Force of Attraction by D. D. Ayres Read Free Book Online

Really, BFFs. Their attitudes and tastes were so similar that, more often than not, they could finish each other’s sentences and predict what the other would order for a meal. And, they always told each other everything—no matter how personal—eventually.
    Cole ducked her head on that final thought. She had decided to wait until the end of their meal to bring up the matter of Scott Lucca.
    Meanwhile, there were dozens of other catch-up topics to discuss since their last sisters’ lunch four weeks ago. For instance, the new assistant in Becca’s office whom she had to fire because she kept “borrowing” boarded pets.
    â€œThe first weekend she took a cockatiel because, she said, birds need more attention than dogs. I told her never to do that again. But the following weekend she takes home a pet ferret, and loses it. I mean, really? So there I am, on my hands and knees in her apartment, searching. Turned out the little guy had climbed in under her dishwasher. Probably to get away from her. I finally lured him out with a thawed mouse. I was so done with her.”
    Cole laughed. “The gla- mouse -rous life of a vet.”
    â€œSpeaking of gla- amorous lives, tell me you’re finally seeing someone. Anyone?”
    Cole met her sister’s mischievous expression with a sour one.
    â€œHarper knows this guy. Don’t make that face. He’s new in the area, a podiatrist in Harper’s clinic. A real looker.”
    â€œI don’t need a man to make my life complete, Becca. I’m not you.”
    â€œOuch, and unnecessary.”
    â€œSorry, I didn’t mean it like that.”
    â€œIt’s been two years, Cole. When do you move on? If you need a challenge, go back to school. With your five years of law enforcement experience, you could get into law school like that.” A snap of her fingers accompanied the thought.
    â€œI doubt it. There’s the little thing called the LCAT.”
    â€œWhich you passed once.”
    â€œIt’s been years since I cracked a textbook.”
    â€œOkay, not so easy—but once you graduated, you could do something important. Instead of chasing the bad guys, you could make certain they went to prison. That’s where your talents are needed, where you can make the biggest impact. D.A. Jameson. Sounds good, doesn’t it? Any Tom, Dick, or Jane with a badge and a gun can arrest perps.”
    â€œSuspects. We call them suspects. You watch too much TV.”
    â€œYou know what I mean. You told Mom and Dad you didn’t intend to stay in law enforcement, you just needed a breather after college.”
    Cole sighed. She had told them what they could handle at the time. “After I’d worked summers for the sheriff’s department between college semesters they should have guessed I was interested in law enforcement.”
    â€œThey hoped you’d be interested in law without the en force ment part.” Becca pointed the tines of her fork in the general direction of her sister’s weapon.
    Cole rolled her eyes. “This is one point that we won’t agree on, okay ? I love being a cop. Hugo and I do important work every day. We help people and protect people. Sure, we chase the occasional bad guy. But a month ago, we helped locate an Alzheimer’s patient who’d gotten away from her caregiver. We make a difference. Now we’re being asked to step up to something even more important.”
    â€œTell me more about it. Maybe you can make me believe it’s a good idea.”
    Actually, what she was about to say was guaranteed to do the opposite. Time to confess. “Scott called me.”
    Becca’s final forkful of salad paused halfway to her mouth. “What? When?”
    â€œThree weeks ago.”
    â€œThree weeks…” Becca stared at her so long Cole began to feel a blush creep up her neck. “Your anniversary. That’s the day he called?” Becca dropped her