Read Online Too Near the Fire by Lindsay McKenna - Free Book Online Page B

His voice lowered. “And I didn’t realize just how much of a fighter she was until she contracted leukemia.”
    Leah gasped softly, her eyes widening. “Oh, no!”
    Gil’s lips thinned, as if he were recalling that period in his life. “That happened a long time ago,” he said. “She fought it for five years before dying.”
    She wanted to reach out and comfort him. The anguish in his voice was strong even now. “How long ago was that?”
    “Three years. On some days it seems like yesterday. On other days it seems like it happened a hundred years ago.”
    Leah felt her heart contract with pain. “I didn’t think you were the type of man to give up on a relationship,” she murmured, almost to herself.
    He managed a crooked smile. “Loyal to the end, that’s true. What about you, Leah? I think you’re too good-looking to have run around single all this time.”
    She took a deep, unsteady breath and folded her hands tightly in her lap. “I don’t have a very good track record, I’m afraid.”
    “You don’t have to tell me now, but I’d honestly like to understand your background.”
    “You mean how I developed my distrust of all men plus the chip on my shoulder?” she countered nervously. Would he understand, a voice asked? Suddenly, Leah cared a great deal what Gil thought of her. She clenched her fingers a little tighter together.
    “Let me tell you a little story,” Gil responded. “It might make you feel better about telling me about your past. I own a farm outside of town where I keep a couple of horses. I left the city life behind after Jenny died and headed for the country. I didn’t know much about horses but I’d always wanted to own some. A local horse trader found out I was looking for a pair and sold me two part Arabians. I knew I was in trouble when one of them, a gray mare, nearly tore the horse trailer apart when they unloaded her. The dealer hadn’t bothered to mention that the horse had been badly abused and was sour on people.
    “I had time on my hands because I was still grieving for Jenny. Instead of forcing the dealer to take the mare back, I decided to try and work with her. She had been badly beaten a number of times and she distrusted any man who came within fifty feet of her.” He shook his head, his voice becoming softer. “I used kindness and love to tame her down. Today she’s an outgoing mare who loves women and kids. She’s still nervous around men, but a couple years ago no one could get near her without getting kicked or bitten.” He glanced over at her. “So you see, even if you have that so-called chip on your shoulder and a distrust of men, it doesn’t scare me. You remind me of my mare, Leah. You’ve been badly hurt and you’re trying your damndest to keep your head above the pain and survive.”
    She fought back her tears. “Like I said,” she forced out, her throat constricted, “nothing seems to scare you off.”
    He grinned. “Not when I consider someone worthy of my attention and concern. So tell me, what happened back there to make you run so scared, Lady?”
    He made the admission easy. By the time they arrived in Cleveland an hour later, she had told him of Jack and his affairs. Gil had remained quiet and attentive throughout the conversation, occasionally reaching out to touch her hand. Each time he did, the urge to cry welled up within her. They sat there in the parked truck, the sun pouring brightly into the cab. Gil roused himself.
    “You’ve made a hell of a comeback, Leah, despite some pretty long odds. You’ve got what it takes.” There was a new note of admiration in his voice.
    “I’m trying very hard not to allow my feelings for Jack to interfere with the guys at the department. Duke hates me and I find myself getting defensive and snapping back at him.” She gave him a doleful look. “That isn’t good, Gil. Duke won’t trust me out at a fire scene and I don’t trust him.”
    He squeezed her hand. “I wish you had told me