Smokin' Hot Read Online Free Page B

loved to read. “I thought a modern California gal like you would have one of those electronic readers.”
    “I do, but I love print books, too. There’s something so satisfying about holding a book in my hands and breathing in the scent of the paper.” She wrinkled her nose. “You probably think that’s silly, don’t you?”
    No, it gave him a hint to the sensual woman he expected her to be. “Not at all. I’m a reader, too, so I understand what you’re saying.”
    He must have said the right thing, for she smiled and took a chip from the basket. “What do you like to read?”
    “Mysteries, mostly. I like psychological thrillers, a little bit of sci-fi.” Beer bottle in hand, he leaned back in his chair. “I’ll bet you like romances.”
    “Guilty.” She broke her chip and ate half of it. “But I also like mysteries, too. I want a satisfying ending, no matter what I read.”
    He could add “romantic” to the list of words he’d use to describe Julia. He already had “beautiful” and “charming” and “sexy” on that list.
    Stephen saw Dolly walking toward them, carrying a large tray. “Hey, boss lady, you playing waitress?”
    “Only for y’all.” She set three platters of food on the table, then rested the tray on her hip. “I had to be sure you’re taking care of Julia.”
    “I’m being a perfect gentleman.”
    She switched her gaze to Julia. “Is he?”
    “He is,” Julia said with a smile.
    “Good.” She pointed one finger at Stephen. “Be sure it stays that way.”
    He gave her a sharp salute. “Yes, ma’am.”
    Once Dolly left, Stephen picked up one of the bowls of salsa and poured it over his Spanish rice. He forked up a big bite, along with the refried beans. The mixture of heat and spices slid over his tongue and he almost moaned in pleasure.
    He ate in silence with Julia for a few moments before speaking again. “So what’re your plans for tomorrow?”
    Before she said anything, he heard beep-beep from the pager on his belt. A grass fire. Part of him cringed at the possible loss while part of him savored the quick adrenaline rush at the thought of being in the middle of the action and danger.
    He gobbled the last two bites of his supper. “I gotta go.”
    “Go? What—”
    “There’s a grass fire somewhere.” He glanced at Dusty’s untouched plate. He hated that his cousin didn’t get to eat, but knew Hannah would take care of him. He also hated leaving Julia when they’d been getting along so well.
    Knowing the fire wouldn’t wait, he pushed back his chair and stood. He dug two tens and a five from the front pocket of his jeans and tossed them on the table next to his platter. “Catch you later.” He rushed toward the exit, along with the four other guys who also belonged to the fire department.

    Julia turned in her chair and watched the men leave Boot Scootin’. Apparently most of the ones here tonight belonged to the volunteer fire department. She remembered many times when she’d dropped everything in a second and hurried out to fight a forest fire. Even worse, hurrying out to fight a house fire and hopefully save some of the family’s mementoes that could never be replaced.
    Worry formed a knot in her stomach. Stephen said it was a grass fire, but those could get out of control so quickly.
    “Gets quiet when the guys leave,” Dolly said as she touched Julia’s shoulder.
    “Stephen said it’s a grass fire.”
    “Doesn’t surprise me. We’re in a bad drought and the smallest spark can set off a blaze. Course, you already know that.”
    “Yeah.” She pushed her half-full plate to the side, next to Dusty’s pile of paperwork. “Dusty left all his stuff.”
    “I’ll call his wife and let her know. She’ll come by and get it.” Dolly picked up the untouched platter. “I’ll fix this to go, plus a plate for her. She runs the office for Dusty’s and Stephen’s company, but also works part-time at the hospital. She gets off at seven on