Page 2 of Saved By the Firefighter

"Already filed with the office." My mind races through the checklist, mentally ticking off each item. "We're all set."

"Sounds like you've thought of everything, as usual," she says, giving me a smile that feels a little too...knowing.

"Of course," I reply, trying to match her smile even as I sense where this conversation is heading.

Danielle's brown eyes sparkle with mischief and she lowers her voice. "Speaking of emergencies...how's that hot neighbor doing?"

A flush creeps up my neck at the mention of Jake, and I can't help the way my heart does a tiny somersault. "He's...fine, I guess?" I stammer, adjusting my glasses and trying to maintain an air of indifference. "I wouldn't know. He always keeps to himself. You know he doesn’t talk much."

"Uh-huh. I think you know, considering how much you stare at his house all the time. You're always peeking out your window like he's some kind of shirtless weather forecast."

I scoff, but she's right, and I’m regretting how often I tell her about my afterschool activity of being a stalker. I just can't help myself from glancing at Jake's place, hoping to catch any glimpse of him. "Am not!" I say. The denial comes out sharper than I intend, my facade cracking just a bit. I force a laugh to cover the slip. "That would be creepy, Danielle."

Danielle laughs, seeing right through me. "Just admit you like him already. You and I both know you do, so why can’t you just say it?"

My gaze drifts to a crayon drawing pinned to the wall, anything to avoid her too-perceptive eyes. In my head, though, I'm back in my house, stealing glances at Jake outside. That man has no right to look so good while wrestling with potted plants. And it's not just the abs or the way his black hair catches the sunlight—it's the flicker of gentleness that sometimes passes over his face when he thinks no one's looking. It tugs at something deep inside me.

My gaze drifts to the window, where the morning sunlight catches the trees outside. A smile tugs at my lips. As much as I try to bury my thoughts of Jake, they keep resurfacing. My attraction to him is undeniable, despite all the reasons I should ignore it.

"Ellie, you've got that look again," Danielle teases from across the cluttered desk.

"Which look?" I ask, feigning innocence even as my cheeks grow warm.

"The 'Jake Wilder is walking around shirtless in his backyard' look." Her grin widens, and I can't help but chuckle despite the knot forming in my stomach.

"Okay, maybe he's a little distracting," I concede, rolling my eyes for effect. "But it's not just about...well, you know. It's everything he's juggling—being out there fighting fires, protecting our forests, all while raising Charlotte on his own."

"Sounds like someone admires him for more than his abs. And you don't think his daughter could use a maternal figure in her life?"

"First of all, you're thinking way too ahead. And second, I'm sure her mother shares custody. I've just never seen or heard anything about her."

"See?"

I roll my eyes, glancing at my students to make sure no one is raising their hands. Unfortunately, none of them are, which means I'm still stuck in this interrogation.

Danielle leans forward, adding, "You already love kids, and you're amazing with them. Why not consider—"

"No. Do you realize how crazy you sound? I barely know the guy. Look…Jake's just a guy who happens to live next door. And sure, he's a single dad, which is...admirable. But I’m focusing on my life right now, getting settled in town, saving up for a house. And Marcus would flip if he knew I was even thinking—"

"Whoa," she cuts me off, holding up her hands. "No need to get defensive. Marcus isn't here, it's just us girls. Let those walls down."

I smirk but plead the fifth and don't respond. The truth is, Jake Wilder isn't just 'a guy who happens to live next door'. He's a damn solar eclipse. You know you shouldn't stare directly at it, but how can you resist?

"You deserve to be happy." Danielle squeezes my arm. "Don't let fear hold you back. Marcus doesn't control your life."

She's right about both things, but relationships are never that simple and my brother is...overprotective. I'm also content right now just establishing myself again in Cedar Ridge after being gone for so many years. I only just moved back six months ago, so I'm not looking to get into any messy relationships, especially one that would cause my brother to give me disapproving stares whenever I come over for dinner.

Before I can drown anymore from the weight of Danielle’s stare, I decide to remove myself from this conversation. I give Danielle a look that tells her we're done with this subject for now, and then I stand. I make the rounds, looking at everyone's progress on their dioramas, and force thoughts of Jake from my mind for the rest of the day.

There are lines I can't cross, no matter how much I might wish otherwise.

Chapter 2

Jake

The blaring alarm jolts me awake. I slam my hand on the snooze button and sit up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. Beside me, her side of the bed is untouched, the sheets cold. It's a punch to the gut, as always. I reach over and brush my fingers over Sarah's photograph, a bittersweet reminder. The pain that still gnaws at my insides doesn't show on my face; it never does because I need to be strong for my daughter. But for a second, I let the mask slip, allowing myself this solitary moment of grief.

With a sigh, I haul myself out of bed. I stand and stretch, my muscles sore from an intense training session at work. I have another one today, so I need to calm any inflammation. A cold shower usually does it, so I walk to the bathroom down the hall as quietly as I can. A few floorboards creek, but it shouldn't wake Charlotte up—the girl sleeps like a log.

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