Page 13 of Shifter For Hire (For Hire 2)

“Who’s Gerard?”

“One of the officers who gave us the agility test.”

“What test?”

“Uh, didn’t I tell you? I took the second part of the tests I need to join the police department. After this, I’ll have an interview and I’ll be scheduled for training.”

“You’re kidding.”

“Why should I be kidding?” She waved a hand. “Look, it doesn’t matter. We can talk about that later. Right now, I want to help where I can and find Gerard.”

He frowned and stopped walking. “You seem to be preoccupied with this person.”

Her temper rose. “Who’s preoccupied? I told you he saved my life. Don’t you think I should be grateful? As a matter of fact, it looked like Gerard sensed it coming somehow. Anyway, I don’t feel like arguing with you, Skip. Everyone must be thirsty. Give me the water.”

He held it away from her and started walking. She ground her teeth. Sometimes he could be a pain, self-centered, obsessed with whatever drove him. Not too long ago, she thought he was perfect and felt like he was “the one.”

I’m just tired. Don’t have a meltdown, Lachelle, and definitely don’t take everything out on your man.

With the inner pep talk, she calmed down a little. Yeah, take out one’s frustration on one’s boyfriend. That was the best way to lose her man. Nope, not Lachelle.

They reached the others, and Lachelle tore apart the plastic surrounding the bottles of water. “Hey, everyone. I have water. Would anyone like a bottle?”

Half-hearted but eager cheers went up, and hands reached out from every direction. Lachelle handed over the water to everyone who wanted it. Meanwhile, the fire department arrived as well as more police. A news truck rolled into position, followed by two more. Several ambulances arrived.

Lachelle worked to assist where she could, but when her legs grew shaky she stumbled toward a tree and leaned against it. “Ma’am, are you okay?” one of the paramedics asked.

“I’m fine. Don’t waste your time on me. Someone else might need you more. I’m going to rest a bit.”

Her throat hurt. She’d forgotten to take one of the waters for herself, and they were all gone. Her head dipped toward her chin. She squeezed her eyes shut, wondering where Skip went.

“Drink this.”

She jumped at the voice and forced herself to look up into those beautiful silver eyes. Gerard held out a bottle of water, and from the condensation on the sides, it looked like it had come from a refrigerator.

“Thank you,” she croaked and would have asked where he got it, but he removed the top and shoved the bottle toward her mouth. She had no choice but to drink. Water never tasted so delicious.

She watched him as she drank. He stood close, overbearing, studying her face. A movement to her right caught her attention, Skip stalking toward them. For a second, she thought about getting rid of Gerard but was loathe to move away from him.

Skip tried to elbow Gerard aside, but the big guy didn’t budge. Her boyfriend winced, and she choked on the water, trying not to laugh. “Lachelle! Hey, who are you? Why are you so close to my girlfriend? Is this him, the guy who knew about the bomb?”

Lachelle smacked Skip’s arm. “Keep your voice down, Skip. What are you trying to do, get him in trouble? He’s police, in case you can’t tell.”

“Why would I be able to tell? He’s running around shirtless.”

Lachelle bit her bottom lip and forced herself not to look at Gerard’s bare chest. She ran a hand over her head and looked everywhere but at Gerard. “Maybe we should get out of here, Skip.”

He shook his head a

nd faced Gerard. “No, I want to talk to him. We’re not going anywhere until I get some answers. What’s your last name?”

Gerard didn’t bother answering, but Lachelle’s curiosity about Gerard increased with Skip’s pointed questions. She wanted to know more about him as well. “You said you wanted to talk to me, Gerard. How about all three of us meet tomorrow for dinner or something?”

“Good idea.” Skip jumped on the suggestion. “Lachelle doesn’t like to cook, but she does okay.”

“Excuse you?” She put a hand on her hip. “Maybe you forgot the fact that I was almost blown up. You want to not only criticize my cooking but want you me to cook so you can question the man who saved my life?”

Gerard’s interest had peaked at the suggestion of food. “I’ll come.”

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