Free Burned 2 by S.C. Rosemary, S.N. Hawke Page A

that Dad’s way to say that he trust me? Or he was giving me time to break up with Ethan? Was there any chance that I could be with Ethan even my family objected it?
    No! No way! How could I even think about that? I started to search for a boyfriend because of my family. I would be a horrible daughter if I let Dad down.
    But Ethan…I did a quick glance at him again. Instantly I met his eyes-those green eyes as dreamy as the spring forest-I was that captivated deer again, as lost as ever. Then he smiled at me, giving me warmth th rough the distance. He was at my home and I felt like home as our eyes met. Ah, my feelings weren’t making any sense now.
    “Dana?” Dad’s voice almost knocked me off balance.
    “Yes, Dad?” I looked at him with wide eye, like I was just waking up from a dream. My father was looking at me, eyes full of concern. I wished I was a fairy and had a magic wand to ease away all his worries. But now I was just a clueless girl, playing with a relationship-now it’s back fired.
    Dad said nothing and started heading toward the table. I followed him.
    “Hahaha,” Mom’s laughter filled the dining room. “Is that how it went? I can’t believe that!”
    “Believe what?” I hurried a step and worried that Ethan said something stupid. But really? Ethan went to law school. I was most likely the stupid one.
    “That’s a secret between Jane and me,” Ethan winked at me. And my mom was blushing! He’s already addressing her on a first name basis. What the heck!
    “Making new friends, Jane?” Dad had to join the fun and pretend to be jealous.
    “Oh, he’s just a nice kid, darling,” my Mom pressed her hand on her chest, face still red.
    “Now I know where you got this cutest apple face from,” Ethan smirked at me.
    “You…” I was so embarrassed, I was sure my face was red too. “I thought you were supposed to be a gentleman, Ethan?”
    “He is a gentleman, Dana,” Mom flashed a youthful smile at me. I didn’t know if I should be happy or embarrassed by what was happening here. They were both teasing me!
    “Okay, sorry, Mom. I am taking this gentleman for a walk,” I went toward Ethan and grabbed him by his wavy blonde hair, pulling him up the chair.
    “Ouch, ouch. That’s not how a lady should treat a gentleman!” Ethan got up instantly, following my lead.
    “Can it!” I was so mad I didn’t look at him.
    When I looked back, both Mom and Dad were laughing hysterically. Oh, what should I do with them!
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

Chapter 9
    Once I was out of the house, I walked straight toward the beach, ignoring Ethan. The beach was only about a ten-minute walk away. I could hear the ocean wave louder and louder and I needed that right now. I just wanted the sound of the ocean to fill up the chaotic space in my head.
    “Dana, wait,” Ethan caught up with me. “You want to go to the beach that bad, huh?”
    “Yeah,” I said quietly, putting my hands into my jean pocket. I really didn’t want to talk right now.
    “Hmm,” Ethan nodded at me and looked ahead. He didn’t say anything more. He just walked with me. I had my hands in the pocket so he couldn’t hold my hand if he wanted to. Well, he could, but he didn’t try. Silence stretched between us. I wondered if he knew something was wrong or if he cared at all. After all, I pushed him to come to this trip with me. If Blake didn’t help talking him into it, Ethan might not even be here.
    We crossed the road and pass through a small hotel. The beach with shiny golden sand was revealed to us. I took off my shoes and walked on the soft surface. Ethan chuckled as he watched and took off his shoes too. When we stood up, we made eye contact. I saw the ocean reflected in his green eyes, showing a mysterious depth. “What are you thinking?” I heard myself asking. Oh no, I just asked him one of the top 10 most annoying questions listed on that online dating guide. Why did I even ask anyway? I was the one who were