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He shook his head “Not even on days when I’m most frustrated with my family”

“How did you end up running into buildings on fire? I doubt you just woke up one day and realized that’s what you were meant to do in life”

“When I was fifteen I lived at the private school I was attending One of the kids in ht and ended up setting the building on fire The place was old, couldn’t have met fire codes, and went up in flames”

“Oh, no! Was anyone hurt?”

He shook his head “Because of where the fire had started, everyone on my floor was trapped Even now I remember the terror of my classmates, and hohen the fire department rescued us, I was fascinated by those who risked their lives to save others Fro fires is the only profession I can i me happy”

She took his hand and squeezed it “For whatever it’s worth, I’m very proud of you and what you do, Jude”

He didn’t say anything, just stared at her in a way thatto see inside her head

Trying not to be overly self-conscious at the intensity of his stare, she finished her dessert

After he’d paid for their lavish ht to the self-consciousness

“Don’t do it,” Jude said from beside her

“What?” she asked, letting him help her into her coat

“Whatever it is you’re thinking”

She turned, aze, and felt her tension ease at the sincerity she saw there Goodness, he was unlike anyone she’d ever known In a good way

She arched her brow and gave him what she hoped was a flirty look “Fine I won’t, but it’s your loss”

He gave a wry grin “Because you were going to throw yourself at me in the foyer of an exclusive French restaurant?”