Playing With Fire Read Online Free PDF Page A

what he was doing.”
    Trevor looked so deflated standing there with his helmet in his hand. I thought he might cry. I didn’t want to see a firefighter cry. That just wouldn’t be right. It would be like seeing Superman having a meltdown.
    “Listen, you were terrific today,” I said. “Just now and this morning. Putting out those fires. I love watching you work.”
    Trevor turned to me and tried to put on a brave face. “More than you like watching Matt work?”
    “I have to say you put on more of a show,” I said. I returned his smile. “Listen, I’m a little embarrassed by Matt’s behavior,” I confessed. “It seems he’s jealous of you.”
    “He should be.” Trevor pushed my hair from my face. “Don’t worry,” he said. “I can handle Matt. I like a challenge. Let the better man win. What say we have dinner Thursday night?”
    I glanced at the chief, wondering what he thought of us at this moment. It felt strange to have Trevor asking me out on a date under these circumstances. His brother had just been arrested for arson. But then, maybe Trevor felt he needed to talk to someone about it.
    “Sure,” I said. “I’d like that. Dinner. Thursday.”
    “It’s a date,” he said.

SEVEN
    M att opened the door for me as we entered the Lakeshore Bar and Grill. The restaurant was a favorite date spot for couples. Tonight the place was packed.
    The hostess led us to our table and left menus with us. Matt held my chair for me as I sat down. “Well, aren’t you the gentleman?” I asked him. “I like this side of you.”
    Matt sat down across from me. “You sound like you haven’t seen this side of me before.”
    “I’m not sure I have,” I said. “You’ve been cranky with me in the past.”
    Matt’s cheeks reddened. I had embarrassed him. I didn’t think that was possible.
    “I’m sorry about that,” he said. “I always found you attractive. I just—”
    “You don’t like reporters. I know.”
    “I don’t like anyone who pries into other people’s lives.”
    “Speaking of prying,” I said, “I’m surprised you still wanted to go out with me tonight.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “I made such a fool of myself at Tommy’s Café. I accused Devon of arson. Everyone thought I was nuts.”
    “I’m sure they feel differently now,” Matt told me. “You were right. Devon admitted he set those fires.”
    “Yes, he did.”
    “You sound doubtful. Is something else going on?”
    I shook my head. “It’s probably nothing.”
    “I still can’t believe Devon set those fires,” Matt said. “I know that kid. He’s volunteered on a few searches for lost hikers. He’s honest, and he really looks out for people, you know? He’s mature for his age.” Matt paused, looking at the menu. “More mature than his older brother,” he added.
    I let that last comment pass. “I can’t say Devon seems mature, not if he’s setting fires. Someone could have been hurt.” I put down my menu. “Still, you’re right. Something about his confession feels off.”
    “I take it you had one of your hunches?”
    I shook my head, uncertain. “I don’t know. It’s like he was covering for someone else.”
    “His girlfriend?”
    “That would be my first guess.”
    “Well, let’s put work aside for tonight, okay? I’ve been looking forward to this evening all day.”
    I smiled at Matt. “Me too.”
    Matt glanced around. “I hope you don’t think it’s weird that I took you here.”
    “Weird? How is it weird?”
    “You were on your way to a date with Trevor at this restaurant the other night. Then you got that hunch of yours.”
    “That gut feeling that led me to find Amber Miller.”
    “And drew us together,” he said. He took my hand and held my gaze for a moment. “I tried making a reservation at the Boardwalk Café, but they were booked. This was the only place that still had a table open.”
    “I like this place,” I said. “I’m glad you brought me here.”
    “Things are over