Read Online Friendly Fire by Lorhainne Eckhart - Free Book Online Page B

something between us,” he said. “There’s no way you can say you don’t want me. I can see it in you. You can’t hide something like that, Julia.”
    “Well, maybe that tells you how screwed up I am, because I shouldn’t want you,” she said, trying to convince herself, though her body wasn’t getting the message.
    The door dinged, and she didn’t have to turn around to guess who was there, as Logan’s face darkened. She stepped back again, letting his hand fall away. Brent stood in the doorway, taking in Logan beside her as if he knew what she was thinking and what was sizzling between them. She lowered her gaze, but Logan made no move to step away.
    “Good morning, Brent,” she said, forcing a stiff smile to her face. Unfortunately, she just wasn’t able to pull off anything genuine. She was embarrassed; feeling awkward after last night and how Brent had behaved.
    He glanced over to Logan. “Just wanted to apologize for last night, Sheriff. You were absolutely right to see that I was driven home, and thank you for seeing that Julia got home safely, as well.”
    Wow, she hadn’t expect that, considering she’d seen a side of Brent last night that she didn’t quite like. Then again, Logan had been pretty heavy handed, as well.
    “Thought I’d stop in for lunch and an espresso,” Brent added, shaking off his jacket and pushing up the sleeves of his mustard-colored turtleneck, which really looked sharp on him. He was so trendy and clean cut. “So, Sheriff, do you have any kids?”
    “You know what? I have to get these sandwiches done,” Julia interrupted. “Brent, just let me finish up this order, and then I can take yours.” She turned away and had to take a breath to get her head together so she could finish her order, hoping there was enough chicken left.
    She listened as Logan said to Brent, “No, I have no kids. Haven’t been lucky enough to meet the right woman.”
    “Ah, but there’s still time, really, Sheriff. Meet a great lady and settle down,” Brent said. Julia didn’t know why he was trying so hard, because after the head-butting of the night before, she was pretty sure the two men could never be civil to one another.
    “Maybe,” Logan said. He set his hand on Julia’s shoulder lightly to get her attention. “I’m going to go. If you need anything…” He didn’t finish, but the look he gave her made her turn all soft inside. He walked away, and she didn’t have time to analyze and wonder, because the man who had phoned in the order arrived.

Chapter 12
    “C linton,” Logan called out when he stepped into the bullpen, where Clinton was hunkered down at his desk, reading something from a file.
    “Yes, Sheriff?” He slid back his chair and stood up. “You know, I’ve found nothing on Brent Maloney, that new teacher. Frankly, that bothers me, sir. Maybe we should speak with the principal at the school to find out more? After all, he has to have provided a resume and a teaching certificate.” Clinton clicked his pen, his expression serious. Maybe his concern stemmed from being a parent himself.
    “That’s probably a good idea, but let’s hold off right now,” Logan said. “I don’t want Maloney wondering why we’re checking him out.”
    “Well, why are we?” Rose asked, stepping up behind him.
    Logan should have been startled, because Rose hadn’t been at her desk when he came in, and no one ever snuck up on him. “No reason in particular, just a feeling,” he replied.
    “And would this feeling have anything to do with Julia Cooper?” she asked.
    He couldn’t believe Rose would bring that up, even though she was absolutely right. “Let’s just say that something about him doesn’t ring quite right. Like you mentioned, Rose, he’s from Chicago, has a big family and was a teacher there, yet Clinton can’t find anything on him in the entire state of Illinois. Julia said he’s from Boise, with only an aunt and a sister, who died. So, Clinton, start in