Read Online Cut by Emily Duvall - Free Book Online

burned the back of her eyes. She couldn’t explain the sadness she felt for him. There was something in the way he spoke, like he’d let down his guard for a tiny second and she saw there was more to him or more to that statement. There wasn’t anything overly emotional about his words. She supposed the hospital and seeing Carl was getting to her.
    The scene continued to play out in front of her. She watched Luke talk to Melanie. She wondered what he said to her. What do you say to someone who has your heart and you’re on the verge of losing it. She didn’t want to be standing here, watching them. Out of nowhere her face grew hot and her heart annoyed. The way Luke looked at Melanie made Jessie wonder if she ever looked at Carl that way.
    Brent’s arm brushed hers, and she quickly pushed the irritating thought aside as their kiss crept back into her thoughts. The way she tried to not think about it all day, here she was, thinking about it again. “You’re such an asshole,” she said for no reason.
    Brent grabbed her hand. He tugged her to him and forced her body to his. His hands locked around her waist and he didn’t let go. “Stop trying to pick a fight.”
    â€œWhat do you think you’re doing?”
    â€œI might be an asshole, but you left your engagement ring at my house.” Brent relaxed his arm. His breath was warm on her neck as he said, “What do you think about that?”
    â€œI think you’ll ruin my engagement if you continue to hold me like this.”
    A grin pulled up the corner of his mouth. “I want to hold you like this.”
    Tingles ran through her middle and grazed her thighs. The sincerity of his brown eyes stole her heart. “I need my ring back,” she said.
    â€œThen you’ll have to come and get it.”
    He was serious. She didn’t know what else to do except put her face on his chest and take in a deep breath. The smell of his soap rushed through her senses. He told her his house number and street name, and then abruptly let her go.
    â€œJessie?” said a voice she knew anywhere.
    Jessica stumbled back out of Brent’s arms at the sight of her mother standing a few feet away. Her lips bowed in stern, motherly concern.
    She beamed at the sight of her mom. The engagement ring fiasco she would figure out later. Her mother was here. Everything would be okay. “Mom!” Jessie called out and rushed over to her.
    â€œI’m so happy to see you,” her mother said, hugging her daughter with fierceness. Leslie Cahill began to cry. She ignored the fact of having walked in on Jessie in the arms of a stranger and got right to the point. “Where’s your sister?”
    Jessie nodded to the room. “In there.”
    Leslie walked over to the windows and looked inside. She didn’t waste a second and entered the room, without Jessie. She dropped the oversized purse on one of the spare chairs. The heavy winter coat she removed and then she spoke to Luke. He walked over to her and they faced each other without smiles or warm greetings. Luke talked. Leslie nodded quite a bit and pursed her lips. Together they approached Melanie and took their places on opposite sides of her bed.
    The sight of her mother running a hand down the side of Melanie’s arm overwhelmed Jessie. Brent must have noticed, he put his arm under her elbow. This time when he touched her, she didn’t fight him. She didn’t ask questions. A dose of strength was what she needed. He guided her over to the couches. She took a seat and put her head in her hands.
    â€œYour doctor’s back,” Brent said, and moved away from her.
    Jessie whipped up her face to greet Carl. He sat down next to her and unwrapped a breakfast sandwich. The scent of egg made her stomach nauseous, although she probably would feel better if she ate something.
    Carl sat down next to her and he held up the sandwich. “Want some?” he