Page 46 of Burning Skies
I nod. “Will do.”
The guys working this shift deal directly with the fire, while the rest of us help evacuate. After the front of the school empties out, I make my way down the center hallway where the fire hose leads. Black smoke billows out of the teachers’ lounge.
Several firefighters walk out, including Coop, who heads over to me. “Looks like someone left bacon in the microwave and forgot about it. Not sure if there was more to it, since it exploded.”
“Lot of accidents around here lately.” I step around my co-workers as they wrap up their gear. “Great job, guys.”
As I walk into the teachers’ lounge, I scan the room. It’s drenched with water, and the microwave is scorched. That’s not unexpected.
But in front of the microwave, there are odd burn marks. Except they’re hard to see with all the water. I snap a few photos with my phone and make a note to suggest following up with more pics once the water dries.
Then I go looking for Honey.
Because I won’t be able to sleep tonight if I don’t check on her first.
She might’ve said she didn’t want to interact, but since I’m here, I’m gonna consider it common courtesy to check on Baylee’s bridesmaid. That’s reasonable, right?
I poke my head into her office. Honey’s sitting on the table with a pack of ice on her ankle. “What happened? Are you hurt?” I ask.
Her co-worker Trish, the one with the crazy eyes, runs over to me. “She was using a ladder to put up a decoration. When the alarm went off, everyone went nuts.”
“Let me guess. Someone bumped into her ladder.” Kneeling down in front of Honey, I gently grab her ankle. “Hey, princess. You okay?”
Avoiding eye contact, she shrugs. “Nothing a little ice can’t cure.”
That’s when I take stock of what she’s wearing. A form-fitting pink cocktail dress with tiny little straps. Sexy-as-fuck heels. And butterfly wings. Fucking adorable. “Can I take a look? Make sure nothing’s broken?”
Trish, who’s wearing a witch costume, complete with a hairy mole, tuts. “She’s fine. Probably just a sprain.”
“Did the kids get out okay?” Honey asks softly. “I saw Paige and her family earlier.”
“Everyone was evacuated.” I give her a look. “Except you and your friend here.”
Trish gathers her belongings. “I told her we were going to get in trouble.”
Honey bites the inside of her cheek. “It’s my fault. It hurt to walk.”
Trish heads for the exit. “I’m going to let the principal know I evacuated you to a safe zone and see if she needs help taking down decorations.”
Glad to finally be alone, I unstrap Honey’s heel and look down at her dainty little foot. There’s a healthy bruise blooming on her ankle. I gently rotate it one way, then another, stopping when she winces. “I don’t think anything is broken, but you should stay off your feet tonight and ice this.”
“I will. Thanks.” She pulls her leg back and slips off her other shoe. “Can’t walk with just one of these on.”
“How are you planning to get home?”
“I’m going to walk. It’s not far.” She gathers her purse and wobbles to the door, but I can tell she’s in pain.
I should stay away. This woman is likely going to marry that suit and pop out little rich babies. But I can’t stand seeing her in pain.
“I got you, princess.” I reach down and pick her up in a bridal carry. If Rhett could see me now, his eyes would pop out of his head.
“What are you doing?” she asks as she grabs hold of my shoulder.
“What does it look like? I’m carrying you home.” Because that’s what an honorable man does.
18
HONEY
