Spark Of Desire Read Free Page A

commanding, deep-voiced guy was going to help her become a paramedic. She had to tell somebody, and Mindi would freak out. No, she needed somebody who would be happy for her.
    Jessica scurried across the sales floor, dodging a stroller and a floor stack of books to get to the magazine section. “Guess what?”
    Julie turned around with a pile of magazines on her arm. “Aliens just landed, and they think you’re our leader.”
    Jessica groaned. Someday Julie would take something seriously. Something other than her battle with Darla. “No. I just met a guy who’s going to help me get into the fire department. He’s a fireman.”
    “Really? Is he cute?”
    “What do you care? You’re married.”
    Julie shrugged. “Doesn’t mean I can’t window shop. So what’s this guy going to do?”
    “He’s going to help me work out and study for the test. What’s a good weight-lifting magazine?”
    Julie led her to another shelf and pulled out a magazine with a built woman posing on the purple cover. “This one. It’s from the same company that puts out Muscle and Fitness , but it’s for women. Which is why it’s called Her’s Muscle and Fitness and why it’s got a purple cover. Last month it was hot pink.”
    “What would I ever do without you to point that out for me?” Jessica flipped open the magazine, looking for the contents page.
    “You’d probably be wandering around the interior design section wondering why you couldn’t find what you were looking for. People do it all the time.” Julie tidied the rack in front of her. “So when do you start?”
    “As soon as possible. Kevin said–that’s his name, Kevin–he said they’re holding exams in about three months, and I have to get into shape.” Jessica closed the magazine. “I can’t wait to get started.”
    “Good. Let me know if you need anything. You better get a piece of birthday cake while you still can. It’s chocolate.”
    “Mindi told me.”
    Julie finished straightening the shelf. “You looked like you wanted to bite somebody before. Thirty’s no fun.”
    Jessica sighed. Julie only had 3 years on her, but she made it sound like decades. “This is about the best birthday present I can imagine.”
    “You never said if he was cute.”
    “You know him. He’s in here all the time. Black hair going gray. Brown eyes. Pretty well built. About six foot. Good-looking for an older guy.”
    “I think I know who you mean. The Fire Apparatus Journal guy? He’s pretty cute. Can’t knock an older man. They’ve learned things. They have experience.” Julie wiggled her eyebrows.
    Jessica ignored the innuendo through force of will. “I’ve got to go call my doctor and set up an appointment for a physical. This is the most exciting thing that’s ever happened to me.” She started out of the magazine section, but stopped and turned back. “Wait, I was supposed to talk to you about something. I can’t remember what.”
    “Probably Darla. I know the lecture. Quit bugging Darla. Leave Darla alone. Do your own job and don’t bother Darla even when she’s in your way, underfoot, and pushy for no good reason. I’ll wait a few days before I put another dead rat in her locker.”
    “Julie!”
    Julie grinned and went back to shelving magazines.
    Jessica went back to the office and got her cake out of the refrigerator before sitting down at her desk to call the doctor. While she listened to the phone ring, she wondered if Julie would put a dead rat in Darla’s locker. It would make things interesting. Of course, Julie didn’t have much room to call anyone else pushy, and Jessica didn’t relish the idea of being on the wrong side of her.
    “Dr. Masciano’s office, please hold.”
    Jessica scraped the garish blue rose off her cake and placed it on the extra plate Mindi had provided. The cake was chocolate, as advertised. This birthday was starting to have some promise.
    “Dr. Masciano’s office. Can I help you?”
    “I’d like to schedule a