Page 16 of The Angel and the Agent

“That’s right, get it out of your system now before he gets here,” Maggie said. “Speaking of which, we’re picking him up crazy early in the morning, so we’re calling it a night.”

“I’m going to stay,” Amelia said.

“I’ll see her home,” Ethan volunteered, knowing she had likely taken the Metro to save on parking.

“Are you ready to go home?” he added after Maggie and Ridge took their leave.

“I’m never ready to go home,” Amelia replied.

“Ah, to be young again,” Ethan lamented.

“I’m sorry, Grandpa. Remember what it was like to be twenty seven?”

“It feels like yesterday,” Ethan mused. “So where do you want to go, party girl?”

“I’m still learning the city, you tell me,” she said.

“With people or private?” he asked.

She eyed him, thinking. “Private.”

“I know a place,” he said, standing.

“Something told me you would.” She hooked her index finger through his and allowed him to lead her out of the restaurant. Once outside, they took a few steps and he stopped short.

“What is your face doing?” he asked.

“Smiling?” she tried.

“That’s not how you smile. You look like you just stepped on a Lego. Is there a problem?”

“These shoes are killing my feet,” she admitted, leaning on a brick wall for support.

“Why did you wear them?” he asked.

“Are you joking? Look how super cute they are,” she pointed to her toes, and he looked down.

“It’s hard to see them through all the blood,” he said.

“Shh, they’ll hear you,” Amelia said.

“Why do you have to be one of those girls?” he asked, shaking his head.

“Because something tells me if I were wearing support hose and comfortable orthopedics, we wouldn’t be here right now,” she said.

“We probably would, but I wouldn’t have to carry you,” he said.

“You’re going to carry me?” she asked.

“It’s four blocks to my ride because parking was its usual nightmare. I’d prefer not to have you in tears and dragging one foot behind you when we reach my bike. Bad for my image.” He crouched, and she jumped on his back.

“Can you carry me four blocks?” she asked.

“Honey, I had to train carrying a buddy three miles at a sprint in full gear. I think I can handle carrying a pretty little girl four blocks,” he said.

“Yes, but can you support me and your ego? Seems doubtful,” she said, pinching him.

“You make it through BUD/S training and then get back to me on the status of your ego,” he challenged.

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