Page 16 of Too Much Heat

“There’s places like that right over in Syracuse.”

“He wouldn’t be too far away,” she said choking on her words.

“You loved him very much.”

“I did. I do. We had such plans for our future.”

“I can’t imagine how you cope with all this.”

“It’s tough.” She scrubbed the moisture on her face from crying. Now, she was embarrassed. “I have to stay with him today.”

“I know. There’s already a sub for you.”

“Then we’re off four days.”

“Do you have any relief on the days you’re home?”

“Sometimes one of my brothers-in-law comes over to spell me so I can do errands. Sometimes I go grocery shopping while he’s taking a nap. He sleeps late so on my days off shift I can go for a run.” She shook her head. “Saying it out loud makes my life sound pretty grim.”

“It does.”

She ducked her head.

“Do you want me to stay awhile?”

“No, I’m good now.”

He lifted her chin. “I know that’s a stretch. But I should get back. Why don’t you do some research on the Internet and find the places in Syracuse that could take him. Maybe visit one or two on our days off.”

“Maybe.”

He ran his knuckles down her cheek. “The guys’ll ask what happened. I’ll keep this from them if you want me to.”

“You know what? Tell them. I feel relieved that you know now and I’m sick of hiding my situation.”

He sat back. “I don’t understand one thing. You were on a date with a guy at the baseball game. And you’re married.”

“Brad is one of my brothers-in-law. He brought me to the stadium so I could have something pleasant to do.”

“He called you honey. He hugged you.”

“He’s a warm and affectionate guy. And he’s happily married, too.”

Well, that’s a relief. He squeezed her hand and stood.

She did too. “Thanks again for understanding.”

Suddenly, she was overcome with the need to be held again. By him. So she looped her arms around his neck and cuddled into his chest.

He slid his arms around her and held her tight. Kissed her hair. There was comfort in the embrace, so she let it go on. Until she felt herself go damp. And noticed his erection. They both stepped back.

He cleared his throat. “Goodbye, Lara.”

“Goodbye, Joe.”

He left quickly and she was glad. Dear Lord, he was her captain! Why did she react so strongly, and in a sexual way, to him?

* * *

---