Page 3 of Too Hot

She listened as the men answered the kids’ questions. They were both patient and understanding. Brianna loved that about them, but especially how Rafe would get level with the kids, looking them in the eye as he spoke.

“Miss Brianna, can we go out and look at the fire truck, please?” Cooper asked.

She glanced at the two men leaning against her desk.

“We don’t mind,” Logan said.

It was only eleven, and lunch wasn’t until twelve. “Okay.”

The kids cheered. “Line up and no running.” The kids jumped up and made a line starting at the door.

“Impressive,” Rafe said when she grabbed her keys off the desk. “Boys usually have trouble following orders.”

“You just have to know how to handle them.” Brianna almost clamped her hand over her mouth. That came out all wrong. Rafe grinned. She shook her head and opened her classroom door. Waiting until the children filed out with Rafe and Logan behind them, she closed the door, then followed them outside.

Brianna was proud of her kids. They walked calmly and quietly outside and waited until Logan and Rafe led them to the vehicles. She hung back, allowing the kids to enjoy themselves.

Almost an hour later, the kids were out of questions and had been all over both vehicles. A bell went off.

“Lunch time,” Penny yelled.

“What do you tell Officer Wolfe and Firefighter Lyons?” Brianna asked.

“Thank you.” Twelve pairs of eyes turned to her. “Go. The principal will let you back into the school.”

The kids ran for the door.

“I believe you’re friends with Ellie, my girlfriend,” Logan said as they watched the school door open, and the kids went inside.

“Yes. It’s good to finally meet you.” Brianna had met Ellie two months ago when she set up a birthday party for one of the other teachers, and they became friends. “Is your leg all healed up now?”

“It is. Is there anybody in this town who doesn’t know I got shot?”

Rafe clapped Logan on the shoulder. “No.”

There was friendship there. “Ellie told me about it. I had read in the newspaper about the shooting, but no names were mentioned.”

“I’m glad she talked about it.” Logan’s radio went off. “Excuse me.”

She was alone with Rafe. Brianna’s tummy flipped. “Thank you for being so good with the kids, Firefighter Lyons.” She didn’t know what else to say. The other two firefighters were putting the equipment away.

“Rafe. And you’re welcome. The kids are fun to be around.”

She nodded. “I should get back. I need to supervise lunch.”

“I understand.”

Brianna turned and walked back into the building, using her badge to unlock the front door. She wanted to stay and chat with Rafe, but she didn’t know what to say to him. Another part of her told her to run. Not that it mattered; she’d probably never see him again.

Chapter Two

Rafe walked into Wicked Sanctuary Saturday night at six thirty. Max had called and asked him to come in early to talk. Unsure why he wanted to talk to him, Rafe knocked on Max’s office door even though it was open.

“Hey, Rafe,” Max said, getting up from his desk and gesturing to the chair in front of it.

“Hi, Max.” Rafe sat down in the lush leather chair. “What did you want to talk about?”

Max grinned. “Right to the point.” He sat behind his desk. “I’ve had some members ask about fire cupping.”

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