Excerpt Heat Level 1
Book Heat Level 3
BLURB:
Scott Denton always thinks of Penny Herrington as his best
friend, a co-worker in the Forest Ridge Fire Department. She tricks him into
helping her with the decorations for the Sweetheart Banquet. During their
discussion about love and romance, Scott starts to notice Penny as a desirable
woman.
When Penny hurts her ankle, Scott feels responsible and
decides to move in with her. Spending time together, they share intimate
discussions about love and marriage. Penny, a widow, feels guilty when her
relationship with Scott becomes romantic. Devastated after a nasty divorce,
Scott no longer believes in love and vows he’ll never remarry. He denies his
feelings for Penny until he realizes only she can comfort him after he assist
the fire department at a tragic car accident.
EXCERPT:
The
pager on her waistband sounded a moment before Penny heard the city's alarm
sound. Her sense of duty and the need to help others pulled her back into the
station to answer the call. "One vehicle off the road-milepost two on Oak
Knoll Road." Penny read her pager out loud.
Once
she put on her turnouts, she jumped into the engine. That's why she was there.
After years of working at the bank, she'd gone back to school and became a
paramedic. She wanted to help others and make a difference. Joining the fire
department was the best way to honor Jim's memory.
Scott
got into the officer's seat in front of her. She wondered if she should get
out. Catching her reflection in the window, she straightened her turnout and
renewed her fortitude. They'd shared a few kisses. Nothing more. The passion
his kiss ignited was best forgotten. If he was uncomfortable with the situation,
he could get into the other vehicle.
She
ignored the usual chatter in the engine cab as other firefighters joined them
and they drove to the accident. A pickup truck rolled over in the ditch with
one occupant was all she'd heard. She drew a deep breath trying to still her
clamoring nerves. Until now, she'd ignored her growing awareness of Scott. For
some reason tonight her defenses were lowered and she could no longer disregard
her desire for him.
Once
they stopped at the scene, Scott asked. "Penny, do you feel comfortable
directing traffic?"
Without
looking at him, she replied, "Yes." Then she grabbed a flashlight,
fluorescent vest and stop sign from the side compartment and hurried to the
back of the engine. Red lights flashed around her. She directed the rescue unit
and ambulance to the accident a few yards up the road.
"Watch
your backside," Scott yelled. Like always, he stood behind her, protecting
her.
Guiding
drivers wasn't her favorite job in the department, but traffic was light for
the middle of the night. She couldn't believe how much time they'd spent in the
storage room.
"How
are you doing?" he asked a few minutes later.
Penny
jumped at the sound of his voice beside her. "You startled me, I didn't
hear you." She hadn't been able to get Scott off her mind since they left the
station. Now she hesitated to look at him.
"I
wanted a chance to talk to you alone." His voice held a serious tone; an
I-want-to-clarify-any-misunderstanding-tone.
Red
lights from the rescue unit continued their rhythmic flash around them. The
colored illumination added a surreal appearance to the worry lines that marked
Scott's face. He too appeared shaken by something. In the darkness she couldn't
fully read his expression. With his brows lowered, he had a stern look of
finality over his features. She guessed their kissing surprised him as much as
it did her. Afraid she was losing her best friend, she breathed in deep. She
knew and dreaded the subject he wanted to discuss with her.
"I'm
sorry about earlier. I…"
"I
understand it won't happen again," she said hurriedly. If only she could
turn back the clock.
Read and enjoy this one. Overall, this story gave me happy
thoughts about life and love.
Seriously Reviewed
19 out of 20
