Page 34 of Rejected Pretend Mate

I turned back to the corner and found that whatever was on fire was only growing. It was snapping to the ceiling where the table was. Suddenly, the alarms blared and echoed loudly around me.

I quickly pulled the pin on the extinguisher and started to spray at it. My entire body shook, and the room felt hot, too hot. I sprayed, but the fire didn't go out. It just continued to snap, building even higher. The room grew hotter, and I took a few steps back.

"April!" Someone yelled my name, and I turned, spotting Rebecca in the doorway. "We need to leave."

"I can't put it out."

Rebecca hurried, grabbing my arm and pulling me back. "The boys used metal shavings. We need to leave now."

She pulled me backward, and we hurried into the hallway. We followed the hallway until we slipped out the back door and outside. The entire school was outside, and the students looked confused and worried. Teachers tried to contain their students, but the space was just a loud noise, and everyone was asking questions.

Rebecca sighed, rubbing her hands together nervously. "The firefighters are on their way. Everyone, if you could all just remain calm," she said.

My mind couldn't seem to catch up. "How did you know it was metal shavings?"

She looked at me and frowned. "One of the kids came frantically into my office. She told me that before you arrived, the boys were talking about using metal to start a small fire. The teacher walked out of the classroom to go to the bathroom for a minute."

I scowled, "Why does that matter?"

"Metal doesn't get put out with water," Rebecca said, shaking her head. "This is not my first rodeo."

I didn't know what to say, but before I could even think about it, I heard the fire trucks coming down the road. I turned as one of them pulled in, the guys all jumping out quickly, moving into action.

My heart skipped a beat as I spotted Weslie. He looked hot in his outfit, and everything from earlier had returned to the surface.

Shit. Shit. Shit

Ayden hurried over towards us. He was all geared up and yanked his helmet off as he stopped in front of us. "What happened?"

Rebecca quickly explained the situation, and my eyes roamed over toward Weslie. He was helping the guys were pulling out the hose. But Ayden turned, making them stop. "Class D," he said before hurrying after them.

I watched in utter amazement as the guys hurried into the school. I chewed on my lower lip, waiting. I wasn't sure how long it was, but it seemed like time stopped. The kids became nervous, and Rebecca paced next to me. Everyone suddenly was on edge.

A few moments later, the doors opened, and Weslie and Miles stepped out. Weslie looked sweaty as he pulled his helmet off and ran a hand through his ginger hair.

I went running towards him, throwing my arms around him. Worry had built up so tightly in my belly that I didn't think it was ever going to unwind.

"April, what's wrong?" Weslie asked, pulling me back slightly.

Miles snorted. "She was worried about you, dumbass."

I nodded my head. "I was. Are you okay? I tried putting the fire out, but nothing seemed to work."

"It's out now," Weslie said, giving a soft smile. But he didn't pull me closer, and I wanted him to. He held me at arm's length, remaining professional.

"Can I speak with you for a moment?" I asked. Weslie nodded towards the truck, and we walked over, rounding it. I stepped into his space. "Why are you acting so off?"

He frowned. "I'm not acting off, April. I'm just working."

"And avoiding. Do you honestly think I wasn't worried about you?"

He reached out, rubbing his thumb over my cheek. "I enjoy you worrying, but I'm working. I have to remain focused."

He had ruined my focus all day, and I wanted to ruin his. I leaned closer and kissed him. I couldn't wait. I'd sat all day with need, and after seeing him working, it only made me that much worse.

Weslie growled, biting at my lower lip, pinning me hard against the fire truck. "Fuck, April."

He pressed his forehead against mine. "I'm working."

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