All A Heart Needs B&N Read Online Free PDF Page B

your relationship isn't about that one event, but you can't deny that that event wasn't hugely important in framing your opinions about firefighting as a career choice." As she finished speaking, she saw angry thunderclouds gathering in Sean's eyes and realized she was getting far too deep into his life. "I'm probably overstepping here," she added quickly. "But I don't think I'm wrong." She let out a breath, a little shocked that she'd been so blunt. She was usually better at keeping her opinions to herself, but she hated seeing Sean in pain or turmoil, and he was clearly in both.
    "You're right, you are overstepping. You've known my family for about five minutes, so don't presume to think you know everything about us."
    She slowly nodded. "Okay. That's a fair point. I never had a father who cared a speck about me, so maybe I don't know what I'm talking about."
    He let out a frustrated breath. "Look, I'm sorry, Jess. This house has been making me crazy for years. And now I'm taking that crazy out on you."
    "I did stick my nose into your business," she conceded.
    "Only because I put my business right in your face."
    "How about we call a truce?" She held out her hand.
    He hesitated, then her took her hand, squeezing his warm fingers around hers.
    The truce had been a good idea, but not the handshake, because neither one of them could seem to let go. The sparks that had flared the night before were back, heightened by the emotion of the last few minutes.
    "What am I going to do about you?" he murmured.
    It was the same question he'd asked last night.
    A few possibilities ran through her mind, but thankfully she didn't say any of them out loud, because all of them were bad ideas.
    "I like you, Jess. You're beautiful and smart, a little more outspoken than I thought, but pretty damn amazing."
    Her nerves tingled at his words. "I feel the same way about you. Although, I'd substitute handsome for beautiful," she said lightly.
    He gave her a smile, but as the seconds ticked by his smile faded. "You and me—we don't go together, Jess. You're tied to my family forever through your son and my nephew. If we started something, and it didn't work out, it would be awkward and uncomfortable for a lot of people. And I don't want to ruin what you have going with Nicole and Ryan, this little family unit you have set up. It's good for the boys. We can all see that."
    "I understand." Nothing he'd said was a surprise. And he was right, any relationship between them would be complicated, but that wasn't the only reason they wouldn't work. "It would be best if we just remained friends. And not just because of the family ties."
    "What do you mean?"
    "While you're very attractive and there's a connection between us, I could never have a relationship with a musician. I know what loving a musician looks like. My dad took off before I was born, and my mom fell in love every other year after that. Her favorite guys were guitar players with long hair and soulful voices. She always thought they were singing to her and about her. But they weren't. They were singing for themselves. I saw her get her heart broken a lot. And to be honest, my heart got broken, too. There was one guy I really wanted to stick around. He was the closest thing I'd ever had to a dad, but he couldn't stay, because the road called to him, just as it calls to you. So while you might be a good time, Sean, I can't be with a man who's always leaving. I've watched too many doors slam in my face, and I don't just have myself to think about now. I'd never put Kyle through what I went through."
    "Are you done?"
    "Yes."
    "Okay," he said, an odd expression in his eyes. "It sounds like we're on the same page."
    "Then you should let go of my hand."
    Instead of loosening his grip, his fingers tightened around hers. "Just for the record, I wouldn't be a good time, I'd be a fantastic time."
    "So cocky," she murmured, refusing to admit that his words had sent a thrill down her spine. "That's another