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CHAPTER ONE
AMBER ROSE WANTED out of the con-artist life Counting cards in Vegas high-stakes poker ga in money she desperately needed to pay for her Alzheimer’s-stricken father’sholanced around the crowded, sed to io was his favorite hotel on the Strip and she hoped the atood mood for when she delivered the news
Ah it felt like hours, only five minutes had passed since she’d arrived Relax, she ordered herself, when she finally caught sight of Marshall across the room
She couldn’t help but notice h the crowd With his black slacks and colorful striped dress shirt, and dark, slicked-back hair, he epitolitz and studly Andy Garcia-like appeal Wo, ier, Amber had been one of theé?
Saambler extroaordinaire, aand large, dynahter and he’d seen to it she had everything she’d ever needed Since he was often traveling the ga Amber with his parents, she’d extended her awe and love to her dashing father to her holamour that emanated from it in waves
The shine had long since coh, and these days she saw her soon-to-be ex-partner for the a, si into the life had been less self-serving, yet she couldn’t deny they shared a mutual investment in their partnership
“Hey, beautiful” Marshall stepped up beside her and pressed a cool kiss to her cheek “How are you thisher introspection
“I’ether to keep fro her hand before she was ready
“Can I get you a drink?” Marshall asked
She frowned at his question “Isn’t noon a little early for cocktails?”
“Come on, babe, relax It’s Friday The start of the weekend” He flagged doaitress “Johnnie Walker Black for me And a chardonnay for the lady”
Chardonnay was A the part of ga to do with the charade now
She waved her hand in the air “Nothing for me”
With a nod, the cocktail waitress turned and walked away
Marshall i?” he asked Amber
She shook her head “No, it’s just that it’s awfully early in the day” Even for a Friday
He pinned her with his astute stare “What’s your proble as we have a gig planned that’ll bring in soht Relax” He reached out a hand to s curls
She forced herself to release a calht She’d never questioned hi before From theht her in her youth, she’d always let hi now because the more alcohol he downed, the more volatile he could become when he heard her news
She ame” Amber clenched and unclenched her fists Her pale to wipe them on her dark dress
His wary gaze turned his irises coal-black, but Ah charm to cover his explosive temper Usually
“What’s wrong?” he asked again
“I won’t be there”
“That’s a bad joke” He frowned, the scowlhis features “You know I can’t ithout that photographic ame?”
How to explain honesty, s? A how to phrase things so he’d understand
Sheto With this life”