Trial by Fire by Jo Davis Read Free Book Online Page A

caught ogling the man’s crotch, she stepped aside, trying for a light, friendly greeting.
    She waved a hand. “Sure, come inside! Would you like something to drink? Water or soda? Or I’ve got beer—”
    “I’m good, thanks. I had coffee before I came over.”
    “In the middle of the afternoon? I thought cops had the market cornered on that particular habit,” she teased, shutting the door behind him.
    Howard laughed good-naturedly, making her heart ping-pong between her lungs. A huge smile full of straight white teeth lit his ruggedly handsome face. A thin, white scar running from his left temple to his cheekbone and a nose that had been broken more than once saved him from being too perfect. Good thing, because the man had the biggest, most beautiful chocolate brown eyes she’d ever seen, framed by long, thick lashes any woman would kill for. Short, spiky sable hair stuck out in artful disarray all over his skull—the strands bleached blond on the tips.
    Lordy, if he weren’t a fireman, she’d think he’d just walked off the set of a testosterone-pumped Vin Diesel movie. Howard was, hands down, the most stunning man she’d ever laid eyes on.
    “Not by a long shot. Most people don’t realize we have to respond to many of the same calls as the police. Car accidents, disputes resulting in injuries, rescue situations. You name it, the list goes on forever. After arson and homicide took over the scene last night, we got three more calls. When I went off-shift at seven this morning, my butt was dragging.”
    Stand back, ladies. I’ll be the judge of that!
    Shaking her head, Kat forced her attention from the state of his butt back to the thread of their conversation. “Thus, the broken sleep and all-consuming need for go-juice.”
    “Yeah, the stuff is my worst vice.”
    She arched a brow in disbelief. Coffee, the worst vice of a man tailor-made for seven kinds of sin? Right. Before she could form a suitable response, however, she noticed he was holding an arm behind his back.
    “What are you hiding there, Lieutenant? A weapon?”
    “Naw, nothing so exciting. Just these.” With a flourish, Howard brandished his surprise, holding it out for her.
    A pretty spring bouquet bobbed in front of her nose, brimming with daisies, carnations, a couple of roses, and those vibrant, tiny purple flowers resembling baby’s breath. The gift bore clear plastic wrap around the damp stems, and the sticker he’d forgotten to remove boasted seven dollars and ninety-nine cents— from the local Brookshire’s grocery store.
    Right then and there, Kat melted into a gooey puddle.
    “Oh, Howard.” Taking them, she inhaled the fragrant scent. “I love flowers. Thank you.”
    She hadn’t realized he’d been watching for her reaction like an anxious little boy. His tense expression dissolved into a shy, pleased grin as he nodded.
    “You’re welcome. You deserve more than a few puny blossoms after what you went through,” he said. “But they seemed appropriate. How are you feeling today?”
    He’d actually been concerned about her well-being, wanted to brighten her day in some way. She scoured her brain for the last time someone besides her parents had done that, and came up empty. What a dear, lovely man!
    There must be something wrong with him.
    Shaking off the uncharitable notion, Kat stood on tiptoe and planted a kiss on his smooth cheek. Mmm, he smelled fantastic. Some sort of understated cologne reminiscent of cedar, fresh air—and 100 percent man. She longed to capture his sensual mouth with hers, nibble and explore, learn whether he tasted as good as he smelled.
    Instead, she contented herself with the quick peck. For now. “Throat’s a bit sore, but I’m fine. And flowers are always perfect for what ails a girl, big guy. Why don’t I put these in water? Then we can leave.” Turning, she headed into the adjoining kitchen, laid the bouquet on the counter, and fished under the sink for an old vase. “Where are we