you. I know you need to focus on the trial. Just promise me you’ll keep it in mind. That’s all I ask.”
Tori willed herself to breathe. “I will. Don’t expect much from me until the trial’s over. But when it’s done, you’ll have my decision.”
“I understand, and I won’t push you.” He released her hand and glanced down at her tuna melt. “Your food’s gone cold. Let me order you something else.”
“Thanks, but I’m a bit emotional right now.” She rose and reached for her coat. “I hope you’ll give me a rain check when things calm down.”
“Sure. But you’ll think about what I said, won’t you?” He got up to walk her to her wagon.
“Of course.”