Page 7 of Falling for the Single Dad Firefighter

"A little storm-chaser in the making?"

"God, I hope not." He shakes his head, but his expression remains fond. "Being a firefighter is enough risk in one family."

The word 'family' hangs between us, reminding me of Mia's drawing. Just the two of them. I want to ask about Mia's mother but hesitate, unsure if it's my place.

"It must be challenging," I say instead, "balancing your work with raising her alone."

He shrugs one shoulder, a gesture that somehow understates what must be an enormous challenge. "We make it work. The station is flexible when they can be, and Mia's pretty adaptable."

"She's lucky to have you," I say sincerely.

"I'm the lucky one." His voice drops lower, filled with quiet certainty. "She saved me, honestly. Gave me purpose when I needed it most."

Lightning flashes outside, illuminating his profile for a brief moment. In that flash, I notice details I shouldn't be cataloging—the strong line of his jaw, the slight crease between his eyebrows, the way his dark lashes contrast with his eyes.

"What about you?" he asks suddenly. "What brought you to Fox Ridge? Bit of a change from Chicago, I imagine."

"Everything brought me here," I admit, leaning against my desk. "The pace, the community, the chance to really know my students and their families. In Chicago, I had thirty-two kids in a classroom meant for twenty. Here, I can actually see each child, you know?"

He nods, understanding in his eyes. "Small towns have their challenges, but that connection isn't one of them."

"Exactly." I smile, surprised by how easily he gets it. "Though I'm still adjusting to certain things. Like how everyone knowseveryone's business, or how the grocery store cashier already knows my name even though I've only been there twice."

"Mrs. Patel?" he asks, a hint of amusement in his voice.

"Yes! How did you—"

"She's been the Wednesday cashier for twenty years." He chuckles. "Probably knew you were coming before you did."

The storm draws closer, rain beginning to patter against the windows.

"I should probably get back to Mia," Samuel says, though he makes no move toward the door.

"Of course." I nod, equally stationary. "I hope she feels better soon."

Thunder crashes directly overhead, making both of us jump. The lights flicker once, twice, then go out completely, plunging the classroom into gray shadows broken only by occasional flashes of lightning.

"Perfect timing," Samuel murmurs, his voice closer than before.

"The joys of small-town infrastructure," I reply with a nervous laugh. "The emergency lights should come on in the hallway at least."

"Do you need to find a flashlight?" he asks.

"I have one in my desk somewhere," I say, but make no move to search for it.

In the semi-darkness, with rain drumming against the windows, ordinary rules seem suspended. Lightning flashes again, illuminating the classroom in stark white light. Samuel hasmoved closer, or maybe I have—the distance between us has shrunk to mere feet.

"You've got something—" he begins, lifting his hand toward my face.

His fingers brush my temple, warm and slightly rough against my skin. He gently tucks a strand of hair behind my ear, the gesture achingly tender. His hand lingers just a moment too long, and in that suspended second, I feel something shift between us—possibility opening like a door neither of us meant to unlock.

I can smell him now—soap and rain—and see the slight stubble along his jaw. His eyes ask a question I'm not ready to answer.

My heart hammers against my ribs as awareness floods through me. This isn't appropriate. He's Mia's father. I'm her teacher. There are boundaries for a reason, lines that shouldn't be crossed, no matter how the storm light softens his features or how gently his fingers brush against my skin.

I step back abruptly, creating necessary distance. "I should check if other teachers are still in the building," I say, my voice steadier than I feel. "The power outage protocols..."

The spell breaks. Samuel drops his hand, nodding as he withdraws to a safer distance. "Of course. And I need to get back to Mia."

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