Free The Firefighter's Cinderella by Dominique Burton

hard to keep the Valdez family together and continuing their path to citizenship. And here’s to C.J., my personal hero and Stormy’s.”
    They all leaned forward and clinked glasses, but when Tasha’s and C.J.’s eyes met again, it was like a Roman candle going off. He sat back in his chair and let his gaze wander over her. She could almost feel what he wanted to do to her, and her body quickened in reaction.
    He put down his glass. “Richard, I was wondering where you were on race day when Tasha got heatstroke.”
    Tasha knew where this was going and gave C.J. a warning look. “I can answer that. He and Daphne were out of town working on a huge case for the firm.”
    â€œBut I thought Richard was your running partner? Running buddies don’t abandon each other on the day of a marathon.” He gave the lawyer such a hard stare that Richard looked uncomfortable.
    Tasha kicked C.J. under the table, while smiling sweetly. “I told him he had to go if he wanted to keep his job.”
    C.J. returned to his original question. “You still haven’t told me why you changed your phone number and never called me?”
    Tasha looked at her plate and contemplated what tosay. “The FBI told me to get a new phone and not talk to anyone until the case had more developments.”
    â€œYou could have used your work line.” C.J. suggested.
    She shrugged. “And you could have called it.”
    A big smile whipped across his face. “Oh, it’s always been fun to rile you, Benny.”
    She could feel herself going red.
    â€œWhen I was with Mac, he told me something confidential. If it had come from anyone but him, I would have called them a liar. But I’m starting to get the feeling you’re investigating Fernando Mendez.”
    Daphne put a palm on his shoulder. “She’s a big girl who can take care of herself, Captain.”
    C.J. shrugged off her hand. “And you said I put my life in danger? The fires I deal with are ones that can be put out. What you’re doing is playing with an erupting volcano.”
    Richard sat up straighter in his chair. “This is a very important case for many clients, and more importantly, it’s confidential.”
    C.J. switched his gaze to him. “Mendez is dangerous. He’s into drug trafficking and has meth houses all over the city. Once he thinks they’re being cased, he burns them. I’ve cleaned up more fires of his than I care to think about. It’s not a laughing matter.”
    Richard scowled. “We aren’t going after the Mendez family directly. See if you can keep up with what I’m about to tell you.”
    C.J. looked bored. “I’ll do my best.”
    â€œWe’re trying to help workers the Mendez family brought across the border, so they can stay in the country. Many of them came legally and have been paying taxes with what’s called an individual taxpayer identification number or ITIN.”
    Richard was on his soapbox now, and both women groaned. “No, no. Please stop!” Daphne begged.
    Tasha was annoyed that C.J. had been able to infiltrate her life so quickly, but she needed to warn him about Richard’s social awkwardness. She leaned close to his ear, fighting the lure of his sexy cologne. Focus, Tasha. “Richard is an incredible lawyer for our firm, and his ability to research is unmatched. It’s just that he’s a bit obtuse in social situations, so take it easy on him.”
    C.J. returned his full attention to the younger man. “Ladies, let the poor guy speak.”
    Tasha sighed. “Come on, let’s just enjoy our meal in peace.”
    Richard looked flustered. “Tasha. I was having a discussion.”
    â€œFine.” She ignored him and started to eat.
    Richard got back to his discourse with enthusiasm. “Many of these men and woman give birth to children here in America, thus the children are American