Page 35 of Saved By the Firefighter

She’s got me there. Now I’m regretting telling her all about my time on Jake’s ranch. She took an oath and swore to keep it secret, but I should’ve made her promise not to tease me too.

She leans against my desk, her keen eyes observing. “It’s okay if you’ve been thinking about Jake a lot.”

"Like a song stuck on repeat," I mumble, feeling the corners of my mouth twitch as I stuff a small stack of papers into a folder. I take a breath and glance around the empty classroom. I nod at the open door, and Danielle goes to close it as I sit in a chair. Danielle sits across from me like this is an impromptu therapy session.

"Charlotte mentioned Jake seems, well, sadder lately," I say. The words tumble out, heavier than I intend. "He's not ready to move on, not really, but there's something between us I can't deny. And I don’t think I’m the only one feeling it, though I may be feeling it more. It scares me a bit because he clearly has walls, but I don’t think I’ve ever felt this way about any man and—”

“Woah, girl. Take a breath.”

I inhale, holding it for a few seconds before releasing it. “Okay. I know. Sorry. I just didn’t think I wanted a relationship, but now it’s clear I had been telling myself that all along because, um, I wanted Jake. I mean, we’ve been neighbors for almost a year.”

Danielle leans back in her chair like she knows all and sees all. “Well, I knew there was a reason you never wanted me to set you up with anyone. I kept trying to tell you that you're settled here, you love your job, and a relationship wouldn't change any of that. But listen…maybe it's time you tell Marcus about what’s going on.”

I shake my head. “I’d have to talk to Jake first. His relationship with Marcus is most at stake.” I sigh, staring out the window at the empty playground. "Marcus would eventually forgive me, but I don’t want to ruin their friendship.”

“I guess you have to talk it over with Jake.”

“And what if Marcus is okay with us dating but Jake still doesn’t want a relationship? I would understand but…”

“But it would suck.”

I nod, hugging my waist. Of course, I can’t force anything and maybe it’s my fault for letting myself fall so hard for Jake, but part of me isn’t quite yet ready to throw in the towel. Since it has been a few weeks since that scare from my brother’s visit, maybe Jake would be open to sitting down and talking things over. Just talking. If he’s still adamant about us parting ways, then I’ll deal with the hurt and figure out a way to move on.

"Oh, I almost forgot to tell you," I say, turning back to Danielle, "the contractors called earlier. They're finishing up with the duplex today. Looks like I'll be moving back this weekend."

"That’s great! You’ll no longer have a big brother breathing down your neck."

"God, yes," I sigh, rolling my eyes for emphasis. "Don't get me wrong, Marcus means well and it’s nice that he let me stay with him, but the man drives me up the wall." As much as I love him, the thought of independence makes me feel like bursting into a dance. But then, my mind drifts to Jake and Charlotte. Will they be moving back this weekend too? I guess it depends on Jake’s work schedule.

A honk startles us, making me flinch. Marcus, no doubt. He's been even more overprotective than usual lately, insisting on driving me to and from work every day. And he pulls up right outside my classroom window and honks. I exchange an exasperated look with Danielle.

"Speaking of annoying brothers..." Danielle says, chuckling.

I stand, grabbing my purse. "I'd better go before he honks again." I give Danielle a quick hug. "Thanks for the advice."

"Anytime." Danielle waves as I head out of the classroom.

Once I’m outside, I slip into Marcus's truck, mustering the best unhappy look I have in my repertoire.

"Is there a reason you're trying to announce my departure to the entire town?" I ask, dropping my purse by my seat.

Marcus gives me an innocent shrug, a grin playing on his lips. "What's wrong? Can't a guy pick up his little sister from work?"

"Not when she's perfectly capable of ordering a taxi herself. You don't need to pick me up and drop me off like I'm still in middle school, you know. And stop with the damn honking."

"Hey, I'm just looking out for you," Marcus says, faking his sincerity as we pull away from the school. "Making sure no assholes try to take advantage."

“Right. Like who…the principal? Every man that works in this school is married.”

“I’m sure single dads come to pick up their kids.”

I glance at him, startled for a moment, though I try to hide it. Does he suspect something? He knows I’ve been tutoring Charlotte, but so far Marcus hasn’t caught me walking her out to meet Jake. Marcus always arrives after. I cross my arms, forcing my voice to still have a bite to it. “And then what? You think I’m some massive flirt who just waits for the opportunity to pounce? You act like I’m not a grown woman who has had relationships.”

He finally settles, the muscles in his jaw flexing as he focuses on the road. I’m hoping this conversation is done so I can ride back to his place in peace, but then he asks, "Are you?"

"Am I what?"

"Seeing someone I don't know about? Honestly, since the entire duplex fiasco, you’ve been acting weird." Now there's an edge to his voice, and I can tell he's not just teasing anymore.

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