EMS Heat 10 - In His Hero's Shadow by Stephani Hecht Read Free Book Online Page B

gave a nod as he snuggled back into place. “I’m sorry about being such jerk when we were on scene today.”
“That’s okay, I’m used to it.”
    In fact, it would have unsettled Chauncey had Brody acted any differently. They were so used to the same pattern of snippiness, it would be odd to have anything different. Which, just went to show how dysfunctional they both were.
    “No, it’s not. You’re a damn good trauma nurse and I shouldn’t have hinted otherwise. Fact is, when I see you coming to help me out with a call, I’m glad.”
“Why? Because then you have somebody you can abuse?”
    Brody gave Chauncey’s arm a mock slap. “No, because I know that my patient is going to be getting the best care available.”
“Did you just actually just compliment me?” “Yeah, don’t get used to it.”
     
* * * *
    As soon as he cracked his lids open the next morning, Chauncey knew their short-lived peace agreement was over. Brody sat, fully dressed, on the edge of the mattress. Since all he could see was Brody’s back, Chauncey didn’t know what expression Brody had on his face. Going by the tense way he held his body, it wasn’t good. While the brat had yet to speak a word, he was giving all kinds oftenseandback-offvibes.
“Just give me a second to get dressed and I’ll drive you home,” Chauncey offered gruffly. Brody fiddled with the corner of the blankets. “You don’t need to bother. I already called a cab.”
    God, but it was too early for this crap. Chauncey rolled his eyes as he pushed the covers back and sat up. “Call back and cancel it.”
“No.”
    Chauncey ran a hand through his hair. “Can you at least hold off being childish until I’ve had my first cup of coffee?”
    “I’m not being childish, just practical.”
“Just call the damn cab company.”
Brody turned his fury on Chauncey. “In case
    you’ve forgotten, I’m not one of your simpering groupies who jump when you snap your fingers. So stop ordering me around.”
    Yeah, the peace was definitely over. That short time line had to set some kind of record. Crap, even the deals in the Middle East, or between Nicole and Paris lasted longer.
“I don’t know why you keep throwing that in my face. I’ve never had groupies.”
    Brody snorted. “Sure, whatever.”
“I’m telling the truth.”
    Brody bent over and began to pull his shoes on. “Are you trying to tell me you don’t notice that guys and girls are always fawning all over you? You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.”
    Chauncey couldn’t remember a time he felt so confused. One second, Brody was mad at him, chasing after every available ass, and the next he was accusing Chauncey of being naïve about being attractive. Chauncey wanted to reach out and grab Brody so he could either shake some sense into him or kiss him until he was too breathless to talk anymore.
    A honk sounded from outside, making them both start. Brody tilted his head toward the window. “That’s my cab. I’ve got to go.”
“Fine, don’t let me stop you.”
    Brody got up and made his way to the bedroom door. As he reached the threshold, he paused and turned back around. “Thanks for…well, you know, listening to me last night.”
“Anytime.”
    “Also, I was wondering if you could keep all that stuff between us. Not that I’m ashamed of my dad or anything, it’s just I don’t want everyone to treat me like I’m some kind of pity case.”
“Don’t worry, both your secrets are safe with me.”
    Brody gave him a tiny smile before turning and walking out of the room. A few seconds later, the sound of the front door closing, echoed through his home which had suddenly become too quiet. Funny, since Chauncey always wanted Brody to shut his mouth. Now he found himself missing the medic’s banter.
    Letting out a groan of frustration, Chauncey flopped down on the bed. That proved to be a mistake since his face landed on the pillow Brody used the night before. Without meaning to, Chauncey