Courageous Love: A Christian Romance Novel (The Hawaii Love Series, #1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

and without warning, all three rushed him like a rioting crowd in New York City.
    From the corner of his eye, Daniel saw the knife sail toward his chest while shorty swung the lead pipe down at his head. Daniel knew he had to act fast. One miscalculated move and his face and life would be changed forever. His body twisted sideways as the knife sailed within inches of his back.
    One threat neutralized, another one to go.
    Daniel threw his head back like an Olympian hurtling over a high jump, watching as the lead pipe whooshed within an inch of his chest. The air rushed past his face and Daniel knew it had been a close call, too close for comfort. He flipped to his feet and faced his attackers.
    Showtime guys.
    Demonstrating the skills of an experienced martial artist, he swung, kicked and punched his opponents, dancing like a boxer as he watched his opponents’ heads snap like an oversized blob of jello. The heavy-set man with the pipe went down hard, and Daniel barely flinched. Messy hair man turned and ran as lead pipe guy laid on the floor, writhing in pain.
    “Cut!” Fred yelled out from the shadows. “That’s a wrap crew. We’ll pick up here tomorrow.” The director with a round bump under his striped polo shirt moved into the light and gave a thumbs up to Daniel. “Perfect on the first shoot, Daniel. Keep up the good work and we’ll wrap this shoot up in no time.”
    Marshall King, the famous action hero Daniel was stunt doubling for, stepped out from behind the camera crew and gave Daniel a high five. “Not bad, not bad,” he said, patting Daniel on the back. “You’re pretty good. I wish I had your talent and training to do all that. You must have all the women drooling over you.” Marshall gave him a playful grin.
    Daniel stopped from dusting his pants and looked up. “Thanks,” he said. The two had interacted briefly during their shoot in Hawaii, but never really had a chance to talk with each other.
    “I really like what you do. Where did you learn to do all that?” Marshall asked, seemingly interested in Daniel’s professional resume.
    “I trained with mixed martial arts most of my life,” Daniel told him. “Actually,” Daniel stopped, thinking just how long it had been. “I started training when I was eight.”
    “Hey, that’s the same age my parents enrolled me in acting lessons.” Marshall pressed his lips into a smile. “Thank goodness our parents had the foresight to know where our talents were. I can still remember the first school play I performed in.” He threw a hand into the air. “I was the lion that saved the forest.” A loud roar escaped his mouth, and Marshall chuckled at himself. “That play gave me a taste of what it was like to be the hero, and ever since that play, I made up my mind to become an action hero. And here I am.” He drew a hand toward the set. “Can you imagine what would have happened if my parents didn’t believe in me? I might be here doing stunt work like you.”
    Daniel bit his lower lip. While he admired most of the action actors he encountered, Marshall was turning out to be the exception. If it was one thing Daniel couldn’t stand, it was a pompous actor who thought they were God’s gift to the film industry.
    He quickly excused himself, telling Marshall he needed to call his fiancé, Kimberly, who would be anxiously awaiting his call. Daniel offered the actor a curt handshake and said good-bye before hurrying to his car. But before he could exit the building, the sound of Fred’s voice caught his attention.
    “Daniel . . . Hey Daniel, got a minute?”
    Daniel didn’t want to stop. But when Fred asked if you had a minute, you never said no, especially if you wanted a role in the next big movie. He stole a glance at his black sports watch as he forced a sigh from his lips. He hoped Kimberly would be understanding with his late call, knowing how important his career was.
    “Daniel,” Fred went on as he approached Daniel, not waiting for a