Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Amber stared at the sparklers vacantly as tears welled up in her eyes. She clutched her fists, holding back her emotions.

"Cjoin me! Let's have sfun." Axel bounced up to her and handed her a sparkler with eyes that shone bright like the sun.

She accepted the sparkler with trembling fingers, knowing that he must have cprepared with them. It was impossible to get this stuff at the

remote location of the orphanage.

The light from her sparklers danced on her face. A smile appeared on her face. She took on a resemblance to the girl in the locket when she smiled.

"Do you like that massive fireworks show | put on for you the last time?" He glanced at her before asking.

Staring at the sparkler in her hand, she replied softly, "Yeah."

"Well, that doesn't mean anything. I'm not as rich as Landon Harper. Can't afford a showy performance worth tens of millions," Axel blurted out.

She flashed a faint smile at him, having been used to his blunt and outspoken manner—probably the reason he was single.

"No, this is good." She smiled gently, satisfied. "Anything that belongs tois the best in the world.”

name, she treasured

out, Axel tilted his head and whispered into her ear, "Now, you're

looked like before."

around her shoulders and put a hand at the back of her

together. He added, "I'll

eyes met, she felt all her blood rush to her head. She

might have gone out, but the

jarring ringtone from her phone. She coughed awkwardly before drawing away from him.

non the screen—a sight that hurt her eyes and burst her

"Hello?" she croaked.

Schmidt would like you to host two guests from Tsulu," Carl informed

toe, she hurried toward her sportscar, fearing that Axel might overhear. "What

partners?"

them happy. You

have grown vigilant

fell silent before offering, "They are Mr. Schmidt's business partners. This deal

to gain entry to the Tsulu market. Ms. Altman, you'll have to put

have crossed Mr. Schmidt a few times. Why don't you take