Free Saving Sam (The Wounded Warriors Book 1) by Simone Beaudelaire, J.M. Northup

alone.”
    “Come on, guys, what's the big deal? I
looked
at her. I didn't invite her back to my apartment.” He sipped his beer, but Sam noticed his fingers were tight on the sweaty bottle.
    “I've had enough,” Sam said. “Keep your eyes… and your comments to yourself.”
    “Jeez, what's your problem, man?” Ray rolled his eyes, irritated.
    “You're my problem.”
    “Okay, okay,” Jack extended an arm out to steady both of the slightly intoxicated airmen. “Stand down, gentlemen. This is getting out of hand.”
    “Dude, you're not the boss of me anymore,” Ray barked at Jack, but his words had little bite.
Not to mention you just sound childish, prick
. “Besides, I'm not doing anything wrong here. It's Wallace having a fit.”
    Jack sighed, scrubbing the dark skin of his forehead with one massive, calloused hand. “I thought you two were past this petty shit.”
    “I can't help it if Sam's the jealous type,” Ray snickered, unrelenting.
    Sam clenched his fists, whether to hit Ray or prevent himself from doing so, he wasn't sure.
That jackass better watch his mouth.
    Amy returned from the bathroom, and her arrival managed to halt Sam's internal rush towards violence.
    * * *
    Jack looked from her to Sam to Ray. She was a pretty girl, and he could understand being a little possessive of her, but Sam was going too far. And Ray was pushing it. It seemed the innate competitiveness between the two of them was going to focus on this one slender woman. He hoped Amy had the sense not to respond to Ray's flirting.
    All the men stood as she approached the table. She grinned and waved them back to their seats, except for Sam. She walked close to him and slid her arm around his waist, laying her head on his shoulder. He hugged her gently.
Wow, I think he must love her. He's never acted like that with a girl before. It was always dirty groping and sleazy comments. No wonder he doesn't want Ray flirting. This isn't a conquest. She's something much more to him.
    “Are you ready to go, baby?” he asked.
    “Yes, I think so, if you are,” she replied.
    “Yeah, I'm done here. Later, guys.” Sam gave a short wave and began to escort Amy toward the door.
    “It was nice to meet you all,” she said softly over her shoulder.
    “VERY nice to meet you,” Ray said in a seductive voice, accentuating his Spanish accent just a little, making himself sound like Don Juan.
    “Mister Lozano,” she said, her voice hesitant at first, but with growing firmness, “you're not going to get anywhere with that, so you might as well give it up. You can't take me away from Sam, so don't try.”
    Good job, Amy-girl,
Jack thought as Ray slumped, scowling into his seat.
    * * *
    Sam stared, stunned again. Not that many years ago, Amy would never have confronted someone who was teasing her. She would have run away, uncomfortable and embarrassed. Hearing Amy express her disinterest in his friend, Sam not only felt reassured, but also impressed by her strength.
    He walked her out to the car, his arm still around her, and, before he opened the door for her, pulled her even closer and kissed her within an inch of her life. He left her weak and breathless, not to mention shocked by his unexpected display of affection. Her muddled expression made him want to shout with triumph. Amy bit her lower lip, giving him a sideways smile which left him feeling more intoxicated than the beer.
    “Did you like meeting my friends?” he asked as he loaded her into the car.
    “I would like it better if they had girlfriends. Single guys compete too much,” she replied.
    He thought about her comment as he walked around to get into the driver's seat. He threw the car into drive and started for the ranch. As he pulled out of the parking lot, he asked, “And just where did this bold, confident Amy come from?”
    “I didn't want to embarrass you,” she replied, in that tiny, timid voice he knew so well.
    He glanced in her direction before returning his attention