Forever Hers Walters, Ednah (best novels for teenagers .TXT) 📖

them with an unreadable expression. Eddie was the first one to look away, but not before she saw the same bleak expression she’d seen on his face when he’d talked about his mother. She tried to wiggle her fingers out of Chase’s.

Vince and Ken were filling up something that looked like a bag with water in the garage. They’d already spread several gym mats on the garage floor.

Ken saw them first. “Stop monopolizing her time, Chase.”

“Hey, I brought her to you guys. Vince, she has three books filled with amazing recipes. All she needs is a reputable publisher.” He squeezed her hand. “Remember what I said about a position. It’s there any time you want it.”

“What are you up to, Chase?” Ken asked, eyes narrowed.

“I’m going to take out the boat,” he threw the words over his shoulder. “Want to come?”

“Nah, I’ll pass. Faith wants me home in one piece.”

“Whipped,” Chase retorted then laughed when Ken flipped him off.

Men. Amy shook her head and focused on the object Vince was filling with water. “What’s that?”

“A punching bag,” Vince explained. “It’s very good for practicing kicks. Do you really have three books filled with recipes?”

“Yes, but I’m not interested in having them published.”

“If you change your mind, let me know. My publisher is big on cookbooks and self-help books. I heard you write too.”

“Oh no,” Ken interrupted. “No talking shop while I’m around. Sit with me, Amy.” He sat cross-legged on the mat. He was flexible, his movement sensual, almost hypnotic. Amy kicked off her sandals and sat facing him.

“So, what do you want to know about Fitzgerald?”

His bluntness took her completely by surprise. “Which one?”

“The one that matters and I don’t mean Chase. He’s just trying to piss off Eddie. So? What do you want to know about Detective Eddie Fitzgerald?”

“I, uh, already know all I need to know about him.”

“Smart answer,” Vince said from behind her, his voice firm. “Stay out of their business, Lambert.”

Ken ignored him. “Did he tell you how he ignored orders from his captain, jumped on a plane with Vince and flew to the Caribbean to rescue Jade from a deranged psychopath?”

Amy blinked. She could see Eddie doing something heroic like that. “He forgot to mention that.”

“He got a two week suspension for it,” Vince added, contradicting his earlier statement. “He’s a hard ass…pardon me, Amy. He’s tough but fair and loyal.”

“Then there was the time he tried to follow Ron into a burning building to rescue Ash. Luckily, I was there to stop him.”

Vince chuckled. “I thought the firefighters stopped him.”

“I talked sense into him.”

“You should have tried convincing your boy instead,” Vince retorted, grinning when Ken glared at him.

“Ever reason with a crazed man? Noble thought he had lost her.”

Amy wanted to hear more about Eddie’s exploits without appearing nosy. “Sounds like trouble follows your wives.”

The two men exchanged a glance and chuckled.

“All the time,” Ken said.

“Tell her how Eddie saved your life,” Vince added.

“He was about to board a plane for some exotic locale when Faith’s ex fiancé decided I was expendable.” Ken grinned. “If Eddie hadn’t ditched his plans and stormed the place, I’d be six-feet under and my Faith…” he went silent then sighed. “I owe the guy my life. But you know what?”

Amy shook her head.

“He’s too stubborn to ask anyone for help. So whatever you are doing to chip at his defenses, keep at it. It’s working.”

Before Amy could respond, the side door opened and Eddie poked his head inside the garage. “We need your help, Lambert.”

Amy tried to catch his attention, but he was already gone. Ken followed. Left alone with Vince, Amy vocalized her protest. “I’m not doing anything to chip at his defenses.”

Vince just smiled and indicated the punching bag. It was in the middle of one of the mats. “What do you think?”

She jumped to her feet. “It looks like it might pop.”

“It won’t. The bladder holding the water in the middle is covered by a second layer made of foam. The rolling motion of the water will help you with your footwork.” He kicked off his shoes and toed off his socks. Then moving fast, he aimed a roundhouse kick at the punching bag.

So sure the bag would burst, Amy closed her eyes and braced herself for the splash of cold water. Instead, the bag wiggled and bobbed, but stayed upright.

“Always practice kicks barefoot and no brass knuckles or anything sharp on your hands or you will damage it.” He stepped back and nodded. “Try it.”

She flushed. “Ah, I really suck at kicks.”

“Most beginners say that. Imagine the bag to be someone about to hurt you or your little girl, shift your weight to your left foot for balance and swing your right foot across the bag.”

She didn’t need a second urging. Moving closer, she did as he instructed and stumbled a bit. Vince came to stand behind her and showed her what to do. After several attempts, he stood behind her, his hands on her waist.

“Move left…no, not too much. That’s better. Now raise this,” he patted her leg. “Good. Rotate on the ball of your grounded feet as you kick.”

She got it. Kind of. After more tries, he showed her how to counter a roundhouse kick. “Work on them. Now say you are hit and landed on your back, and he’s pinned you down. How do you defend yourself?

Amy grimaced. “I press the gun against his gut and fire.”

Vince laughed. “Good. But just in case you don’t have a gun, fake passiveness then act. I’ll show you. Lie down on your back.” He straddled her without sitting on her. “Say he’s pinned you down with his hand over your mouth or his elbow on your neck,” he imitated, “and is sitting on you. Bend your knees, plant them firmly on the ground and thrust upwards. Most women’s strength is on their hips and thighs. Surprise him and you will buck him either over your head or sideways. Once he’s off you,