Taming Johnny Read Online Free Page A

it was Lauren. Emma had called earlier to bellyache into her big sister’s voicemail. Maybe she was taking pity on the baby of the family and bringing a pint of ice cream to share.
    Emma threw off the blanket like a little kid with a surprise visitor. She hurried over to the window just as there was a sharp knock on the door. Pushing aside the sheer, ivory curtains, she peered out onto the street and sucked in a breath. Parked on the curb was the lieutenant’s big, black truck. She’d know it anywhere. Even his vehicle was sexy.
    She let out a surprised squeak. What in the world is he doing here?
    With her heart beating in her throat, she leaned back to look in the mirror by the couch and groaned. Oh my God. Of all the times Johnny Street could pop by, he had to choose tonight. Emma’s hair was a bird’s nest, her skin pale and naked, and…her arms shot instinctively around her chest. She wasn’t wearing a bra. Shit, shit, shit!
    He knocked again. This time louder.
    “Um…just a minute!” In a panic, she looked around for her robe before remembering it was in the washing machine. Scurrying into her bedroom, she threw open the dresser drawers. A bra, a bra… She tossed every different kind of undergarment aside, panties, panties, and more panties.
    Knock, knock!
    “I’m coming!” The guy was insufferable. Where was the fire? Was a bomb about to go off inside the building? Why couldn’t he just hold on a second until she had the girls properly corralled in an eighteen-hour something or other?
    Giving up on finding anything in her dresser, she pawed frantically through her dirty clothes. Oh my God. Nothing. Not even a dingy running bra.
    Thunder boomed in the distance. It was getting closer. The heavens were obviously conspiring against her. Someone up there was making sure she was getting proper payback for something awful she’d done. Why else would Lieutenant Street be waiting impatiently outside her front door while she was in her PJs?
    Hugging herself, she headed into the living room and reluctantly unlocked the deadbolt. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door a crack.
    “Um…hi.”
    Johnny stood with his head cocked, his hands shoved in his jean pockets. “I thought I was going to have to call the paramedics, Beaumont. What took you so long?”
    Typical. He says jump and expects you to say how high. Even in your own apartment on a Friday night.
    Emma cocked her own head, attempting to give some attitude back. “Yes, well, I wasn’t expecting company. And I’m in my pajamas.”
    Lightning flickered like a strobe light across the dark sky. The air smelled like rain.
    He didn’t seem concerned that she wasn’t dressed. Instead, he nodded toward her living room. “Are you going to let me in, or should I just stand out here all night?”
    Emma blinked. The wind picked up, bringing with it a few drops of rain which spattered against her cheeks. Hesitating for one more second, she finally stepped aside. “Come in, Lieutenant.”
    He walked past and she caught his scent. It didn’t matter how many times a day she took it in, it always gave her butterflies. She closed the door behind him with jittery hands. She still couldn’t believe he was there, standing in her foyer. It was surreal.
    Hugging herself again, she turned and smiled. Suddenly her apartment felt ninety degrees. So why were her nipples hard as beach pebbles? She adjusted her elbows, trying to keep her breasts under wraps, which wasn’t easy.
    “So what brings you by?”
    When he turned around, it was with an expression she’d seen a thousand times before. Anger. He was pissed. Fantastic.
    “Why did you come in today all dressed up like you were going to the prom?”
    She gaped at him. “Excuse me?”
    “You know damn well what I’m talking about, Beaumont.” He took a step toward her, his eyes hard. “Was that for me?”
    Johnny Street wasn’t one to beat around the proverbial bush. He always said exactly what he thought.