Total Rush by Deirdre Martin Read Free Book Online Page A

of guests just as Sean scoured the crowd and happened to light on Gemma. Seeing the smile on his face as their eyes met, Gemma felt a joyful heat surging through her body, radiant and strong.
    â€œHi,” she said shyly, reaching his side.
    â€œHey.” He seemed genuinely pleased to see her. “Gemma Dante, right?”
    She nodded. “You have a good memory.”
    â€œIt’s not an easy name to forget.” He squinted slightly, studying her face. “Are you Michael’s sister?”
    â€œNo, we’re double cousins.” Seeing his puzzled expression, she added, “Our fathers were brothers and our mothers were sisters.” Then she changed the subject. “How do you know Michael?”
    â€œThrough, uh, the FDNY hockey team.”
    â€œI was at the game the other night. The charity game.”
    Sean looked curious. “So, what did you think?”
    â€œI think it was fixed.”
    Sean chuckled appreciatively. “The Blades probably could have played a little harder, you’re right.” He took a quick sip of beer. Gemma watched the bob of his Adam’s apple as he swallowed and thought it the sexiest thing in the world. “But it’s all for a good cause.”
    â€œI agree.”
    â€œCan I get you a drink?”
    â€œThat would be great.”
    â€œWhat’s your pleasure?”
    Better not answer that, she thought. “A gin and tonic would be great.”
    He smiled then, and it was killer. “Be back in a minute.”
    She watched as he made his way to the bar. God, he was a looker. And his body—muscled thighs evident through his faded jeans, strong shoulders swathed in a blue-and-white-striped oxford shirt, sleeves casually rolled. No wedding ring.
    Taking her drink from him, she took a small sip, grateful for something to do with her hands. “Are you ever going to tell me your name, ‘Birdman’?” She knew, of course, but she wanted to hear him say it, wanted to hear his deep, sexy voice caress the syllables.
    He ducked his head shyly. “It’s Sean. Sean Kennealy.”
    â€œIrish?”
    â€œJust a bit.” He took a long pull off his beer, his eyes seeming to dance with mischief. “So, have you gotten a new smoke detector yet, Gemma?”
    Gemma colored. “Not yet. But I’m going to, I swear.”
    â€œMaybe I’ll buy you one. As a present,” he teased.
    â€œIf that’s your idea of a present a woman would enjoy, then I pity you.” They both laughed. “What does ‘Bird-man’ mean?”
    He looked uncomfortable. Gemma hoped she hadn’t just put her foot in it. Suppose it had to do with sex? She braced herself.
    â€œIt’s my nickname at the firehouse. I rescued these two birds from a fire and wound up adopting them. Ever since then, they’ve called me ‘Birdman.’ ”
    â€œAre nicknames big with firemen?”
    â€œHuge. But not all of them can be repeated in mixed company. And since you’re clearly a lady, I’ll spare you.”
    For some reason, his calling her “a lady” sent giddiness charging through Gemma. Is he aware of how sexy he is? Two big gulps of gin and tonic slid down her throat.
    â€œI loved those photos in your bedroom,” he continued. “Are you a professional photographer?”
    â€œOnly in my dreams. In real life I run a boutique in the Village called the Golden Bough.”
    His brow furrowed. “Interesting.”
    â€œIs it?”
    â€œYeah. I don’t run into too many businesswomen in my line of work. Unless their business has burned down.”
    â€œWhat kind of women do you run into? If you don’t mind me asking.”
    â€œNot at all.” He took another sip of beer. “Most of the guys’ wives and girlfriends are regular working people: schoolteachers, housewives, nurses—nothing fancy like owning their own business.” He winked at