Page 6 of Falling for the Single Dad Firefighter

Mia's teacher. Nothing more.

The lie sits uncomfortably in my chest all the way to the scene.

Chapter 3 – Rebecca

The classroom feels different after the children leave. Now it's just me, the soft hum of the air conditioning, and the fading afternoon light filtering through the blinds.

I rub my eyes and check my watch—5:15 PM. I should be heading home soon, but I want to finish arranging tomorrow's morning activity. First days are always exhausting, and this one has been a rollercoaster of emotions. Most of the children adjusted quickly, except for Mia Lewis.

I glance at her cubby, where she carefully hung her backpack before leaving with the after-school program coordinator. The blue star I gave her sits on my desk, forgotten in her rush to join the other children. She'd been doing well by mid-morning, even volunteering to help pass out crayons during art time. A resilient little girl, despite her shaky start.

Thunder rumbles in the distance as I sort through a stack of worksheets the children completed today.

A soft knock startles me from my thoughts. I look up to find Samuel Lewis standing in my doorway, filling the frame with his broad shoulders. He's changed clothes since this morning—dark jeans and a faded gray t-shirt that hints at the firefighter's physique beneath. His hair is slightly damp, like he's just showered.

"Mr. Lewis," I say, setting down the papers. "Is everything okay?"

He steps into the classroom, his movements measured and careful, like someone used to navigating tight spaces. "Sorry to interrupt. They called me from the after-school program. Mia's running a fever."

"Oh no." I stand immediately, concern replacing my momentary nervousness. "Is she alright?"

"A little warm and upset. Asking for her dad." A small smile softens his serious expression. "And apparently something about a blue star?"

"Oh!" I reach for the star on my desk. "She left it here after circle time. I was going to return it tomorrow."

I hold it out, and he crosses the room to take it. Our fingers brush briefly during the exchange—a fleeting touch that shouldn't register but somehow does, like a static spark jumping between us.

"Thanks," he says, pocketing the star. "She really connected with this thing."

"It helps ground her," I explain, falling into teacher mode. "Physical objects can be anchors when emotions feel overwhelming, especially for children just starting school."

He nods, his expression thoughtful. "Makes sense. You seem to really understand her."

"That's my job," I say, then add more softly, "And she's a special little girl. Very observant. Creative too—you should see her drawing from today."

I retrieve Mia's family picture from the stack and hold it out. Samuel takes it carefully, his eyes softening as he studies the two stick figures holding hands.

"Just the two of us," he murmurs, almost to himself.

The vulnerability in his voice creates a tightness in my chest. "She's very proud of her dad," I say gently. "She told the class you save people from fires."

He looks up, a faint flush coloring his cheekbones. "Not every day. Mostly we prevent fires, honestly. Less exciting but better for everyone involved."

"Still pretty heroic to a five-year-old," I point out. "Or to anyone, really."

Our eyes meet for a moment too long. I'm the first to look away, busying myself with straightening papers that don't need straightening.

"I'm sorry to keep you after hours," he says. "You've probably had a long enough day."

"It's fine," I assure him. "First days are always a bit chaotic. I like the quiet after everyone leaves—helps me decompress."

Another rumble of thunder, closer this time. The light in the classroom dims as clouds gather outside.

"Storm's coming," Samuel observes, glancing toward the windows. "Forecast said it might be a big one."

"That'll make for an exciting second day," I say with a small laugh. "Nothing like thunder to energize twenty-two kindergarteners."

He smiles—a real smile that transforms his serious face. "Mia loves storms. Watches them from the window like they're the best show on earth."

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