Equal Partners by Kathryn Shay

Author:Kathryn Shay
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: small town romance, strong female heroine, firefighter romance, female firefighter romance, firefighter romance novels, discrimination in the workplace, romance in the workplace
Publisher: Kathryn Shay

* * *

The next morning, Nick waited for JJ at her car. He’d arrived at six a.m. and she came out at six-thirty. The October sky was overcast making the day dreary. When she saw him, her face didn’t brighten like it usually did. Her brows furrowed when she got closer. “Did we plan this?”

“No. I wanted to see you before you went to bed.”

“We had an easy night. I slept okay.”

“Want to go out to breakfast?”

“I need to talk to you first, Nick.” Her voice was ominous.

His stomach clenched, but he told himself not to overreact. She wouldn’t ditch him after making love like that, would she? “Let’s talk in the car.”

Once inside his Mercedes, they faced each other. “Seems like something’s wrong. I tried to call several times but I missed you.”

“We played phone tag. It isn’t that.”

“What is it?”

“Quinn’s wife Kara works at Memorial. Last night, she brought us a homecooked meal then stayed to talk. She told me the head of cardio is accused of sexual harassment.”

“Why would she discuss that with you?”

“I asked her how work was.”

His hands fisted on the wheel. “Yes, Larry Nivens is accused of harassing a nurse.”

“Kara remembered I knew you from the hospital fire. She said you were a character witness.”

His jaw tensed. “You say that pejoratively.”

“I think that means disapproving. And I am. I believe in these situations that women who report abuse should be believed.”

He recoiled. “Right from the starting gate?”

“Um…yeah.”

“That’s narrow-minded.”

“Hell, Nick. I’m entitled to my opinion.”

“So am I. Do we have to think in lock step?”

“Now that sounds condescending. I need to think about you testifying for the man.”

Now his stomach somersaulted. “Why?”

“Because it shows how different our values are.”

He shook his head. “A relationship doesn’t allow for different points of view?”

“Sure, on some things. Not on this.”

“So, you’ve judged me already?”

“Why are you making this into an argument?”

“I’m not. I want to know the parameters of our relationship.”

“I’m not sure. It’s all too new.” She shrugged her shoulders.

“Well, I’ll have to think about that reaction.”

“You never answered my question, Nick. Do you or don’t you believe in the woman unconditionally.”

“No, JJ, I don’t. I think there should be an investigation, with witnesses called and where the parties in question give their sides. Then a decision should be made by the hospital board.”

“Are you on his side?”

“I’m undecided. Larry asked me to be a character witness, so I went to one meeting with his lawyer. However, I know some things about Larry that they wouldn’t want me to reveal.”

“There you go. Just don’t do it.”

“I might not, JJ.” Her blue gaze was baffled. “But it’s my decision to make. And whatever I decide is right for me. You have nothing to do with it.”

She seemed to think about that. So did he.

JJ sighed heavily. “I don’t know what else to say.”

“Me either. I have to rethink our relationship if this is how it’s going to be.”

She waited before she asked, “W-will I see you again?”

“I don’t know.

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