On A Night Like This (Callaways #1)

kind of situation, but in reality, we're just one big happy, sometimes crazy, family."
    "I can see the pride in your eyes," he commented.
    "I love my family. Although, I have to admit that being a Callaway comes with expectations. Jack and his father are hard acts to follow."
    "From what I've seen, you're up for the challenge."
    She tilted her head, giving him a thoughtful look. "Is that a compliment, Harrison?"
    "Don't let it go to your head, Callaway. Who else is at your dad's table?"
    "Next to my mother are Jack's parents, Eleanor and Patrick. Then there is my baby sister, Shayla. She's a girl genius, only twenty-three and almost done with medical school. And lastly there's Colton, Shayla's twin. He's a rookie firefighter. I'm not sure where the rest of my siblings are."
    "It sounds like your siblings are all very high-achievers."
    "Jack told us the Callaways were born to serve and protect, and most of my siblings have followed that tradition, four in firefighting, one in medicine, one in search and rescue, and one in teaching. My brother, Sean, is the only one who didn't follow the plan. He's a musician, a fantastic singer and song writer," she added, not wanting Max to think she wasn't proud of Sean. "He couldn't come tonight, because he's touring the Pacific Northwest."
    "How does he get along with your father?"
    "They have their moments, but Sean has always moved to a different beat. That's my family. Tell me about yours."
    "Nowhere near as interesting," he said shortly.
    "Let me be the judge."
    "Maybe another time. Can I get you a drink? It looks like the line for drinks is thinning out."
    She wasn't surprised he dodged her question. He'd been remarkably reticent when it came to his private life. She'd been tempted to do a little research on him more than once, but she'd always stopped herself. The less she knew about him the better.
    "I'll take a sparkling water if you're going to the bar," she said. "I'm on call this weekend."
    "Got it."
    As Max turned around, he was almost run down by one of her long-time friends, Tony Moretti.
    Tony was an attractive thirty-two-year-old of Italian descent. He and his twin brother, Jarod, had grown up around the corner from her.
    "Emma," Tony said, opening his arms wide. "I was hoping you'd be here. I was looking for you at Mass today, but I didn't see you." She gave him a quick hug, aware that Max hadn't actually gone to the bar as he'd proposed. Instead, he lingered a few feet away watching them. She wondered why he was so interested.
    "I didn't make it to church this morning," she said, turning her attention to Tony. "I've been really busy at work."
    "I couldn't believe someone torched the school at St. Andrew's. Do you have any suspects?"
    "Not yet. But I haven't given up."
    "Speaking of not giving up, you owe me a date," Tony said. "Remember? I helped you move out of your ex-boyfriend's apartment, and you offered to buy me dinner."
    "I do remember. I'm sorry I've been busy."
    "So let's make a date."
    She saw the determination in Tony's eyes and wondered where it came from. She'd known him since she was six years old, and while they'd been a part of the same social group for years, they'd never gone out alone together, and she wasn't sure she wanted to change that. She liked Tony a lot, but he was a flirt, and she didn't want them to end up in an awkward situation. Their families were friends.
    "I'll take a look at my calendar tomorrow, and we'll find a day that works," she said.
    "Good."
    "What's good?" another man asked.
    She smiled at Tony's brother, Jarod. The Morettis were fraternal twins but looked almost identical with their dark hair and dark eyes.
    "Is my brother hitting on you again, Emma?" Jarod asked.
    "We're just talking," she said. "How are you doing? How's the construction business?"
    "It's picking up." He cocked his head to the right, giving her a thoughtful look. "I don't think I've seen you since you became an arson investigator. How's that going? Are you working the fire at St. Andrew's?"
    "Yes, I am." She paused. "I need to say hello to my dad. I'll talk to you guys later, all right?"
    "Don't forget to call me," Tony said as she walked away.
    As she moved through the crowd, her gaze drifted across the room. Max had gone to the bar, and she felt relieved that he was no longer watching her. She didn't need any more tension in her life, and that's what Max brought with him every time he came around. Hopefully, he wouldn't stay at the party long.

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