Sean's Reckoning Read Online Free PDF Page B

to see the fire trucks. I said okay. It’s no big deal.”
    “It’s worth fifty bucks to me,” Hank gloated.
    Sean studied his friend’s expression, looking for even the tiniest hint of guilt. “You actually had bets going on whether I’d see her again, didn’t you?” he asked. Hank didn’t even flinch.
    “Well, of course I did,” Hank said with no evidence of remorse. “Your love life—or lack thereof—is the subject of much speculation around here. All the guys keep wondering why you’re not married, since every woman you meet falls madly in love with you.”
    “I don’t see anyone long enough for them to fall in love with me,” Sean contradicted.
    “Which I explained to the guys, but they think you’re just holding out on us, that you’ve got some gorgeous babe stashed away and that you sneak off tospend every spare minute making passionate love to her.”
    Sean groaned. “You all clearly have too much time on your hands.”
    Hank grinned. “True enough. So, is the delectable Deanna bringing her hot friend with her?”
    “If you’re referring to Ruby, the answer’s yes.”
    “Then I am forever in your debt,” Hank said solemnly. “I have had a few incredibly steamy dreams about that woman.”
    “You have steamy dreams about every woman you pass on the street,” Sean pointed out.
    “This is different,” Hank insisted.
    Sean rolled his eyes at the familiar refrain. “I doubt that, but you can do me a favor. I need a few minutes alone with Deanna. Can I count on you to show Ruby and Kevin around?”
    “When have you not been able to count on me?” Hank demanded indignantly. “No matter how trying the task, do I not step up to the plate when you ask?”
    Sean chuckled. “Then I take it the answer is yes, even though this is one of those trying occasions?”
    “Yes,” Hank said, then added with exaggerated politeness, “And thank you for thinking of me. Those of us in the Boston Fire Department are here to serve and protect in whatever way we’re called upon to do so.”
    “Try to remember that when you’re thinking about hitting on Ruby,” Sean cautioned, thinking of the way she’d neatly blackmailed Deanna’s boss. “Something tells me she could bring you to your knees if you get out of line.”
    Hank made a show of swooning ecstatically. “This just keeps getting better and better. You know how I love a challenge.”
    “Don’t make me regret this,” Sean said.
    “Have I ever let you down?”
    Ah, Sean thought, that was the thing. For all of his fooling around and his penchant for chasing anything in skirts ever since his divorce, Hank DiMartelli was the best buddy a man could have. There was no one in the department Sean would rather have at his side going into a raging inferno. Hank was fearless and loyal and smart. He’d won more citations for bravery than anyone else at the station, Sean included.
    Sean punched him in the arm. “Never,” he agreed. “But there’s a first time for everything, and in your case this better not be it.”
    Hank’s gaze narrowed and his expression turned serious. “Why all the paternal concern for a woman you barely know and aren’t interested in?”
    Sean wasn’t precisely sure himself. “She’s Deanna’s friend,” he said, which was the closest he could come to summing it up. “And something tells me Deanna would be royally ticked if she thought I was throwing Ruby to the wolves, or to one wolf in particular. People seldom spot your finer qualities through all the bull.”
    “Then by all means, I’ll be on my best behavior,” Hank assured him. “I won’t even try to cop a feel of those gorgeous breasts of hers.”
    Sean grinned at the concession despite himself. “Something tells me that’s the last thing I need to worry about. I’m pretty sure Ruby can handle someone with roving hands. She’s probably had a lot of practice. Maybe you should consider getting to know her for her mind.”
    “That body, and she has a