Read Off The Clock: First Responders, Book 1 for Free Online Page A

messy” ponytail now just looked messy. She bit her lip, wishing she had time to change, freshen up. But Gabe had seen her in worse shape, hadn’t he?
    So she settled for straightening her blouse and tucking a few stray strands of hair behind her ears as she went back to find him.
    Gabe had taken off his grassy sneakers and left them on the mat. He hadn’t come in any farther than the entry; Nathan’s car seat sat on the floor in the way, flanked by the diaper bag. Carly paused, unsure of what to do or say. What did Gabe want? The grocery bags were still piled on the kitchen counter. A laundry basket waited at the base of the stairs, filled with unfolded towels. There were still things to do and Carly couldn’t help thinking that if she could get them done quickly, she might be able to catch a few minutes sleep while Nathan napped.
    Sleep was a precious commodity, but knowing Gabe waited for her made her heart beat a little bit faster. So much for being over him then. And even though she was grateful that her grass was neatly cut, she was a little bit angry that he’d presumed to do her yard work without even asking. If she wanted help she’d darn well ask for it. Or she could hire a teenager to help her out. Yes, she should have thought of it before. There were always kids on her road looking for extra summer cash. The last thing she wanted was Gabe thinking she expected him to pick up the slack.
    “You look tired.”
    Her hand paused beside her ear and she wished now that she’d taken the time to splash some cold water on her face or something.
    “Gee, thanks.”
    He had the grace to look chagrined. “Aw hell, Carly, I’m an idiot. That wasn’t smooth, was it?” He smiled, looking so contrite it was difficult to stay irritated though she tried very hard to be. “I’ve clearly lost my mojo. Maybe I should have said, you look great, but a little tired?”
    She felt herself softening. “No, you’re right,” she confessed. “I’m quickly discovering that with a newborn you don’t stay neat and tidy for long.” She smiled back at him. “But he’s worth it. Funny how a tiny baby can change your life so much.”
    “He’s beautiful, Carly. Really something.”
    “That,” she said smugly, “might go a little way towards getting your mojo back. The sure way to a mother’s heart is to flatter her baby.”
    For a few seconds their eyes met, and Carly wondered if he was actually interested in working his mojo or if he was just teasing. She wondered which she wanted too. After one simple kiss it seemed like everything they said came with built-in innuendo.
    Gabe looked completely unconcerned though. “How are you making out?” he asked. “Is he sleeping? Are you sleeping?”
    She shrugged. “I’m up a few times in the night. During the day though, it’s a challenge to stay on top of things.” His gaze met hers and she felt the jolt clear to her toes. It seemed some things didn’t change after all. Not after several years and not after the intense atmosphere of the night of her accident. Not even after giving birth to a baby and feeling distinctly un-sexual most of the time. Gabe had a way of flustering her and making her feel all sorts of things she hadn’t felt in a very long time.
    Maybe lack of sleep had her making more of Gabe’s favor than she should. Perhaps there wasn’t any motive at all. Either way, she owed him her gratitude and not attitude.
    “Thank you for cutting the grass.” Oh brother, was that a breathless note in her voice? She cleared her throat, determined that Gabe not see what an effect he had on her. She wasn’t sixteen anymore, so why did she feel that way when he was around? “I should have done it days ago, but Nathan hates the sound of the mower.”
    “It was no trouble.”
    And still they were standing like statues in the living room and foyer. “Do you want a cup of coffee?” she offered. “I can put the kettle on.”
    He looked for a minute like he might