Free The Fireman's Secret by Jessica Keller

seriously.”
    Less seriously? “What are you saying?”
    “I’m saying I’ve only been back around you for a couple of days, but I already have you pegged.”
    “Oh, really? Do expound, Mr. Psychologist.”
    “Have a seat.” He patted the top of the dryer and she obliged. Joel laced his fingers together and cracked his knuckles. “Let’s see if that Psychology 101 course paid off.” He winked at her again. “You’ve been sheltered your whole life. Probably not by choice, but there it is. So you do things a certain way. Thanks to Caleb, you probably believe there’s good reason to be cautious and not take risks. Even silly ones that don’t bother anyone and aren’t necessarily wrong.”
    “There are lots of reasons not to take risks.”
    He tapped his watch. “The doctor’s still in session.”
    “Do go on.” She shook her head good-naturedly and laid the dress she’d been clutching next to her on the dryer.
    “You’re right. I’ll be the first one to tell you not to take dangerous risks. But something like, say, mixing rags that a bunch of men used to sop up messes—it’s probably okay not to waste energy doing that the correct way. Am I making sense?”
    “So, basically, you think I don’t know how to have fun.”
    “Well, I didn’t say that.”
    “What’s the diagnosis then, Doc? How does a girl cure herself from an overwhelming desire to make sure the laundry is separated even if it doesn’t matter?”
    He tapped his chin. “Take a few safe risks.”
    “Such as?” She hooked her ankles together and swung her legs.
    “Come for a ride on my motorcycle.”
    Her mouth went dry. “Right now?”
    “No. I can’t. I’m on duty.” He leaned against the washing machine and crossed his arms. “But later this week when I’m off duty.”
    “And that’ll cure me?”
    “It’ll be a start.” He smiled. “How about if that goes well, we’ll come up with a new risk after that?”
    “Don’t get greedy. Only one short motorcycle ride. That’s all I’m agreeing to.” She hopped down from the dryer. “Now, didn’t I come here to get a key from you?” She held out her hand.
    “And an address.” Joel fished the spare house key out of his pocket, told her where he lived and gave her instructions for Dante. He dangled the key on a chain over her outstretched palm. “How about we go on our motorcycle ride after we meet on Saturday to talk through donations for the fund-raiser?”
    On Saturday the whole town would see them, because almost everyone spent time at the local farmer’s market that took place in the square. And that made her look forward to it even more. For once, she wasn’t going to care what everyone else thought about her.
    “Sure, why not?”
    “That’s my girl.” He grinned and finally dropped the key into her hand.
    She closed her fingers around the warm metal and left the station with the words my girl playing over and over in her mind.

Chapter Six
    J oel slowed his motorcycle as he turned down the street leading to the grassy town square. An open patch of concrete near the gazebo worked perfectly as a makeshift parking spot. He left his bike with the helmet resting on top.
    In typical early-summer fashion, a slight breeze drifted from the direction of Lake Michigan. It might still have been morning, but the temperature was already higher than normal. If Joel hadn’t ridden his motorcycle, he would have worn shorts, but the motorcycle meant jeans. He’d have to change before he took Dante for his walk.
    The people of Goose Harbor loved their weekly farmer’s market. Residents, as well as tourists, mingled between booths and visited near the park benches and small rose garden on the edge of the grassy square, which served as the heart of the town. This was the spot where babysitters were found, rumors were spread and teenagers began hanging out for the weekend.
    When Joel last lived in town, the mayor and board members had passed an ordinance prohibiting chain