She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not (The American Soldier Collection 8)

“He’ll do it. He’s got that look in his eyes,” she whispered, never letting her gaze leave Hunter’s until Hunter turned away and began to warm up, jumping high in the air in place, working out his legs.

“What look is that?” Mace asked, leaning closer to her and placing his hand on her knee.

“The eye of the tiger,” she said, just as the announcer asked all runners to take their positions.

* * * *

Hunter was shaking. He had trained for this race for over a year’s time. Last season he failed to even come into the semifinals because his mind wasn’t focused. He thought when he broke things off with Ray Anne months ago that once again he would lose his focus, but surprisingly he hadn’t. Instead, as he looked up into the crowd and saw his brothers, his friends, and Ellie and her friends, he felt motivated. He wanted to prove to everyone, including himself, that he wasn’t an invalid, a pity case, but instead the same strong, determined fighter he always had been despite the missing leg.

As he prepared to race, he focused on what he needed to do. As the gun fired he took off, knowing that he had worked so hard to succeed.

* * * *

They were all caught up in the action and excitement of the race. Five miles, twenty times around the large track and it was torture to watch. She felt just as nervous as Justice, Seno, and Mace when they watched runners slowing down, losing their positions. When Hunter and Theo were neck and neck, and Hunter was the last amputee with a chance at winning, never mind placing in the race, the crowds grew louder. By the final two laps they were all standing, chanting, yelling Hunter’s name.

As they hit the final lap, Hunter’s silver leg, like some bionic instrument that allowed men like him, heroes, to continue to strive for success in life, pounded against the red racetrack. Theo was falling slightly back as they rounded the last turn and Hunter started sprinting. Justice, Mace, and Seno were yelling his name, chanting him on, and so were their friends and others around them.

She knew in that moment that it would come down to the man who was most hungry for the win. The one destined to take first place and stand on that podium of champions and know that he was the best of the best. A warrior, a fighter, who never gave up.

As Hunter’s chest hit the red ribbon stretched out across the track, they all screamed and cheered his name and Hunter bent down, catching his breath but also covered his eyes with his hand, bringing tears to Ellie’s.

He was an amazing man.

They all made their way down to the racetrack as the runners took their positions on the podium. She took pictures with her cell phone as he received his medal and a huge trophy. She watched in awe as so many people came up to congratulate Hunter and then it was their turn.

As she approached, watching his brothers hug him and then Sam and his friends, she smiled.

“That was amazing, Hunter. You are amazing.” He nodded his head at her as they held one another’s gaze a moment while everyone around them talked and laughed.

“Let’s keep this celebration going. Our place ASAP,” Sam said and the guys all cheered.

Ellie stood next to Mace as she watched Hunter pull off his drenched T-shirt. He was covered with muscles and tattoos grabbing not only her full attention, but also the attention of a number of young women who watched him and whistled.

She felt that instant sting of jealousy, just as Mace placed his hand on her hip and whispered down low next to her ear. His warm breath tickled her neck, as his lips touched her skin.

“Don’t worry, Ellie. We only have eyes for you.” He gave her hip a squeeze and then took her hand and walked hand in hand with her as the others headed out toward the parking lot.

Chapter 6

Hunter watched Ellie talking with Sam’s brother, Link. He was the CEO of a large advertising firm outside of Dallas. He was laughing at something she said, and then he reached over and clutched her elbow. He recognized the feeling that hit his gut. He knew himself well. The possessiveness he had when he found something or in this case, someone, who interested him. That jealous feeling that some other guy would impress her more, make her see his imperfections. He was compelled to demand for her to pay attention to him and see him for more than what was right before her eyes. An amputee and a cripple.

“What’s that look for?” Seno asked as he approached Hunter.

Hunter glanced at him and then nodded his head toward Ellie and Link.

“They’re getting along well. She’s very likable,” Seno stated.

“More than just well. He’s touched her elbow or nudged her shoulder several times in a short period of time,” Hunter replied.

“First of all, he’s got his eye on Moira, just like his brothers Vin and Sam. Secondly, she’s not biting on any invites from any men. I was talking to Moira in the stands at the races, after I saw three men approach Ellie and hug and kiss her.” Hunter squinted his eyes at Seno, instantly feeling jealous again.

“Ellie didn’t look too happy, and when Justice interrupted the conversation, Ellie and her friends were more than eager to get away from the three men. Then when I asked Moira about them, she said the three men were cousins of Ellie’s ex.”

“What?”

“Yeah, and get this. The three cousins are interested in Ellie, but she isn’t. She keeps blowing them off. I tried to find out more about the ex, but basically Moira wasn’t budging. She hinted that Ellie went through some nightmarish experience and she asked that we all take our time with Ellie and to not be overly commanding. Seems something bad happened to Ellie.”

“Hey, you two, are you going to join in the party or what?” Sam asked, approaching them from behind.