necessarily trained in collection and analysis, either. But, with their fire training, if they suspect arson, they call in the police.” Waving her hand in front of her, she added, “You.”
“But we’re only called in when the fire investigator has a suspicion, and sometimes that doesn’t happen.”
“Sometimes arson can be missed by the fire department, and when the insurance company is contacted by an owner who wants us to pay, then that’s where I can come in.”
“Would you want to work for the fire department?”
A crease settled between her brow as she considered his question. Finally, she shook her head and said, “No, not really. One of the nice things about working for the insurance company is that I get to see the end result when there’s been a fire.”
Watching Sean tilt his head again, she realized she was not being very clear. “Most fires are not arson, as you know. And when someone’s house catches on fire, even if no one is hurt, the loss of property and belongings is devastating. When the fire is over, Sean, the firefighters roll up their hoses and leave. They’ve done their job, and it was a wonderful job, but… it’s over. They leave. And if there was no arson or suspicious behavior involved, then the police are never called. So, what you have left is a fire that has been put out, leaving a family devastated.”
His face softened and she smiled, watching understanding wash through his expression.
“That’s where you come in. Your company can help the family move beyond the fire.”
“That’s right. Once I go in and determine that the fire was not suspicious or there wasn’t arson, then my company can cut a check for the family. We can help them rebuild their lives.”
He shook his head slowly. “I never really thought about it in those terms. I mean, we all have insurance… health, automobile, home... but we usually just grumble when we pay and then grumble if there’s a problem getting a payment. But when it’s needed and it comes through, then you’re right… it’s life-changing.”
God, he gets me. Warmth moved through her at that thought. They finished their meals, their conversation moving to lighter topics. When the bill came, she reached into her purse, jerking her eyes upward when Sean grunted, “Uh-uh.”
“Sean, you can’t pay all the time.”
He lifted an eyebrow. “It’s important to me, Harper.”
“Why?”
He blinked, opening and closing his mouth a couple of times before responding. “I guess it’s just how I was raised. It was the example my dad taught me.”
“Okay,” she said, giving in with a smile, “but how about next time, I cook dinner?”
“I can’t think of anything I’d like better.” Smiling as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder, they walked outside.
A gust of wind blew down the street and she snuggled against his side tighter.
“I won’t be able to call tonight. I’ve got a poker game.” Regret laced his voice.
“Poker, huh?”
“Once a month, the McBrides and our neighbors, the Kings, get together for poker. Not everybody can be there each time, so we just play with whoever can manage.” Staring down at her beauty, wanting to prolong their goodbye, he added, “But truthfully, as much as I enjoy them, I’d rather talk to you.”
Her top teeth landed on her bottom lip as a smile lit her face. “It’ll just be a night in for me. Sandy is coming over, and we’ll drink wine, give each other pedicures, she’ll complain about men, and I’ll tell her how wonderful you are.”
“Are you sure you won’t be complaining about me?” His mouth quirked up on one side as he pulled her closer.
She moved closer until her feet were directly in front of his. Placing her hands flat on his chest, she peered up into his face. “No complaints. Just wonderful.”
Wrapping his arms around her waist, he pulled her in, shifting them to the side of the building so that she was blocked from the wind. Bending, he took her lips, the kiss deep and wet, but stopped before it went wild.
As he lifted his lips, she stared at him, eyes hazy with lust, and breathed, “I’ll fix you dinner tomorrow night.”
“I can’t wait,” he promised.
Saying goodbye, she turned to walk toward her car, then looked over her shoulder and grinned. “Plan on staying the night.” His eyes widened slightly, and she laughed, then turned and continued walking down the sidewalk.
18
“What the hell is your mind on, Sean?” Rory asked, a grin on his face. “Because