Page 16 of Burning Skies
I take notes for my report. “Did you notice anyone coming in or out of there?”
“No. I mean, who pays attention to people taking a leak?”
Good point. “Thanks. If we have any more questions, I’ll be in touch.”
As we’re wrapping up, I spot my brother Maverick, who’s the new head football coach here after a serious injury his rookie year in the NFL.
“Look at you. Being all heroic.” He smirks.
“Shut up. I used to change your diapers.” I fold up my notepad and shove it in my pocket.
When he gets closer, he does a double-take. “Jesus, what happened to your eye?”
“You should see the other guy.” Wanting to change thesubject, I ask him about his fiancée. “How are Baylee and Leo doing?”
The smile on his face is blinding. “They’re great. Leo’s talking up a storm, and Baylee… well.” He chuckles. “Let’s just say there’s nothing better than waking up with your best friend every morning. I’m a lucky man.”
I don’t think I’ve ever seen my brother so happy. And he was drafted by the NFL. Love looks good on him. “Glad y’all worked out your issues. I always knew you two would end up together. Just took a while for the stars to line up.”
“She’s the best thing to ever happen to me.”
First Rhett and now Maverick. They’re both head over heels in love with their gals. I’m happy for them. Perplexed as fuck how they both managed it, but glad they figured it out.
“Gotta run.” He motions down the hall. “But swing by the farm later this week. Wanna show you the swing set I’d like to build for Leo.”
“’Cause you want my help.”
“Who better?”
I roll my eyes with a laugh. “I’m all yours, bro.”
After he walks away, I turn and spot another feral kitten.
Honey jabs her finger in my chest. “Why the hell did you jump Trig? I saw him this morning at the Blackbird Coffee House, and he’s all banged up.”
Irritation makes me bristle. I cross my arms. “Let me get this straight, princess. Your brothers told youIjumpedthem?”
“You broke Trig’s nose.”
I maneuver her out of the rush of students who are running to their classrooms and lower my voice. “Which gave me great satisfaction.”
She growls at me, and I bite back a smile. “I thought you had some sense in you, Beau Walker, but you’re just as bad as they say you are.”
“‘They’ meaning Trig and Cash? Because those two are such upstanding citizens.”
“They never would have started something unless they were provoked.”
“You sure about that, darlin’?” I stare at her beautiful, pissed-off blue eyes.
“Why would they lie?”
Does she not know her brothers are grade-A assholes? “Believe what you want, princess. If you really think I’m the bad guy here, so be it.” Glancing around to make sure no one’s watching, I lower my voice. “But if you wanted to tell me to fuck off, you didn’t need to send your brothers. Message received, darlin’, loud and clear.”
“What? I didn’t?—”
“Sure.” I walk away.
We’re loading up outside when a student runs toward us. “Mr. Walker!” She stops to catch her breath. “Hi, I’m Sabrina. My teacher wants me to interview you, since you saved everyone from the snake, and you helped put out today’s fire. Plus, I heard you adopted all these kittens when you rescued Mrs. Delgado.”
