Page 89 of Just One Kiss

Jaden’s eyes fluttered open. “Where?”

She squeezed his hand. “Why don’t we concentrate on you?”

“Is he gone?”

What was she supposed to say? She didn’t know. He’d seen the article and taken off. Carly could only imagine where he’d gone.

“Mom?”

Her eyes clouded. “I’m not sure.”

Jaden swallowed slowly. “Something must’ve happened.”

She couldn’t mention the article—it would upset Jaden to know his new coach had no faith in him at all.

His eyes were closed, but a tear slid down Jaden’s cheek. A lump expanded in her throat at the sight of it, and in that moment, she realized it was back—the ball of anger she’d been carrying around since the day Josh had walked out of their lives.

Shewasn’t going to give him the benefit of the doubt. Maybe he’d had it out with his father. Maybe he was upset about the circumstances. Maybe he ran for coffee and got sidetracked.

But he’d made apromiseto their son.

And he broke it.

And that was the bottom line.

“I’ve got about all I need here,” Aaron said. “We’re going to take him up to his room now. I’d recommend giving him a little time before visitors show up.”

She nodded. Too much commotion wouldn’t be good for him.

And she could honestly use the peace and quiet herself.

She sent a quick text to her family:He’s awake and doing well.Doctor wants to let him recover for a few hours before he has visitors. I can call when you can all come back to see him.

Quinn texted back:Okay, we’ll head out for a little while, but let us know if you need anything.

How about an ex who did what he said he was going to do?

Will do.

* * *

Josh returned to the hospital. He wished he had better news after confronting the coach, but all he had was the hope that the man would keep his mouth shut and give Jaden a fair shake.

Maybe it would be enough to ease Carly’s worried mind.

He took his key fob from the drink holder and picked up his phone, which had been surprisingly silent all morning.

He clicked it on.

Oh no.

He had two missed calls from Carly, a voicemail and three text messages. He scanned these quickly, eyes settling on the last one:Jaden’s asking for you. Are you coming back soon?

He closed his eyes and let out a heavy sigh. He’d put his phone on silent that morning at the hospital and forgotten to take it off.

He’d promised he’d be there when the kid woke up—he never should’ve left. He’d let them down again. Sure, it was a small thing, but to Carly, it was proof that he hadn’t changed.

Even though he had. Even though he’d been trying to do something for Jaden. Would she understand that?

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