Page 82 of Just One Kiss

She shoved the thought aside.

He didn’t move when she approached. He didn’t move when she slid into the spot right next to him. He didn’t move when she let out a tense breath, inadvertently fogging up the window.

Was he off in another world? Maybe a world where he was a kid hiding bruises and making up reasons he couldn’t participate in gym class?

What happened to you?

She stared out the window, looking out across the lake, gaze landing on a brightly colored sailboat a little way from the shore.

Her mind spun, searching for something to say. Her relationship with Josh was tenuous, but she was the one who knew the truth about Josh’s past. She was the one who knew that he wasn’t simply an ungrateful son who didn’t respect his parents.

Regardless of what anger she still carried toward Josh, she didn’t wish this kind of pain on him.

Be careful.

The words rang out in her head like a warning shot, and she swatted them away, inching toward Josh.

Still, he didn’t move, didn’t even acknowledge she was there.

Slowly, unsteadily, she slid her hand into his, uncertain if he would respond. Seconds ticked by and she wondered if she’d made a mistake. Maybe he really did want to be alone. Maybe she should go back to the waiting room and let him stew out here by himself.

But then his hand tightened around hers as if to say,Don’t go.

And it sent a sizzle straight through her spine.

As was often the case all those years ago, Josh said nothing. She said nothing. They simply stood in silence, together, both of them wishing things were different.

21

“Can I show you something?” Carly asked.

He didn’t look at her. Couldn’t. She knew too much.

“Come on. It’s not doing either of us any good to sit around here.” She gave his hand a tug toward the elevator. When he followed, she let go.

He felt the absence of her skin on his instantly.

She pushed the Up button on the elevator and waited.

“Where are we going?” he asked, wishing he wasn’t depressing and morose at the moment. He’d vowed to be strong for her, but here he was, anything but.

She tossed him a sideways glance. “You’ll see.”

The elevator took them up, and when the doors opened they were in a glass atrium on the roof.

“A few years ago, someone donated a lot of money to the hospital.” Carly exited the elevator, pushed open the atrium door and drew in a deep breath.

He followed her out onto the roof.

“It’s a prayer garden,” she said.

Josh stood at the end of a path and an indescribable peace washed over him, the kind he hadn’t felt in years.

“Think of all the people who’ve come up here to pray,” she said. “We’re just standing in the midst of all of it.”

The path stretched out in front of him, brick pavers set into pea gravel, and on either side were plants and flowers neatly arranged for the most visually stunning display. Small stone benches lined the path and also had been strategically placed for maximum privacy, hidden in small alcoves surrounded by bushes. Up ahead was a bronze statue of Jesus surrounded by children.

“It’s my favorite spot in the hospital,” she said.

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