Adjusting my flight suit, I pasted on a polite smile, hoping the effects of Sabrina’s question weren’t evident on me.
“Well, Captain, do you know the reason you blacked out?” A crease dented Sabrina’s smooth forehead.
“The jury is still out.” No lie there. I was impatiently waiting on the medical review board.
“It’s one area that worries me about flying,” she added.
“As it should. Flying powerful jets like that F-22 is no small feat on your mind and body. You need to weigh all the pros—” A flash of light snagged my attention, and my breath caught.
Monroe glided across the gym like she owned it, wearing a simple green dress, all sunshine and smiles.
My pulse kicked up as my body heated. But it wasn’t just the way the dress showed off Monroe’s long legs. It was how she carried herself. It was that quiet confidence, the sharp intelligence in her ball-tickling green eyes as she took in everything around her. The way she moved through the crowd like she didn’t need anyone’s approval. There was nothing sexier than a woman who owned her shit.
Suddenly, all that panic over Sabrina’s question vanished as if Monroe was washing away my PTSD.
Ethan followed my line of sight. “Mom, aren’t you supposed to be in class?”
Mom? Ethan had just talked about his father, which meant Monroe was married. Well, there went my chances.
Sabrina giggled. “Captain Callahan, I see you’re smitten with Mrs. Blake.”
Dax chuckled.
Even though all signs pointed to the fact that Monroe was unavailable, I couldn’t look away. I watched as Ethan met his mom halfway and the two talked.
“She teaches AP math classes, mostly,” Sabrina gushed. “She is the best teacher in this school.”
I couldn’t recall any high school teacher I had who was as pretty as Monroe.
Ethan and Monroe came over.
Her son sidled up to Sabrina. “We should go. We have study hall.”
“Thanks for the info,” Sabrina said.
Monroe blocked her son from leaving. “Remember to tell your father to drop you off by nine. And also be polite to his girlfriend.”
Ethan rolled his brown eyes, his rebellious side shining through. “Yes, ma’am.”
Excitement stirred in my gut. She was either separated or divorced. Hallelujah! This day was looking up.
“So, Captain Callahan, how’s the shoulder?” Monroe asked, smiling.
I heard her, but I was more concerned about her busted lip. “Did you go a few rounds with Mike Tyson?”
“Hazards of teaching high school.” She laughed, low and smoky, as her tongue flicked over her wound.
Holy fuck! I held in a groan as heat shot south.
“Jace, I need to use the head,” Dax announced before hurrying away like he wanted no part of the tension between Monroe and me.
“Please tell me that no one intentionally hurt you.” I fisted my hands inside my pockets despite knowing her busted lip was probably due to an accident, but I had to be sure. Because I would strangle anyone who dared to hurt her.
She lifted her chin as her cheeks flushed. “A result of two boys competing for the attention of a girl. Nothing more.”
Ah, those high school days when girls were all boys could think about.
“Do you always rescue people?” I asked.
