Page 79 of Too Hot

Rafe sighed and released her as the principal walked up to them along with the chief.

“Fire is out,” the chief said.

“Thank goodness,” Brianna said with a shiver.

“Andy is no worse for wear. How are you, Brianna?” the principal asked.

“I’m fine. I’m guess there will be no school for a while.” She glanced back at the smoldering ruins of the school.

“I’ll start working with the school board and find room for our students, but it will be probably a week or more before we can find a places, virtual doesn’t do well for us. Go home, and I’ll be in contact.” The principal walked away.

“I have no idea how I’m going to get home,” Brianna said.

“Don’t you have your car here?” the chief asked.

“Yes, but my keys and stuff are still in my classroom, as I’m sure it is with all the teachers.”

“Where are your belongings located?” Rafe asked.

“Bottom right drawer.” She frowned at him.

“Be right back.”

“Rafe.” She called his name, but he kept going. He rounded the building and found her classroom from the outside and noticed the open window. So that’s how she got out. It would be tight, but he maneuvered through the window, found her bag, and climbed back out.

Brianna was talking to the captain until the captain gestured over her shoulder. She turned to glare at him when he returned with her bag.

“I think I’ll let Rafe drive you home. Rafe, take care of her.” The chief walked away.

Brianna yanked her purse from his hold. “Of all the stupid things to do, go back into a building that’s all but collapsed from fire damage.” She threw her hands up, the strap of her purse snapping. “Ugh.” She held it way from her. “This thing smells horrible.”

Rafe started laughing. He didn’t know what else to do, and honestly, the sheer relief of her arguing with him was like a pressure valve going off. He pulled her into his arms and hugged her tight.

She returned the hug just as tight. “I don’t know what I’d do without out you, Rafe.”

“I’m here, sweetheart. Forever and always.”

Rafe placed his hand on her elbow. “What about the other teachers?” she asked, glancing around and seeing the mingling.

“The chief will clear the school and help them get their belongings.”

“Okay. Let me go say good bye.”

As much as he wanted to whisk Brianna away, he didn’t. She talked with a couple of the teachers, then hugged Ruby, before making her way back to him. They walked to her car, and she dug her keys out of her purse.

“I’ll drive,” he said, and held out his hand.

She looked him up and down. “In that?”

Rafe glanced down. He was still in his turn-outs. “Easy fix.” He undid the protective gear and watched Brianna’s mouth drop open as he stripped out if it.

“You wear other clothes underneath.”

“Yes. Did you think I didn’t?”

“I didn’t know what to expect.”

Rafe laughed. “Keys.”

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