Laura Marie Henion - First One In, Last One Out

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Lachesis Publishing
www.lachesispublishing.com

Copyright 2009 by Laura Marie Henion

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NOTICE: This work is copyrighted. It is licensed only for use by the original purchaser. Making copies of this work or distributing it to any unauthorized person by any means, including without limit email, floppy disk, file transfer, paper print out, or any other method constitutes a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines or imprisonment.

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All rights reserved. The use of any part of this publication reproduced, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the publisher, Lachesis Publishing, is an infringement of the copyright law.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any person or persons, living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

To my family, mom and friends, I thank you for all the support and encouragement. To Daddy for your continued technical support and wisdom, I thank you.

To my husband Tim and my three children I love you always.

A special thank you to Paul Rooneya volunteer firefighter with the Stony Point Fire Department. With more than 21 years of experience and devotion to protect and serve the community he lives in, Paul is an excellent example of what a true firefighter is all about. I commemorate his commitment to the job and the community he lives in, his knowledge base, training and expertise, as well as his fellow volunteer firefighters.

Thank you and God Bless all of you who volunteer to protect and serve your community.

A special thank you to Keith RosarioPolice Officer, Paramedic and photographer. Keith's special gift of photography helped to create the unique and authentic cover for this book.

First One In, Last One Out is dedicated to our men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line every day to keep the rest of us safe here at home. United We Stand!

To the true Heroes of society who search, locate and rescue placing their own lives on the line to save those in trouble. They come in all forms, wearing all types of uniforms working all types of jobs but their main goal is to provide safety, security and hope.

They know who they are. They do not live in fear, they are willing to put their lives on the line and they live by the motto: First One In, Last One Out.

We Thank You.

Katie was smiling so much today her cheeks were beginning to ache. The realization made her laugh as she leaned her head against Bradley's shoulder.

"What's so funny McKeller? he asked, just as they approached the line of people waiting to enter The Club.

"Nothing, she said, then embraced his arm tighter, leaning in closer against him. Their fingers entwined and he gave her hand a loving squeeze. Her heart leaped.

The music from the various bands could be heard blasting and permeating through the club and Katie watched a few people swaying to the music. The crowd grew more congested the further they walked from the main entrance and she felt Bradley pull her closer to him.

She looked up into those big blue eyes of his and her heart soared. Just the other day, he had told her he loved her. She was excited and nervous and a little unsure about their relationship. They had only been dating a matter of months but the attraction was instant.

Bradley held Katie's hand as they approached the staircase.

She glanced at his backside and the snug fitting jeans. He was lean and fit and had the most loveable personality.

Bradley caught her staring at him and they exchanged an erotic glance before she blushed and shyly turned away.

A moment later his lips were pressed against her knuckles as he simultaneously pulled her body closer to him.

He kissed her temple and whispered something but she couldn't hear. The place was so crowded, they were wedged between strangers.

"We should probably head up a floor or two. It's way too crowded down here! he yelled in an attempt to be heard over the crowd. Katie nodded her head in agreement.

They finally found a spot that overlooked the large dance floor below.

Tonight was By special invitation only and somehow Bradley had been able to get tickets from a fellow fire fighter who worked in the same ladder company.

Katie glanced at Bradley as she swayed her hips to the music. The enthusiasm and excitement that surrounded them was breathtaking.

She felt Bradley's hand slide around her waist then his palm lay flat against her hip.

Absorbing the cologne he wore and the casual royal blue polo shirt that brought out the deep ocean color of his eyes, she couldn't help but touch him, and placed the palm of her hand against his chest. It was firm, and thoughts of their love making from the night before instantly popped into her mind.

She glanced away just as Bradley caught her staring.

"Why are you blushing McKeller? he teased pulling her closer as he placed his hand gently under her chin.

As he tilted it up towards him, she had no time for a verbal response. His lips covered hers softly at first then more deeply until Katie remembered where they were and slowly began pulling away.

Bradley released her lips then touched her forehead with his own.

"I love you Katie. I'm never gonna let you go."

Katie smiled wide then gave Bradley a hug.

They continued to listen to the music and enjoy the evening.

"Would you like a drink? I see a waiter over there. Bradley pointed to the waiter who stood about 15 ft away from them, carrying a full tray of drinks.

"Sure. I'll come with you."

"Why don't you save our spot?"

She followed his line of sight towards a group of people waiting for their chance to take any open spaces.

Katie smiled in agreement then watched Bradley cross the room.

She took a moment to absorb the sights around her. The dance floor below was so crowded with people it looked uncomfortable. Yet, people made the best of it, were smiling, laughing and enjoying the fast beat of the music.

She glanced over her shoulder and watched Bradley take the two glasses from the waiter and converse with him.

That was Bradley. He was so friendly and outgoing. He could strike up a conversation with anyone. Katie smiled at the thought. He was a great guy, her mom and brothers would like him.