And yes, it would’ve been hard, especially with a little baby, but maybe there could’ve been a chance… “It doesn’t matter now.It’s the past.”
“But it doesn’t have to be,” he said eagerly.“We could be together again.Well, friends, at least.”
But would friendship with him even be possible after having tasted more?She didn’t trust herself.And after years of honing this veneer of calmness, of working so much to keep all the plates spinning and trying her hardest to keep it all together, the fact that less than twenty minutes in this man’s company was beginning to crack her resolve only proved how vulnerable she’d always been to his charm.She couldn’t trust herself with him.She couldn’t trust him, either.No, this was a bad idea for lots of reasons.
“I don’t think so.”
“Gen, please.”
“I need to go.”
His brow wrinkled, his expression troubled.“Isthere someone else?”
Maybe that would be easier.A small lie.Except the lie wasn’t really a lie; she was four and a half feet tall.As well as being Gen’s whole world.“Look, I didn’t want to say anything, but yes.There is.”
His features deflated, like she’d pricked a balloon and was watching it shrivel.“I thought you said—”
“I didn’t want to hurt your feelings.But now you know.And I really need to go.”
“But—”
“It’s good to see you’re on the mend.I… I hope you find happiness.”
“Gen, please—”
She shook her head, turned and exited, unable to summon enough energy to counter his broken expression anymore.But this was for the best.For Bella’s best, and her own.
She couldn’t fall for someone so different, so perfect, so right, especially when he’d be guaranteed to rip out her heart again.
Because there wasn’t a surgeon in this world who could help her put it back again.
CHAPTER8
“Okay, Kyle, you’re being discharged, but I need you to remember to continue with the regimen we’ve established.”Dr.Winthrop’s expression was serious.“No alcohol, no strenuous activity, no pain meds except what we’ve issued.”He glanced at the team’s doctor.“We’re in agreement, yes?”
“One hundred percent,” Doc Cheloff agreed.“It’s in our best interests if Kyle maintains his health as best he can.”
“Of course I will.”Even if the state of his heart remained questionable after Gen’s walkout four days ago.Dad had been summoned back to the office two days ago, and Mom had gone with him, after it became clear that her tension was causing Kyle’s higher blood pressure.He’d worded it delicately, of course.Kindly, so she didn’t take offense.Let them know he appreciated their visit, but he’d be okay if they needed to leave.And he’d definitely be okay if they’d leave so Mom wouldn’t harass Gen again.
His health was improving, after all.His main challenge now was loneliness.And sure, he’d had some visits from teammates and church friends, but Gen’s visit the other day had stirred his soul afresh, reminding him of what he’d once had then lost.
The doctor issued more instructions but Kyle barely noticed as his thoughts churned on about the one he’d let get away.
He hadn’t seen her since, but had wondered about her every minute.
Who was she with?What kind of man did she prefer?Why had she lied about it?
That was the thing he couldn’t get past.She’d always been so upfront with him.Lying was a side of her he’d never have expected.
But then both of them had changed.He’d found faith, in a move that had shocked his parents so much that they rarely talked about it.Mom and Dad had always thought religion was for those who needed a crutch in life, and their years of success—and Kyle’s—meant all this talk about Jesus wasn’t for them, thank you very much.
Yet regrets continued to flare about how old-Kyle had let hormones get the better of him and taken his relationship with Gen to places he hadn’t expected.Thank goodness she hadn’t gotten pregnant, as the two of them wouldn’t have known what to do.He’d never have forgiven himself if he’d gotten her pregnant and she’d been unable to complete the medical studies she was obviously gifted and meant by God to do.
“So, that’s clear?”
“Um, sorry.You may have to repeat the last part again.”
“It’s okay, Doc.I’ll remind him,” Dr.Cheloff said.“We appreciate all your care these past few days.”
