Page 70 of Outspoken

Relaxing, she touches a fingernail to my chest again. “You did rescue me. I think that means you deserve to be the leader of my fan club.”

“I'm not against it.”

Her palm presses into the middle of my chest, the heat igniting my pulse.Damn, I’m really vibing with this woman.Is this love at first sight?

She bites her lower lip, her cheeks flushed. “Tell me the names of your siblings and I might tell you the name of mine.”

“Maribel, Carlos, and Bob.”

She laughs. “You do not have a brother named Bob.”

“Swear to God. My oldest brother is Roberto, but he insists everyone call him Bob. If you try to call him Roberto, Robert, or Rob, he getspissed. Says Bob is a friendly businessman's name. He's all about business.”

She laughs again, and my eyes linger on her smile too long. I’m seconds from leaning in for a kiss—like she has me under a spell—when she places a soft hand on my bicep. Her words drop an instant barrier between us. “My brother's name is Brody.”

My shoulders sag and I feign a smile, savoring the heat from her body one second longer before stepping back. “That's a strong name.”

“Sure. For a doofus.” She follows my movements, coming back within kissing range. Her chest presses against mine, and I’m damn near ready to break every unspoken bro code that exists.

Can’t risk it.

“I'm Amber,” she says quietly, wetting her bottom lip. “Now you should tell me your name.”

My phone buzzes. “One sec,” I say, checking my messages.

Dustin:Found Ashley.

Me:Found Amber.

Dustin:Cool. Letting you know you might need to Uber home. Sorry. Or come get my keys. I’ll get myself home later. Ashley’s a hottie.

I laugh.Didn’t know I’d be setting that up.

“What’s so funny?” Amber asks, touching my arm.

“Just life sometimes.”

She glances at a loud, rowdy group of people who just entered the kitchen. Then she swallows my abandoned shot. “Walk with me?”

I offer my hand, crushed that she’s now off-limits. But I'm determined to complete my mission: keeping Amber safe.

Chapter Eighteen

Miguel

AMBER SLIPS HER PETITE HAND in mine, lighting my soul on fire. She guides us out of the kitchen. After a few minutes of navigating the crowded hallways, we exit into the backyard, which has a very large pool that's packed with bodies.

“One second,” Amber says, dropping my hand. She wanders to an area under the patio, where people's stuff is thrown in a pile—clothes, purses, shoes, whatever. She hunts until she finds a pair of black flats that fit her, then returns to me, her pink heels sticking from the top of her too-small purse.

She studies my amused expression, and then with a hand flick, says, “Anyone who comes to these should expect to lose half their shit. I’ve lost complete outfits at parties.” I laugh and she curves a hand around the inside of my elbow, flashing me a gorgeous smile. “This way,” she says. “There's a trail.”

Sí, mi amor. I’ll follow you anywhere.

The sounds and music of the party fade as we walk across a perfectly landscaped yard to the back of the property. There's a small wooden gate that opens to a trail surrounded by nature. Since the moon is full, the world around us is cast in a dark blue haze, the long shadows from plants and trees creating dark patches on the ground.

We walk in silence along the path, and I decide I could be happy like this—suspended in time with Amber on this perfect night. Then I picture Brody with his arms crossed. It’s good to keep myself in check. This isn’t a night for true love. It’s a night to love and let go.

My curse, apparently.

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