Page 13 of Chasing Amber

I know the answer. I’ll still be here because I’d rather have a tiny piece of her than no piece at all. I’d rather have angry, stomping Amber sassing me and rolling her eyes as a means of communication than never see her again. Leaving will never be an option.

Perhaps I’m a schmuck, but I truly believe she will cave one of these days, admit her feelings for me, and we can move into a far more pleasant stage in our relationship. I just need to be patient.

While I run, I suddenly have an idea that percolates in my head for the next hour through my workout and shower. When I come out of my room, I glance at the closed studio door. Amber is still in there, so I head for the farthest corner of the living room, keeping my eyes on the hallway. I would know if Amber opened the door to her studio. She doesn’t usually come out for hours, but today is odd. She also doesn’t usually go into her studio this early in the day.

I lift my phone and call Spence. When he answers, I explain to him what I want.

“Why…?” Spence asks me.

“Does it matter?” I respond.

Spence sighs heavily. “Yes. It matters a lot. We’re talking about my sister. I’m not an idiot, nor am I blind. You’ve been inlove with Amber for almost as long as you’ve known her. Why are you doing this? Did something happen?”

I draw in a deep breath. “Yes. I’d rather not talk about it, though.”

A few seconds of silence pass before Spence speaks again. “Does she know about this?”

“Fuck, no. And you’re not going to tell her, either.”

“I don’t like it. I think you should talk to her first.”

“Not going to happen.” I shake my head even though Spence can’t see me. I was hoping he could okay this request without going through twenty questions, but I should have known better. This is Spence I’m talking to. He loves fiercely, and that includes his sister. He would do anything for her.

“She’s been upset lately. I assume that’s because of Jacob’s release,” Spence says.

“I agree. I’m not inside her therapy sessions, of course, but I suspect that’s making her nervous.”

Spence takes deep breaths. “No one has ever asked me to do something like this, Isaac. It could backfire terribly. Why don’t you ask her to marry you or something?”

I chuckle. Marry me? Is he on drugs? I eye the hallway closely to make sure she’s still not able to hear me. “Spence, your sister barely tolerates my presence, and you think I should drop down on one knee and pop open a jewelry box?”

This conversation is awkward. I don’t discuss Amber with Spence. Well, that’s not true. I talk to him about Amber often—at least once a week—but it’s always regarding her welfare, not my relationship with her or lack thereof.

After the request I just made, there’s no way to hide the fact that Amber is mine. I just don’t want to discuss it further with her brother. I have the oddest relationship in the world with Amber. I don’t even understand it. I’m certainly not going to try to explain it to Spence.

Spence sighs again. “I’ll do this for you, but the only reason I’m going to do it is because I have the power to undo it. I own Golden Alliances.”

“You can’t undo signed documents,” I point out. “That would be illegal.”

“True, but I have unlimited funds. I can send bank transfers from my account without your permission.”

I stand taller, hand on my hip. “Don’t you dare. If you do, I’ll fucking donate it to charity.”

“Jesus. You’re serious about this.”

“Deadly. Make it happen. Let me know when the papers are ready, and I’ll come sign them.”

“You gonna bring Amber with you for that and lie to her about what you’re signing?”

“You know I wouldn’t leave her alone. She’s with me no matter where I go. Maybe you can invite us for dinner or something. Keep it discreet. I mean it.”

“How about I have Cassandra invite her over for a playdate when the papers are ready,” he says with a hint of teasing.

“Sure. You do that,” I retort. It’s high time Amber let her Little out. If she won’t do it with me, maybe she’ll do it with Cassandra. As long as it’s not my suggestion, she might go for it.

“Speak of the devil,” Spence says, “your woman just texted me.”

My woman. Ha. Interesting. “What’d she say?” I ask far too eagerly.

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