Jayden turned his head just enough to glance at Swan, a soft smile playing on his lips.

“You’re right,” he said quietly.

They reached the front door of his house.

“I understand what you meant,” he continued, pausing for a beat, “and I’ll try my best to leave my past behind.”

He smiled again—this time with more sincerity.

“Thank you so much!” Swan beamed.

She stepped forward and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. Almost instantly, a ...