Read Online Fallen Embers by P.G. Forte - Free Book Online Page A

fine.” Not-Brennan took a few steps forward, as though to block her way. Julie bristled at the implied threat even as her heart twisted once more. She’d known all along it wasn’t Brennan, but Hope was a pathetic emotion—every bit as blind as either Love or Justice and twice as hard to kill.
    Once again, her gaze roved over the stranger before her, taking in the uniform, the badge, the stern, somewhat irritated expression on his face, the stainless-steel travel mug clutched in one hand. The aroma of fresh coffee wafted from the mug. Hazelnut. That had been Brennan’s favorite too. He had brown eyes, not blue. And he was older than Brennan, old enough to be going gray at the temples. Probably close to her own age, actually. Not that she looked her age now. Not that she would ever look her age again. “Is there something I can help you with, Officer…?” Her eyes flicked to his nametag. “Sullivan?”
    â€œI was about to ask you the same thing. Do you need me to call you a cab, or maybe a tow-truck?”
    Julie shook her head. “Nope. Not at all. Like I said, I’m fine. I was just out for a run.”
    â€œAt this time of night?”
    You mean morning , Julie nearly corrected, stopping herself when she remembered that, for most people, darkness equaled night. “Yes,” she said instead. “Apparently so. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’d like to get back to it.”
    He hesitated for a moment. “You know, it’s just a thought but, you might want to think about finding a better time and place to exercise. This late at night…the city can be a dangerous place. Especially for a…”
    â€œFor a woman?” she supplied helpfully, when his voice trailed off.
    â€œAt the risk of sounding sexist, yes.”
    â€œAh.” He was worried about her safety? How touching. She wanted to shake her head at the absurdity of it all. It seemed like everyone was worried about her safety now—even strangers on the street. It would be cute, if it weren’t so damn annoying.
    â€œWell, thanks for the tip. But I think I’ll be okay. I’m just on my way home now anyway.” Although, suddenly, home was the last place she felt like going. She was lonely and heart-sore and hungry. And there was nothing waiting for her at home but more endless drama.
    She moved in closer, close enough to catch the faint scent of his arousal. That was an unexpected treat. She could definitely work with that. She didn’t smell anyone else’s scent on him either. Also good. She glanced at his left hand. No ring? Even better.
    â€œThat is…I was going home. Unless you have a better idea. Like breakfast, perhaps? You’re not still on duty, are you?”
    â€œNo, I just got off a little while ago.” He gazed coolly at her for a moment, as though sizing her up. “You like living on the edge, don’t you? Do you always pick up men you run into on the street?”
    Julie smiled. “Not always. I’m a little more picky than that. But, if I did, would that be a problem?”
    â€œIt could be—for you. You don’t know the first thing about me. I could be anyone.”
    It was all Julie could do to keep her smile from sliding into a smirk. “I’m sure you could. For that matter, so could I.”
    â€œI was watching you—from my car. You were obviously upset.”
    â€œWas I?”
    â€œOr tired, or lost—definitely not paying enough attention to your surroundings. You ought to be more careful out here. If I were the kind of person who was looking to take advantage of someone, you’d look like a real easy mark.”
    â€œAnd looks are never deceiving, are they? So what’re you saying, Officer? That we should get to know one another better? I know a way to do that. Do you want to frisk me?”
    â€œOh, hell no.” He groaned and shook his head. “You did not just say that.