One Day Soon (One Day Soon, #1)(46)

“I know. I’ll do better next time,” I muttered. Jason patted my back in a fatherly gesture. He wasn’t wearing his hairpiece today. He seemed to finally be embracing his male pattern baldness.

“How are you, Im? You seem happier,” he noted, regarding me closely.

How was I?

What a loaded question.

But it was easy to answer.

For once I could give him 100% honesty.

“I’m good, Jason. Really, really good.”

And it was true.

For reasons I wouldn’t share with my boss.

“New man?” Jason asked with a cheeky grin.

I laughed but didn’t answer.

I wouldn’t tell him it wasn’t a new man that had me smiling for the first time in years.

It was the second chance that seemed to have fallen from the sky.

One that was all wrapped up in the man I thought I had lost.



Yoss was sitting up in bed when I finally arrived. Jason had been too chatty to get away from him quickly.

“What are you doing? You’re still recovering from the biopsy!” I exclaimed as Yoss swung his feet around and attempted to get to his feet. He hung onto the IV pole to try to get his balance, his legs obviously weak.

“I’m sick and tired of lying around in this bed, waiting for bad news. I want to get up and move around. It’s been three days since the biopsy. I’m fine,” he grunted, hoisting himself upright. As he did so, his hospital gown opened in the back, revealing parts of him I hadn’t seen in a very long time.

I felt myself flush and quickly looked away.

“You might want to put a robe on,” I suggested, covering my mouth with my hand so he didn’t see my silly grin.

Yoss peered over his shoulder. “What? You don’t think people would appreciate a nice view of my very white ass? You seem to like the view.”

I coughed loudly, not able to believe what he had just said. He laughed. His eyes crinkling in the corners, his lips curved upward. “Busted,” he said.

I rolled my eyes but then grinned back.

“Well, if you want to channel your inner exhibitionist, I’m sure there’s a nurse or two who’d like the eyeful. It would probably be the most excitement they’d have all year. But I’m thinking it’ll be on the drafty side.” Yoss continued to hang onto the IV pole, barely able to stand, let alone walk anywhere. “Are you sure you’re up to this? I can get a wheelchair—” I started to suggest, but Yoss cut me off.

“I can do it. I’m not six feet under yet.” He was being flippant. And I didn’t find his comment very funny. His morbid attempt at humor left me cold.

I cleared my throat, all mirth draining from me, and I grabbed a robe from the bathroom. “Here, put this on.”

“Uh. Do you think you could help me put it on?” he asked with a shy smile and my mood lifted again. Yoss had always been able to twist and turn my emotions into any given direction. I was quickly learning that some of his talents were getting better with age.

“Sure.” I held out the robe and carefully pulled it up one of his arms before doing the same with the other side. He tied it as quickly as he was able, while still holding onto the IV pole.

“Okay, I’m decent. I think it’s safe to leave the room now.” Yoss tried to take a step forward and stumbled a bit. He grimaced. “I guess I’m a little out of practice with the whole walking thing,” he joked, though he sounded strained.

“Let me help you.” I looped one arm around his waist, trying to ignore the way he tensed and started to pull away. “It’s either this or the wheelchair. Your choice,” I warned.

He hesitated only a moment before he leaned into me. My heart kicked into overdrive. With my other hand I supported his arm. “I’ve got you,” I said quietly, briefly closing my eyes as he pressed against me. His body heat all but burning my skin.

“I know,” Yoss replied just as softly.

Loaded words.

Honest words.

I swallowed thickly and looked away from his green, green eyes. “Well, come on then.”

Yoss, after a few shaky steps, finally gripped my hand and leaned into me, just slightly. “Take it easy, we’re not running a marathon here,” I teased as we ventured out into the noisy ICU.

“It’s a good thing too, or I’d be losing big time,” Yoss quipped.

Several nurses looked our way as we started moving down the hallway in slow, even steps. I glanced at Leanne, one of the nurses on duty, and nodded. “I’m just taking Mr. Frazier on a bit of a walk. He was going stir crazy. Dr. Howell had mentioned a little physical activity would be good for him once the incision healed.”

Leanne nodded. “Of course. Just don’t overdo it, Mr. Frazier,” she lectured.

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” Yoss muttered.

“So where to?” I asked as we stopped in front of the elevator.

Yoss looked out the window. It was sunny, showing the first signs of spring. Even though it was still colder than normal for the time of year, the sky was blue and flowers were starting to bloom.

“Is there any way I can get outside for a bit?” he asked wistfully.

“It’s chilly today,” I warned, the two of us stepping into the empty elevator.

“I just want to smell something besides hospital for a few minutes.” Yoss rested against the wall.