Desperately Seeking Fireman by Jennifer Bernard Read Free Book Online Page B

quick as a wink.
    And just like that, he was hard again, hard and aching, just as he’d been during the kiss that had just about knocked him on his ass. “Zing” didn’t nearly cover it.
    A FTER SPENDING MUCH of the morning directing Jeb through Angie’s list of household repairs, Nita bumped into Melissa in the breakfast room, where she was going over notes on her laptop. She had to sit sideways because her belly didn’t fit under the tiny round tables.
    This time, the pang of envy wasn’t nearly what it had been. Jeb’s easy acceptance of her story made a difference. He’d treated her with the same degree of teasing interest after her revelation as before. He still saw her as a desirable woman, instead of as a pitiable failure.
    So maybe she had been a little harsh on herself.
    Nita drew up a chair and helped herself to one of the powdered-sugar almond cookies Melissa was devouring.
    “How’s the interview coming?” She asked her friend.
    “We’re about to go on camera. He’s doing his makeup now.” Melissa quirked a smile at her. “That phrase takes on a whole new meaning, knowing what we now know. You won’t mind if I make him sweat, will you?”
    “Don’t hold back on my account. This is between him and the public. And the online drag queen community. And the makers of Spanx. Allegedly.”
    “Yeah, well, I was just going through the photos, and I think we’re way past allegedly. We’re in the ‘OMG, no he didn’t’ range. He gives Lady Gaga a run for her money.”
    Nita winced. “If only he hadn’t posted those stupid selfies online. The Internet is a dangerous thing when you think you’re one step down from God Almighty.”
    “Nita! I’m shocked. I’ve never heard you talk about the senator that way.”
    “Yeah, well, I’ve never been stranded on an island with him before. It’s given me a whole new take on his character.”
    Melissa leaned in, then winced a little as her belly squished against the table. “I really appreciate the tip. I haven’t been able to work as much as I want, and it’s been driving me crazy. Brody calls me every two minutes when he’s on shift. At home he acts like some fire-breathing dragon guarding the cave.”
    “But things are good?” Nita asked, a little worried.
    “Oh yes,” Melissa answered quickly. “I’m not really complaining. I love that man. I know he’s just being extra-protective. I mean, sending Jeb Stone out here? Come on. Who does that?”
    Nita felt a distinct sense of warmth in her cheeks. “He doesn’t seem so bad.”
    “Oh.” After a quick glance, Melissa sat back. “You like him.”
    The warmth increased. “I barely know him.”
    “He makes an impact.”
    “That he does.” Nita nibbled on a cookie, watching the powdered sugar float onto the tablecloth. She decided to put her cards on the table, the way Jeb would. “What do you know about him?”
    “I know Brody likes him, and that’s enough for me. I know he’s putting his daughter through an expensive college and that he let his wife take most of their possessions in the divorce.”
    “What’s she like?” Nita tried to sound casual, but failed completely. What kind of woman would walk away from a man like Jeb Stone? She was having a hard time wrapping her mind around it.
    “Belinda?” Melissa gave a quick glance around the empty tea room. “She’s . . . pretty. Really into tennis. Kind of bubbly. Has a lot in common with . . . um, Ellen DeGeneres.”
    It took a moment for Nita to make the connection. “What are you saying, that she’s . . . really ?”
    “Just my own personal, private speculation that I’m sharing only with you. As a little thank you for the tip. Not to be shared with anyone.” Melissa made a zipping motion across her lips. “I’ve never even wondered aloud in Brody’s presence. I figure it’s not our business. And since Jeb never said a word, it’s especially not our business.”
    “Do you think he knows?”
    “Not much gets