Page 12 of Fade (Fighting Fate)

Her hands went to her hips and she huffed. “Ah, fuck it. I was really hoping to bust Ryan’s balls.”

I laughed at that. “And I would’ve paid good money to see it,” I said.

Amy stepped a little closer. “Daniel, this is Amber, my best friend.”

Nodding at Amber, I offered my hand for her to shake. She’d won my vote the instant she stood up against Ryan for Amy, even if she got the wrong brother. “Nice to meet you, Amber.”

She smiled. It was complete trouble. “The pleasure is all mine.”

Amy nudged her, and she simply shrugged with a grin, making me wonder exactly what Amy had told her about me.

Turning my attention completely on Amy, I gave her an intense look. “How have you been?” I asked.

I watched her draw in a deep, steadying breath before she answered. “I’ve been . . . okay,” she said. I liked the strength I heard in her voice.

“I’m glad.” And I was. I didn’t like the thought of her hurting because of my dick of a brother.

“Have you been running?” she asked out of nowhere.

A grin slipped onto my lips before I had a chance to think about it. I liked the way she tried to satisfy her curiosity without pause. “I have.”

Her gaze was locked on mine. I didn’t think I could look away if I tried. She was fucking mesmerizing.

“I thought you were on vacation?”

“Kind of, but taking time off training isn’t going to do me any favors when I’m back on base.”

She frowned. “You’re a marine?”

“I am.”

“Where’s base?”

I grinned. “San Diego.”

She took another deep breath, her gaze burning with its intensity. “You’re a marine.”

It wasn’t a question. It was just a statement, but the pride I heard in her voice did something to me. I actually felt my gaze darkening.

“Semper Fi,” I said, meaning it in so many ways just then.

A ghost of a smile touched her lips. “I imagine you would be . . . ”

I stared at her in silence for a while. There was just something about her.

“Well, this is fun!” Amber said loudly, making the both of us jump a little.

I looked back and forth between them and grinned. “Well, I guess I’ll let you two get back to what you were doing before Blondie here decided to rip me a new one.”

Amber winked at me and clicked her tongue. “I’ll think of it as a warm-up. Ryan’s going to be walking funny for at least a week after I’m done with him.” She frowned. “If the pussy ever decides to show his face, that is.”

I chuckled. I really liked this chick. “Should I warn him?”

“Hell no! My wrath only works on unsuspecting victims,” she said with conviction.

“All right, then. I hope you get your chance sooner rather than later.” Turning back to Amy, I softened my gaze. “Hopefully I’ll see you soon.”

With that I turned and left them standing there, but instead of heading back to Mom’s place like I should’ve, I only moved to the other side of the park and sank down on the grass, under a tree. Don’t ask me why, but I had a slight inkling it had to do with a pretty, brown-haired girl.

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