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

the popular new restaurant, an odd tension seemed to grow. Tasha guessed her staff hadn’t been expecting her to bring a date along—but it wasn’t as if they were discussing anything confidential or important. The dinner was really just a way to thank them for all the overtime theyput in. She also wanted to let them know what would be going on for the next few weeks.
    When the waitress came over, she ordered a bottle of wine and some appetizers for the group. She could see Daphne bending C.J.’s ear, while he flashed Tasha looks that said help! To find him so uncomfortable under her secretary’s advances made the evening thoroughly entertaining for Tasha.
    While they waited for their food, she found herself contrasting the men in her world to C.J. He was from Alaska. Self-made. Tonight, he looked as if he’d stepped out of an ad in a men’s magazine. No one would guess he normally wore firefighting gear. Weren’t firefighters supposed to be the sexiest men? He was that and then some. When she glanced over her menu at Richard, she was reminded of a peacock. She started to smile and then held the menu higher because she thought she might burst into laughter.
    Like her, Richard came from wealth and lived on a trust fund. He dressed impeccably, and his blond hair was perfectly styled. Come to think of it, he reminded her of her dad! When Richard had left a prestigious law firm to join her ten months ago, Tasha thought he was too good to be true. Most people in her world didn’t have the same vision she had—to help immigrants, legal or not, gain full amnesty.
    â€œTasha,” C.J. said over the raucous noise of the restaurant. “You still never answered my question. Why didn’t you call me back?” He seemed quite unconcerned about the personal nature of his question in front of her coworkers.
    â€œDidn’t you hear?” Daphne exclaimed. “Tasha’s condo was burned to a crisp.”
    â€œI know. I was with her,” C.J. said.
    Richard leaned forward. “Thank heavens. When Tasha called me Sunday morning, I was worried sick.”
    â€œI had to pry information out of Detective Gonzalez and Mac!” said C.J. “From what they told me it’s been a logistical nightmare ever since your dad brought in the FBI.”
    Tasha took a sip of wine, then leaned back in her chair. “Tell me something I don’t know. I spent two hours on the phone today with people from various agencies all telling me the same story—it’s been ruled an accident.”
    C.J. rubbed his jaw. “I just don’t understand why the fuse didn’t trip. I remember Tim and me checking the wiring during the renovations you had done. We wanted to make sure you’d be safe in that old building.” He reached over and patted her hand.
    His touch warmed her blood from head to toe. “That was four years ago. You can’t blame yourself….”
    She looked into his eyes and saw desire. Tasha turned away, worrying she would sound like a fool if she kept eye contact. “Anything could have happened to make the wires not trip,” she added. “Did Mac have anything else to say?”
    Lines creased C.J.’s face. “He didn’t tell me why you disappeared.”
    The food arrived: perfumed rice and curried meats. Everything smelled delicious.
    â€œI’m just glad you’re safe,” Daphne said. “What if it’s because the styling team I hired blew a fuse?”
    â€œDaph, we can’t live life with what-ifs. Nobody knows what really happened,” Tasha assured her. “Anyway, I think I was more pleased about the team coming to my house than you were.”
    Daphne gave her a warm hug. ‘I’m sorry, Tash.”
    Tasha raised her wineglass. “Let’s forget about what could have happened, and focus on why we’re here tonight. I’d like to make a toast to my team. Here’s to working