Page 20 of When We Burn

I’m going to kiss the hell out of her, just for that.

When there are only thirty minutes left before school is out, I pack Birdie a snack and head over to the school, where I wait in my truck until the bell rings.

Kids come pouring out of the doors, most of them smiling, excited to see their parents and go home for the day.

Finally, I see my daughter, holding Dani’s hand, as they both walk outside. They’re grinning at each other, and Birdie’s talking about something that makes Dani laugh, and my heart catches again.

Shit, she looks good with my kid.

I’m so fucked.

I should not be so hot for the teacher look, yet it seems a new kink has been unlocked because all I can think about is bending her over, pulling that tight skirt up around her waist, and taking her from behind, making her scream my name. Making her forget her own.

“Daddy!”

I shake my head and grin at my daughter, who comes skipping to me.

“Hey, peanut. Did you have a good day?”

“Yes! We learned math, and I drew a picture, and we had a snack, and Jacob was smelly, but that’s okay because not everybody has learned self-control.”

My surprised gaze jumps up to Dani, who just smiles and shrugs a shoulder. “It was a big day, but Birdie did fabulous. It’s going to be a great year.”

“I’m happy to hear that.” Birdie slips her hand into mine, and I give her a little squeeze. “Should we get pizza for dinner to celebrate?”

“Pepperoni,” she says with an enthusiastic nod.

“Join us,” I say to Dani. It’s not a question, but she’s already shaking her head.

“Oh, thank you, but I’m going to Holden and Millie’s for dinner tonight. You guys enjoy your pizza. I have to go talk to this parent. Thank you for a great first day, Birdie.”

She gives me a little wave, and then she’s off, and Birdie is already dragging me toward the truck.

“I’mstarving, Daddy. We might need two pizzas.”

Chapter Four

DANI

The first week of school went off without too many hitches. There are always going to be a few minor obstacles to hurdle, especially early on in the year. These kiddos are new to all-day school, so some will get homesick, some will get tired and throw mini tantrums, and some even have accidents.

Poor Jacob had a rough week, but I have a whole bin of clean clothes for him, just in case. I think he’s simply nervous.

I also keep a cabinet full of healthy snacks and even nonperishable meals for those kids who might need extra calories or aren’t getting enough food at home.

I was once that kid. I don’t want any of my students to feel they are unable to participate in class simply because they’re hungry. That’s something I can help with.

I’ve just finished organizing the fresh snacksand meals that I bought on my way home from school. It’s Friday evening, and I know without a doubt that once I’m home for the weekend, I’m not going to want to go far.

Exhaustion has set in, but that’s okay. It means that I’m spending my days with about twenty excited, energetic five-year-olds, and there’s nothing else I’d rather do.

My front porch is in the shade, and it’s been a particularly hot late-summer day, so I step out and sit in the simple Ikea chair I bought for myself and breathe in the fresh air. Putting my bare feet up on the ottoman in front of me, I scoot down so I can lean my head back against the cushion and get cozy. There’s a light breeze blowing through that feels great after being inside most of the week.

I have so many projects to do around the house over the next couple of days. I knew when I rented this house that it was a total fixer-upper. The original owners had passed away, and their kids don’t live here anymore and wanted to rent it out. I got it for a steal, and in exchange for the cheap rent, I’m doing some minor cosmetic surgery on the place. Mostly just some paint here and there or replace a light fixture or two.

That sort of thing.

My brother threw a fit when he saw the inside of this place. But it’s clean, it’s cheap, and I can make it look great with some elbow grease.

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