Free The Firefighter's Cinderella by Dominique Burton Page A

citizens—but not the parents, so they can be deported. We want to keep these families intact by proving that the parents are making a contribution to the country and not invading our borders. The IRS has gathered data estimating that between 1996 and 2003, the income tax liability for ITIN filers totaled almost fifty billion dollars. Imagine if more workers were allowed to contribute.”
    C.J. lifted his glass to Richard. “Thanks for filling me in. Much appreciated.”
    Richard turned a little red and drank some more wine. He looked at Tasha. “So when are you up for a run? Maybe tomorrow?”
    C.J. eyed him curiously. “So you two run together a lot?
    â€œYes. I’m the one who helped Tasha train for the marathon.”
    â€œSo you’re a big runner then?”
    â€œOh, yes.”
    â€œWell then, I’m sure you can manage a long run on your own.”
    She shook her head. “Tomorrow I’ll be moving out of my parents’ house. For the time being I’m going to live in the penthouse above my father’s law firm.”
    Daphne looked at her in surprise. “Have you gone over to the dark side?”
    â€œYeah,” Richard said disapprovingly. “Why would you move into the evil empire’s lair?”
    â€œExcuse me!” Tasha said. “We may be friends, but I’m still the boss and he’s still my father. I need to be close to work and it will give me extra time to house hunt and build a new life.” She put a forkful of food into her mouth.
    â€œI think it sounds like a great place to stay, Tasha,” C.J. said.
    Tasha shot him an unspoken thank-you.
    Daphne broke in. “I’ve told you plenty of times you can stay with me.”
    Tasha finished chewing, then said, “No, Daph. I’vealready told you I don’t want to mix our business and personal lives too much.”
    â€œI don’t understand. I know you would do the same for me.”
    â€œI would, but I’m your boss, not the other way around. And I would help you find a new place to live, so you wouldn’t have to live with me anymore.” Tasha leaned over and gave her coworker a hug. “You’re a sweetheart for caring so much.”
    Soon it was time to leave. After the goodbyes were said, Tasha found herself alone with C.J. outside.
    â€œCan I take you out for a drink?” He looked at her hopefully.
    Tasha felt warmth spread through her body. As much as she wanted to be with him, she had to be up early. She also had a lot to consider. A week ago she’d decided she couldn’t have a relationship with him, and now she felt the opposite.
    â€œI’m moving tomorrow morning really early, and I’ve got to get a good night’s sleep,” she said.
    He walked her over to the valet and handed him their tickets.
    â€œSo when can I see you again?”
    After he’d asked her out at the office, she shouldn’t be surprised, but it still felt like a dream. “I’ll be free tomorrow after I move. How about a late lunch? Or next weekend?”
    The valet brought her car around. C.J. paid the tip this time. She turned to him. “Thank you.”
    â€œI’m the one who asked you out and tagged along tonight.”
    â€œDid you have fun?”
    â€œWith you? Always.”
    After she got in the car, C.J. leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. “I’ll see you tomorrow for lunch.”
    Â 
    â€œR ISE AND SHINE , sleepyhead.” A male voice jarred Tasha awake. “I have some fresh black coffee.” She flinched at the loud sound and pulled the covers over her head to make the voice go away. “Tasha?” In her half-awake state she thought the voice was C.J.’s.
    It was C.J.’s. He’d come to her parents’ house? “C.J.?”
    â€œYes, Benny.”
    â€œWhy are you here?”
    He pulled the covers back, and she looked at him. It was unfair that a man with