Stolen Course(6)

“Sarah’s fine, but this is going to be a long legal road for her. The police were involved this time, and she didn’t just try to hurt herself…” He trails off, and I can tell that he is uncomfortable with what he is about to say. “Listen, Em, we need to talk. I’m not just dating again. I’m in love with Jesse. I filed for divorce, and I’m done with Sarah.”

“Brett…” Jesse tries to softly interrupt.

My eyes slide down to her, but she’s staring up at him, silently pleading. Although I can’t for the life of me figure out why the hell she would be pleading for Sarah.

“No, babe. Don’t. I’ll never forgive her. You told me how you feel, but I’m not you and I can’t just get over it. I’m sorry, but this is something I have to do.”

I honestly can’t believe what I’m witnessing. Since the accident, Brett has never had balls when it comes to Sarah. For the last five years, he has been at her mercy. Babying her and letting her run all over him. Now, this Jesse chick is arguing with him about protecting Sarah. I know I must look confused when he looks back at me.

“I can’t take care of her anymore. I know you two aren’t speaking, but she’s going to need you more than ever. I washed my hands of her last night.”

I can’t help it. I all but plow over that little girl and launch myself into his arms.

“Finally!” I scream. Brett deserves so much more than Sarah. Not old Sarah—they were perfect together. However, he doesn’t deserve the person she has become.

“Jesus, be careful,” I hear a man hiss.

I turn to give him an annoyed look when I hear Jesse giggling and wiping off her pants where I knocked her to the ground.

“Oh shit, I’m so sorry.” I try to help her the rest of the way up, but the angry man pushes my hands away.

“I’ve got her. Just be more careful. Maybe even act like an adult.”

My eyes lock with his and I sway back a step as the heat of a sexual fire emanates from his skin. Jesus, he’s hot. That messy sandy-blonde hair and steely blue eyes. Crap, if he weren’t being such a dick right now, I might pause to check him out. Oh, who am I kidding? I’m totally checking him out. He’s wearing a fitted grey sweater that clings to his perfectly sculpted pecks and tattered jeans that I’m sure cling to a tight ass. He’s at least six foot two, and for a girl who is five foot ten, that’s golden.

“So nice to meet you, Mr. Pleasant. Do you have a name to match your warm and fuzzy personality?” I launch full-on sarcasm.

Brett introduces me. “Emma Jane, this is Caleb Jones.”

And with those words, I become the ass. I know exactly who he is, and I have a very good idea of why he’s being rude.

“I’m sorry. Hey, Caleb,” I say awkwardly. He silently glares at me, so I continue to nervously spew words. “I’m really sorry for your loss. I met Manda once when she and Sarah came down to Savannah. She was hilarious, and I’m sorry you lost her.”

“I’ve got to make a few calls,” he mumbles before walking away.

“Okay, then. That was awkward,” I say, turning my attention back to Brett.

“Don’t worry about him. He didn’t get any sleep last night. He stayed up here with Sarah all night.”

“Um, why? Doesn’t he hate her?” I ask, once again confused.

“No clue. Caleb isn’t exactly acting like himself. He was also the one who carried her out last night. I’m not really sure what he’s doing here.”

“Shit. I should thank him for staying with her. Although I might just send him a fruit basket, because the idea of talking to him again isn’t really all that appealing.”

Jesse quietly speaks up. “Just ignore him. He’s had a rough twenty-four hours. I bet Caleb doesn’t even know why he’s still here.”

I let out a sigh and get back to the matter at hand. “Okay, back to Sarah. What happens next? Can I see her?”

“Probably not. Usually in situations like this, once she is stable, they will release her into police custody.”

“What? They are going to send her to jail? She doesn’t need jail! She needs help!” I scream, drawing every eye in my direction.

“Yes, she does need help. Unfortunately, after what she did yesterday, it’s up to the courts to make those decisions for her now,” Brett says with a bitter mixture of anger and sadness in his voice.

“They won’t let me see her at all?”

“I’ll ask, Em. But I’m really doubting it.”

I lower my head. I’m virtually helpless when it comes to Sarah—yet again. “So what can I do?”