Page 88 of Dirty Player

Mom shakes her head and tugs her bag onto her lap, hugging it. “Is this what you lied to your dad about?”

I nod.

Not completely.

That was the moment I should’ve confessed everything, but like the coward I claim that Levi is, I don’t.

And it’s a second too late.

“He would’ve understood. I could’ve talked to him if you’d told me,” Mom says. “If you love one another, Dad would’ve forgiven Levi eventually for the way he treated you.”

NO!

“I’m sorry?” Levi asks, as my eyes close tightly.

No, no, no, no.

“I’m sorry, what? How? What?” Levi asks again and there’s an edge to his voice.

One that I deserve.

When I open my eyes I meet his deep blue globes, holding them for a long moment, then look over at my mom.

It’s time to tell the truth.

Finally.

And the worst time possible.

“I haven’t been honest about a few things.” I admit, then flop down into a seat, glancing at the one next to me, an invitation to Levi to sit.

“I’ll stand.” He crosses his arms and glares daggers at me.

Crap.

Then the doctor steps out.

“Mrs. Rose?”

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

LEVI

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Kaylee’s mom stands to speak with the doctor while we wait to hear the update. After a minute or two, she turns and gives her daughter a wobbly smile.

“He’s waking up.”

Kaylee runs over to her, and they hug.

“I’ll go in and see him. Give me ten minutes. It looks like he might be okay.”

Might?

I keep my mouth shut.

Mrs. Rose follows the doctor and Kaylee walks back over, her eyes avoiding me.

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