Crazy for Your Love (The Boys of Jackson Harbor #5)(27)

Me: Who is this?

Unknown Number: Sabrina. Did you never put my number in your phone? I would have done it for you if I hadn’t had to run out to catch my flight.



I blink at the screen until the name snaps into place with flight. Right. Sabrina was the reporter who came to do a story on the stupid viral picture. It was almost a month ago, right after I’d stopped accepting interviews, but she was ballsy enough to come to town and smart enough to catch me at Jackson Brews and pretend she wasn’t a reporter. We had a few drinks together, and I took her home. I didn’t even know she was there for a story until the next morning, when she scrambled to ask me some questions so she wouldn’t get in trouble with her boss. I wasn’t thrilled.

I add the name to my contacts in case she decides to text me again.



Me: Hey, how are you? I must have lost the number.



A lie. Once I found out what she’d come to town for, I wanted nothing to do with her. But a harmless lie. No need to tell someone I’ll rarely see that her lie by omission totally turned me off.



Sabrina: Well, good thing you have it now. So . . . this weekend. I get in Friday morning and will be there until Sunday. I’ll be kind of busy with family stuff, but I’m sure I could sneak away for you. I’ve been dying to see you again.



I feel like an ass if that’s true. She’s been thinking about me, and I barely remembered her? Jake’s right. It’s time for me to make some changes. Maybe this thing with Teagan is exactly what I need to kick my ass out of this rut I’ve been in.



Me: I’m flattered, but I’m seeing someone now. I’m sorry.

Sabrina: Is this because I didn’t tell you I was a journalist?



“Is there a reason you’re scowling at your phone?” Bethany asks, sticking her head in the door. “Do you need another minute, or can you talk?”

Shutting off my screen, I sit up and rub my eyes. “I’m fine. Come on in.”

She shuts the door behind her and takes a seat on the couch across from me. “Isaiah’s probably going to get discharged this afternoon.” She shakes her head. “I’m not really supposed to tell you that, but I know you’re worried about him.”

“Is that . . . good? Do you think they’re sending him home too soon?”

She shrugs. “It’s normal. Insurance doesn’t like to pay for any more time in the hospital than necessary, and he’ll be able to rest at home better than he can here anyway.”

I pinch the bridge of my nose between two fingers. Bethany worked with Max when she was still with the JHFD, and she understands why I’m so protective of Isaiah. “His girlfriend broke up with him.”

She arches a manicured brow. “Seriously? While he was in the hospital?”

I shake my head. “No. Before. I think that’s why he drank too much.” I sigh. “Maybe why he got behind the wheel when he knew he shouldn’t. He’s been different since Max died—more reckless.”

“Must be going around,” she says, so softly that I almost think I misheard her.

I study her for the first time all day. Bethany is a gorgeous redhead with the energy to match, but today she looks tired. “What do you mean? Are you okay?”

She cocks her head to the side and gives a small smile. I know that smile. It’s the one she gives guys who are trying to pick her up at the bar. The one that says, Oh, you’re so cute, but you’re too oblivious for your own good. “I’m fine. It’s you I’m worried about.”

I laugh. “Seriously? Why?”

“Isn’t Teagan one of your best friends?”

“Sure. I mean, she’s a family friend.” I shrug.

“And now you’re sleeping with her too?”

“Bethany—”

She holds up a hand. “I knew the deal, Carter. And, honestly, I never expected this to last as long as it has. I thought . . .” She sighs. “I thought you’d be better by now.”

“Better how?”

“Come on. I know how hard Max’s death hit you. That’s why you reached out to me the first time, remember?”

“I remember you dragging me to your bed.” I’m trying to make her laugh, but she looks sad.

“Well, I was trying to help.” Her smile falls away. “But instead, I became this crutch that you’ve used to keep yourself from moving on—me, Myla, God knows who else.”

Her lecture sounds too much like Jake’s, and irritation rankles so hard that I almost miss what she’s saying. “You’re . . . ending this?”

I’m not even sure how I’m supposed to feel. I should feel like I’m losing something. Bethany is smart, funny, and beautiful. I’ve truly enjoyed the role she’s played in my life this last six months. She was a bright spot when I had so few. But mostly, I’m relieved that she’s doing it so I don’t have to.

“If only there were something here to end,” she says. She takes my hand in hers and squeezes. “I don’t want to be an excuse. Max’s death was awful, but you weren’t to blame. It’s past time that you forgive yourself and go back to the Carter Jackson you were before—the one who was hunting for a woman to spend his life with and not one to warm his bed.” She stands, then leans down to press a kiss to the top of my head.