Page 23 of Too Much Heat

He couldn’t contain a chuckle. “I date plenty.”

“Hmm.” He transferred his gaze to her. “You sleeping around, Swanson?”

Her hands fisted.

Joe intervened. “I don’t think you’re allowed to ask a female firefighter those kinds of questions. Or a man, for that matter. They call it creating a hostile environment.”

The chief’s lips thinned. Then he stood. “You’re both dismissed.”

Joe and Lara rose. “Let’s go, Swanson.” He hoped she followed.

She did. They left the chief’s office but they didn’t speak. As they walked to their respective cars, her cell rang. She took it out of her pocket. “Hey, Ma.” Her mother or her mother-in-law?

He could hear a woman yelling even though the phone wasn’t on speaker. “You gotta come home. Sammy’s agitated that you’re not here. He knows you were due in an hour ago.”

“I’ll be right there.” When she disconnected she took a deep breath and closed her eyes. God, he wanted to hold her again.

Instead he said, “This is what your life’s like?”

“Uh-huh. Goodbye, Joe.”

He stepped back as she got in her car and drove away. Joe felt an overwhelming sense of sadness for her situation.

* * *

Emotion welled inside of Lara as she headed home. She was overwhelmed by their visit with the chief. Thankfully, they were off the next shift and wouldn’t go back for four days. Then they’d be on the nights. When she reached her house, and got to the porch, she could hear a commotion inside. Sammy was upset. He was yelling at his mother.

“I’m here, Sammy,” she called out as she hurried inside, circled the couch and sat down next to him. “I had to go to the chief’s office so I’m late.”

He calmed some.

Her mother-in-law said, “I told him you called to tell us that.”

She slid her arm around him. He felt more…diminished tonight.

“I’m leaving.” Helen crossed to Sam and kissed his head. “I’ll see you soon, son.” She gave Lara a sympathetic glance. “Take care, Lara.” She was clearly upset and Lara could do nothing about that.

Panic seized her so she pulled Sammy closer. What would she do if his family abandoned her? She wouldn’t be able to work. They wouldn’t have insurance.

Pride and strength rose inside her. If that happened, Sammy would have to accept the aides. She’d make him.

Somehow.

* * *

That night, Joe sat next to Andrea Lincoln at the bar in The Landings, a local hotspot where they’d be seen. Especially his date. She stood out with that mane of luscious auburn hair and her striking blue eyes.

The murmur of conversation among the patrons here and in the dining room filled the space.

“A toast,” Andrea said, raising her martini glass.

He gave her a killer smile. “To what?”

“To us. I was surprised to get your call.”

“To us, then.” They sipped their drinks.

Her painted-red lips pouted. “Aren’t you going to give any explanation for staying away so long?”

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