Diana Read Online Free

well as the aroma of burgers and dogs being cooked on the grill, she walked away from the attractive view and headed back inside the house.
* * * *
    "Hey, gorgeous, I heard the line of questionin’ your ‘old man’ was layin’ on ya. Ya done pretty good. He was known for them interrogation skills of his.” Don took a slug of beer, then leaned against the door frame, his thick Bronx accent altered a bit by the alcohol he'd already consumed. He was a third cousin on her mom's side.
    Don was a good-looking guy, dark brown eyes, dark brown hair, and a natural olive complexion. He was built, to say the least. The summer had just begun and he was already sporting a major tan. Diana decided she was definitely going to lie out and sun bathe tomorrow.
    Don was a fireman, just like his old man and like his older brother Ted. Ted was killed in the line of duty two years ago.
    "Thanks, cuz. His bark is bigger than his bite."
    Don moved closer, looking around to be sure no one was in earshot.
    "I wouldn't say that too loud if I were you. Uncle Vincent is light on ya cause you're his girl."
    "You think so, huh? I thought my answers were good, considering I was on the spot and all."
    "They were great. Really. So what's the plan for your last day off tomorrow?” He took another slug of beer from the bottle.
    "I'm working on my tan. All day."
    "Sounds great. You can think of me working my tail off in a fire in some abandoned factory, or stupid shit like that. We always get those multiple alarm fires on the hottest goddamn days of summer."
    Diana grinned at her cousin. He was a true fireman through and through, and in great physical condition. Her female friends always tried to get her to set them up with Don. Of course, she refused. If she even suggested the idea, then she would be fair game as well. No way! Blind dates were a big ‘no no’ in her book. Besides, it was scary to think of the potential dates Don would find for her.
    "Oh, what are ya complaining about, Don? You live for those types of fires."
    He shrugged his shoulders, then leaned against the porch railing. He looked at her.
    "You're right. I do. Just as long as no one gets hurt.” He slugged down the remainder of his beer. “I need another one. You?"
    "No, thanks. Take care of yourself.” Diana kissed him on the cheek.
    "You, too."
    She walked into the living room. She felt sorry for her cousin Don. He was drinking a lot today, and his attitude was more somber than usual. His brother Ted was a great guy and an excellent firefighter. Don was still feeling the loss, and she was sure that being around the family gathering brought back memories.
    She looked through the side window, trying to convince herself it was out of habit more so than to look for the handsome stranger. He was still talking to her brother Brian.
    She inhaled, still smelling the stranger's cologne against her shirt from when he held her. It was a combination of aftershave, cigarettes, and fire. Damn, he was a fireman. He had to be.
    The disappointment set in, yet she couldn't stop looking at him. He was as large as a wrestler but leaner.
    "Diana! Can you please help me with this icing?"
    They'd just brought the food out, and her mom was getting dessert ready. She headed into the kitchen.
* * * *
    "The blonde is your sister Diana?” Luke asked, then wished he hadn't. The question just kind of sprung off his tongue. Brian didn't seem to bat an eye at the question, so Luke felt safe.
    "Yeah, that's Diana. Did you two meet one another yet?” Brian flipped a burger with the spatula, adding some slices of American cheese to the ones that were ready to serve.
    "Kind of. We passed one another in the hallway upstairs.” He looked away from Brian, and took another slug of beer from the bottle he held.
    Brian glanced at Luke a moment, and released a sigh. He squinted. “Did she give you an attitude?"
    "Not really."
    Brian shook his head.
    "My sister's a piece of work. She acts like she's got a chip on her