Stopping Traffic (A Back to School Romance) (Love at The Crossroads) Read Online Free Page A

he knew were married and women with children. As far as he was concerned, life was too short to deal with drama. But the urge to find out if she was off limits was overpowering his common sense.
    “Hey, Captain,” Royce respected his brother’s position when working together, “Mind if go back by the way of Brandon’s school?”
    “Why?” he asked. When Royce stalled, Hershel wiped his brow. “Do I have to guess or are you going to tell me?”
    “A woman with the nicest pair of legs…had my heart racing as if I downed a large double Espresso.”
    “What?” Hershel stared at him as if he had two heads, then snickered. “Was she washing cars or holding up a sign for Little Caesar’s Pizza?”
    “Actually, she was a crossing guard in front of Duncan Elementary.”
    Hershel’s chuckle spiraled into a laugh. “A crossing guard,” he mumbled as he nudged Royce toward the direction of the fire truck. “You’re lusting after a crossing guard when you should’ve been praying, man.”
    “A man can multi-task , too, but a great pair of legs can distract any man.”
    Once they were back in the truck, Hershel looked over his shoulder at Royce and shook his head. Turning back to their chauffeur, he advised Felix to go pas t Duncan school.
    “What? No Duncan donuts? Oh man,” he griped, steering the fire truck away from the curb as onlookers watched them. A few small children waved and Felix honked, acknowledging them. They cheered with their eyes wide with excitement.
    Royce smiled. He loved children and he took his role as uncle to Hershel’s two boys and his younger brother, Trent’s daughter very seriously.
    He wasn’t surprised when their truck crawled to the stop light at the intersection where his mind had gone berserk—no crossing guard was in sight. School had been in session for more than an hour.
    After stopping to get the donuts, they greeted their relief crew back at the station. While Hershel briefed the morning shift, Royce and the others headed to the showers and prepared to go home.
    Royce believed in second chances. He knew in his heart he would see the lovely crossing guard again. He just prayed it wouldn’t take another emergency call to cross paths .

     
     
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER FIVE
     
     
    When Candace pulled into the company parking lot, Solae was milling outside the main entrance talking with other coworkers. Once she spotted Candace, she left the group and headed her way.
    “So how did it go?” Solae asked, opening her car door as if she was a valet. Her expression seemed hopeful for good news.
    “Fine, except for almost getting hit by a fire truck.” Candace shivered. She couldn’t allow what happened to dredge up the memories of when her husband was struck and killed. She had to do this for Lindsay.
    Her friend put a fist on her hips. “Would you stop exaggerating?” Rolling her eyes, she fell in step. “You survived.”
    “Barely.” Lord, You know how long it took me to even walk downtown near the intersection where Daniel died and I overcame that fear. Please don’t let me develop one for fire trucks.
    “Every day will get better. You’ll be delivered before you know it!”
    How could she argue with that? Candace had no comeback.
    “Well, you’re here now, ready to start a new adventure in life,” Solae said as they headed to the boss’ office. There wasn’t much paperwork to be done since she was already an employee—even though a virtual one.
    The day went by swiftly as Solae introduce Candace to one coworker after another. “It’s nice to finally meet you in person,” many of them said, welcoming her.
    Candace wasn’t too surprised to find that her small sleek half wall cubicle was angled perfectly across the aisle from Solae. It was stylish, cozy and just enough room for Lindsay should she have to bring her to work in the event she had to make up time. Thank God for a thirty-five hour work week and paid lunch, otherwise Lindsay may need a cot.
    It was