Read Online The Firefighter's Cinderella by Dominique Burton - Free Book Online

his breath. Soon enough he’d find out some answers and—
    â€œJeremiah?” The secretary with pink-and-purplestreaked red hair poked her head around her privacy screen. “You can see Ms. Bennington now,” she purred.
    â€œThanks,” he grumbled, then made his way to her office door. When he’d searched for her firm, he’d seen it was on Market Street, near the Embarcadero, in the heart of the financial district.
    Good thing he kept slacks and a bomber jacket in his locker, just in case he had to go on a hot date when he got off duty.
    â€œExcuse me….”
    C.J. turned and almost bumped into the pixielike secretary. “Sorry, I didn’t see you. Am I going the wrong way?”
    She blushed. “No.”
    â€œIs there a problem?”
    â€œI’m not supposed to do this. And believe me, I never do, but would you like to go out with me sometime?”
    He was taken aback. Normally he was keyed in to women and knew when they were going to make a move. For the first time in his life he realized he wasn’t interested in playing the field. Tasha had him wound up so tight he couldn’t even think straight. “Uh, what’s your name?”
    She looked so sure of herself it made him uncomfortable. “Daphne Grant.”
    â€œI’m sorry, Daphne, but I’m interested in another woman right now, and so I’m not seeing anyone else.”
    Annoyance flashed in her eyes. Obviously this girl was not used to being turned down. “I’m not that easy to get rid of,” she said saucily. In her tight, silky shirt and black miniskirt, she sashayed back to her desk.
    Now if Tasha wore an outfit like that…C.J. shookhis head to clear it, then turned and knocked on Tasha’s door.
    â€œCome in,” he heard her call.
    He opened it and was met by an odd grating sound. Tasha was sitting at her desk, scraping gravel in a flat wooden box with a tiny rake. She was frowning fiercely.
    Even angry, she looked beautiful. Her hair was pulled up in a chignon, showing off her exquisite face. Her shimmery, lime-colored blouse brought out her olive complexion and vivid green eyes.
    He couldn’t resist baiting her. “Agitated, Benny?”
    â€œI’m not agitated.” She looked flustered. “I’m just raking my Zen garden.”
    C.J. closed the door and walked to her desk. “As a firefighter I’ve saved a lot of properties, but never a Zen garden.”
    â€œYou know I hate that name.”
    C.J. started strolling around the office, looking at the paintings. “You hate being called Benny?” He feigned innocence. “Well, I hated it that your cell number changed. Sometimes we just have to deal with the things we hate.”
    â€œWhy don’t you go find a soft, willing woman who wants your company?”
    â€œTasha…” No one could get to him the way she did.
    â€œHow about I phone you later tonight?” she suggested.
    â€œNo.”
    â€œPlease don’t make me call security, C.J.” Tasha spoke quietly tone.
    â€œTell me why you have so many toys on your desk,” he said, ignoring her threat.
    He could see a smile cracking. “I have some very long conference calls and I get bored.”
    That made him laugh.
    â€œI’ve got an appointment at five forty-five who’s already waiting,” she said. “You sweet-talked your way past Daphne to get into my office. I’ve wasted enough time. Please leave or I’ll call security.”
    â€œNow why would you have to call security on Jeremiah P.?”
    Tasha chuckled. “No—your middle name couldn’t be Jeremiah! Really?”
    â€œIt’s a family name.”
    â€œYou’re lying.”
    â€œGood one, Counselor. I hate the name Jeremiah. Only my parents and superiors know of the atrocity. I don’t think even Tim knew. I always believed he would use it against me at an opportune