“I would like to donate this ten dollars. I want to help the veterans have a barbeque.”
“Aww, that’s so sweet. Here are your tickets. Good luck.”
“Thank you. Oh, and your boyfriend is huge. Is he a soldier?” the boy asked, and Mad Dog gave the kid a wink.
“Sure am.”
“Cool. I want to be a Marine when I’m old enough. My dad and my granddad were Marines.” He turned toward his mom who stood alone with two children. Murphy recognized her immediately. She had lost her husband last year. He’d died in Afghanistan.
He gave a wave and the woman waved back.
“Have a nice day,” the kid said then walked away.
* * * *
Amelia could see the sadness in Murphy’s eyes. His conversation with the little boy gave her that kick in her ass to remind her that she didn’t get involved with military men.
Been there. Done that. Got the scars to show for it.
“He was cute. A very respectful kid.”
“Yeah, he’s a good kid. His mom works two jobs to support them now. I hadn’t seen the kid in about a year. He had a rough time when his dad died.”
“He died?”
“Yes, in Afghanistan. It was rough for a while.”
“I’m sure it was.”
“So, it’s nearly noontime. Where’s this Felicia lady so that I can escort you to your car?”
“Um, Murphy. I don’t think it’s a good idea.”
“If what’s a good idea?” a deep, sexy voice asked from behind.
They turned to see Ricky approaching the table.
“Hey, Scar. What’s going on?”
“You tell me. Damn, Amelia, you look beautiful in that dress.”
“She sure does. I don’t think I’ve ever seen this station so busy all day,” Felicia stated as she joined the conversation.
“Thank you so much for helping out on such short notice today, Amelia. You’re such an angel.”
“It was no problem, Felicia.”
Amelia bent down to grab her things.
“This is Murphy and his brother Ricky Haas. Murphy, Ricky, meet Felicia,” Amelia said then placed the strap of her purse onto her shoulder.
“Nice to meet you.”
“Same here.”
When Amelia looked up, Felicia was staring at Murphy and Ricky and then she actually winked. It was obvious that she found both men attractive. Who wouldn’t? But for some crazy reason, that upset Amelia.
I’m jealous. Why? I made the decision to not get involved with anyone in the military or anyone who fights or boxes. That covers the Haas brothers. So why are my nipples hard, and why does my belly feel queasy?