Page 24 of Broken Dreams

Her gaze looked thoughtful. “For one thing, it’s far enough away from Milwaukee that my overprotective brothers can’t follow me.”

He cocked a brow. “That’s really a concern? Your family seems very nice. I feel like there's more to your desire to get away than just your siblings.”

She nodded. “Okay, you're right. I'm looking for something new, different. Maybe even a bit of adventure. I've always wanted to travel, maybe because I watched my older siblings leave to follow their dreams.”

“I can understand that,” he agreed. “I joined the army to get away from the never-ending myriad of foster homes.” He shrugged. “I may have gotten a little more than I initially bargained for.”

She frowned. “You’re saying I’ll regret leaving?”

“No, that wasn’t what I meant at all,” he hastened to reassure her. “But as a nurse, you know very well that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the fence.”

“True.” She sat back as their waiter removed their empty appetizer plate. “But that’s part of the adventure, isn’t it? Not knowing what’s behind the next corner? Or what’s on the other side of the fence?”

“Yes.” He took a sip of his water, reminding himself not to rain on her parade. He’d been just like her, once. He’d joined the Army, then taken the leap to attend college while being in the reserves. He’d taken many risks without a problem. Until the one that had nearly cost him his life. Yet if someone warned him four months ago against taking charter a tourist plane trip over the Great Wall of China, he’d have scoffed at them. Not when he’d been determined to see the amazing views from a small airplane.

Their meal arrived, looking, and smelling delicious. Sultry tastes exploded on his tongue, from the sweet asparagus to the rare grilled tuna dipped in a tangy soy sauce.

Food had never tasted so good. And he wasn't sure if that was due to DiCarlos's amazing chef or because he was sharing the meal with Amber.

Probably both.

“The swordfish is delicious.” He was pleased she seemed to be enjoying the meal as much as he was. She lifted her fork toward him. “Would you like to taste?”

As if mesmerized, he leaned forward to take the tidbit she’d offered. His gaze clung to hers. “Amazing,” he murmured. Referring to her, more so than the swordfish.

“My travel nurse assignment is only for three months. If I don’t like Fort Meyers, I can go somewhere else.” She shrugged. “It may sound silly, but I had planned to visit as many states as my nursing license will allow.”

Like physicians, nursing licenses were issued by the state where they’d taken their state boards. However, many states had reciprocity, meaning they would accept another state’s license without requiring the licensee holder to retake their specific state boards. “I don’t think it’s silly at all,” he said softly. “I can understand the desire to do something different.”

“It’s a little bit like what you’re doing,” she said.

“Me?” He frowned.

“Yes. You’re still recuperating but took on the job of being a temporary hospitalist anyway. And that’s a completely different role than what you were trained for, right?”

He grimaced. “It wasn’t by choice. This happens to be the only role I can take at the moment.”

She looked as if she wanted to say more, but their waiter approached. “How is everything tasting?”

“Wonderful.” Amber beamed up at him. “Thank you.”

“Excellent,” he added.

“Dessert?” The waiter asked, hopefully.

“Not for me, thanks.” She held up her hand. “Tempting, but I couldn’t possibly eat another bite.”

“No dessert for me, either.” He felt as if just being here with Amber was enough of a treat.

The ride back to her parents’ place didn’t take long. He was ridiculously happy that he’d rented a car for the evening. Even though his leg was killing him without the pain meds, it was well worth it.

He slid out from behind the wheel, and decided not to use his cane when he walked around to open her door. As she slid out from her seat, she looked up at him.

“You never mentioned how you got those scars.”

His gut clenched. “You didn’t ask.”

She licked her lips, then trailed her fingertip down the scar that was visible on his left forearm. “You were in the same plane crash as Shane, weren’t you.”

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