Heat rushes up my neck. “You’re impossible.”
“And you’re flustered.” He pushes off the desk, closing the gap just enough that I catch a trace of soap again. Too close. Far too close.
“I should—” My voice cracks. “—check on the kids.”
“They’re fine.” He nods towards the large window at the side of the classroom. “The playground looks secure enough. Plenty of staff out there already, not to mention Phoenix having the time of his life.” His lips twitch as though he’s holding back another smirk. “I think you’re just trying to escape.”
He’s right. But the worst part is, I don’t want to.
Through the window, Phoenix shows a group of kids how to aim a hose with no water pressure, pretending to spray Drake through the glass. The children are in hysterics. He gives me a mock salute before turning back to them.
“Thank you for coming in today,” I blurt, the professional tone falling flat with how breathless I sound.
“My pleasure,” he says, and I swear it’s not about the fire safety talk at all.
The silence stretches, charged and thick, until the distant squeals of children outside yank me back to reality. I clear my throat, clutching the books tighter. “The kids loved it. You… did a good job.”
“Always happy to do my bit.” He straightens, giving me that lazy, devastating smile again. “See you Friday.”
“Friday?”
His grin deepens. “Halloween party. Chief mentioned it.” His gaze lingers, warm and knowing, before he finally heads for the door. He turns to look back at me. “I’m actually looking forward to seeing you in a catsuit.”
“Catsuit?” I shake my head at the thought. I don’t go to my brother’s stupid Halloween parties. Even if it is a fundraiser for the firehouse. I’ve never cared for them, since I was a teenager. Finding a costume to fit is hard enough, not to mention how ridiculous I look in it. “What are you wearing?”
He grins. “The guys said they have a costume for me.”He winks before walking out the door. And just like that, I’m left in my empty classroom, my heart racing and my hands shaking, wondering where on earth I’m supposed to get a cat costume in my size at such short notice. I wasn’t going to go, but I’m drawn to this man like a firefly drawn to the light. If attending my brother’s fundraiser means I’ll get to spend more time with Mr. October, then so be it.
Before the kids return from break, I pull my phone from the drawer to message the girls. “Wine & Whine Whores” lights up my screen and I smile at the name of the group chat.
Anyone know anywhere I can get a sexy cat outfit before Friday?
Nikita Devan: The pet shop? Though I don’t know about sexy.
Raine Grosvenor: Who is Cersei trying to seduce now?
Nikki Lowther: Ugh, don’t tell me it’s her brother again.
Raine Grosvenor: Can’t you just buy a collar with a bowtie attached? You pamper those fur balls way too much.
Nikki Lowther: They’re her babies.
It’s not for Cersei.
Nikki Lowther: Is it Ghost? He’d rock a bowtie.
It’s for me.
…
Silence…
I chew on my bottom lip, knowing I’m doomed.
Nikita Devan: You could try Target, but I went to get my son a costume yesterday and they didn’t have much left.
Raine Grosvenor: Why do you need a sexy cat outfit?
Nikki Lowther: Oh! It’s for the firehouse Halloween party, isn’t it?
