Page 36 of Just One Kiss

But he had something to offer them now. Finally, he felt like he could maybe earn a place in their lives again.

More than anything, he just wanted them to be happy—even if it meant he took a back seat. Even if it meant hanging out with Jaden so Carly could go on a date with someone else.

The thought twisted inside his belly. He didn’t want to think about someone else holding her hand, kissing her good night—or more. What if she liked the guy? Or worse, what if she fell in love?

I promise to cherish you. To take care of you. To do what’s best for you and to always put your happiness before my own.

The words rushed back, as they often did, reminding him why his actions were necessary. Though he and Carly had never married, he’d made promises to her all the same. The only thing that mattered was her happiness, and now, Jaden’s health.

“Hey, I’ll come by in the morning so I’m here when you leave,” he said.

Carly turned toward him, still chewing a bite of pizza. She nodded, swallowed, then said, “Thanks.”

“And I’ll stay ’til whenever. Get him out of the house, that sort of thing.”

“That’s great of you, Josh. I appreciate it.”

“Gotta prove I’ve changed one way or another.” His laugh was humorless.

She tossed the half-eaten slice of pizza into the box.

“Is this how you usually eat dinner?”

She shrugged. “Usually.”

“Rebecca tells me it’s important to sit down and enjoy your food.”

“Rebecca?”

“My assistant,” he said. “Well, not really my assistant anymore. She’s more of a partner now.”

Carly gave him a nod.

Why was he talking about Rebecca?

“She’s a co-worker. Helped me get the most recent app off the ground.” Josh leaned against the doorjamb. “She’s usually right about stuff like this, so you should probably sit down and enjoy your food.”

“Is that what you do, Mr. Workaholic?”

He shrugged. “No, actually. Almost never. I eat at my desk most days.”

She faced him straight on. Man, she was beautiful—but it wasn’t her beauty that took his breath away—it was the way she looked at him. Like she knew him. Like she saw him.

He missed that. He missed her.

Jaden pushed past him into the kitchen and grabbed a Coke from the fridge. “Who’s the guy?” He cracked open the soda.

“What?” Carly looked caught.

“Your date. Who’s it with?” Jaden took a drink.

Carly’s eyes darted toward Josh, then back to their son. “Actually, it’s with Dr. Willette.”

Jaden frowned. “My doctor?”

“The very one.”

Josh’s heart dropped. She was going out withthatguy? He was so buttoned-up. So boring. So opposite of Josh.

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