Lucas shifted in his chair, the zip ties digging into his wrists as he avoided her gaze. “Not exactly the most romantic setting for this conversation.”

“I think we’re past worrying about ambiance,” Amy said dryly. “So?”

He exhaled slowly. “I was going to say… I love you, Amy.”

No one said anything for a while.

“You… what?” Amy finally asked.

“I love you,” he repeated, his voice steadier now. “Have for a while. It’s why I couldn’t stand seeing you with ...