Saved By the Firefighter

1. Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Ellie

"Alright, class," I say, my hands sweeping through the air, the sunlight from the windows catching on my simple silver bracelet. "Can anyone tell me what makes Cedar Ridge's forests so special?" I beam at my sea of wide-eyed third graders, each one perched on the edge of their pint-sized chairs like little sparrows waiting for a worm, their backpacks and lunchboxes tucked neatly beneath their desks. I love talking about my hometown, with its towering pines and hidden streams. I grew up exploring the parts of it connected to my backyard and it gave me such a love and appreciation for nature.

A bunch of hands shoot up, their little fingers waggling eagerly. I push my glasses back into place and then I point to a little girl with braids, Marcy, who practically vibrates with excitement.

“The trees are old!” she exclaims, bouncing in her seat, little pigtails swaying.

“That's right, Marcy. Some of the trees here are hundreds of years old.” I catch the eager face of little Tommy at the front, with his untamed mop of red hair. "Yes, Tommy?" I pace between the rows of desks, my flats silently tapping against the tile.

"Animals," he states proudly, his chest puffing out slightly, and I smile. Such a broad statement but he's simply adorable with his missing front tooth and earnest expression.

"Uh-huh. What kind of animals?"

He shrugs. "Squirrels?"

"Foxes, dummy," Marcy cuts in.

I put my hands on my hips and give her a frown. "That's not a nice word to use."

Marcy sighs, her shoulders slumping a bit. "Sorry. But the forests have foxes. I see them with my dad."

I turn to Tommy. "You're absolutely right, Tommy. There are squirrels.” I glance at Marcy. “There are also foxes."

Tommy sticks his tongue out at Marcy, his nose scrunching up. These two have been bickering all year and I'm not quite sure what the grudge between them is about. But I need to stay focused on the lesson.

"Just like Marcy and Tommy mentioned," I say, "the old, wise forests around us are a home and a sanctuary for creatures big and small. They've stood the test of time, much like the town of Cedar Ridge. Soon, we'll all be exploring a part of the forest together on our field trip." I walk to the front of the class and face my little audience. "And what do we have to be careful of when we visit the forest on our field trip?"

A chorus of responses erupts. "Fire!" "Bears!" "Falling on rocks!"

I suppress a smile at some of the comments—I love kids because they're so innocent and sweet. Guess that means I just love my role as teacher.

"Well, you're all correct. So when we go on our field trip, it's important to always stay with an adult. I'll be there along with several parents, so we must always know where you are, got it?"

I see a lot of bobbing heads.

"Ms. Carter, do firefighters really live in the forest?" Tommy asks, his hand shooting up.

The question catches me off guard, not because it's wrong to ask, but because it sparks an image of Jake—Jake Wilder, my neighbor and a local wildland firefighter. I picture his guarded smirk, chiseled jawline, and brooding brown eyes. I feel a little guilty because I secretly peeped on him yesterday when he was in the "backyard," which is just a large slab of concrete behind our duplex. It was warm outside so he was shirtless, tending to his plants. I shouldn't have stared, but damn...that man is fine . All bronze muscle with that long black hair. And he's always outside when I leave or get home, like he's keeping an eye on me. It's a little strange but also sweet for such a massive grump.

"That's a great question, Tommy," I say, refocusing. "Firefighters don't actually live in the forest. But when there's a fire, they race there in a big red truck to put it out. Firefighters work hard to protect our forests and homes, which is why safety and teamwork are so important." I pivot, embracing the teachable moment. "Speaking of teamwork, let's put that into practice for our upcoming field trip."

I guide them into making natural history dioramas, encouraging teamwork and creativity. Soon they're buzzing around, their little hands working diligently, demonstrating my kickass teaching skills. They huddle in clusters, their voices a hum as they collaborate on building miniature forests with construction paper and glue sticks. Watching them work together, I feel a lot of pride swelling in my chest. This is what teaching is about—instilling lessons that stretch beyond the classroom walls, fostering a love for learning and cooperation that will serve them well in life.

"Remember, just like firefighters, each of you has an important role to play," I encourage them, my gaze drifting momentarily toward the window. I wonder what Jake is up to since there aren’t currently any wildfires to fight. And I wonder if he'll be outside shirtless again this weekend to give me a small thrill. I smirk to myself, knowing I shouldn't be thinking such things.

Since all of my students are occupied, I return to my desk. Arms crossed, I watch them work. My naughty thoughts drift back to my grumpy, mysterious neighbor. I hardly know anything about Jake beyond his daughter Charlotte and his job. Yet I can't stop thinking about his eyes, his slight smile every time we say hi in passing. The pang in my chest—and other places—when our eyes meet.

But there's a major block between us—my brother, Marcus. Jake is my brother's bestie, so he’s completely off limits. Still, the temptation is undeniable.

The classroom door creaks open and Danielle, my teaching assistant, slips inside. She's a burst of color, everything about her dress and accessories bold and blinding. She glides over to me gracefully, her chestnut bun exceptionally neat and tidy today.

"Looks like they've got it under control," Danielle murmurs, sidling up to me with her clipboard clutched like a shield. "So, about the field trip..."

"Right," I say, straightening. "The reservations are all set at the Deer Creek Campground. Our chaperones all have specific supplies to bring. I've double-checked the route for the hike, and I've arranged for the park rangers to give a short talk on local wildlife." Flipping through my own notes, I feel that familiar surge of satisfaction. Everything is planned down to the minute; there's comfort in the certainty of a well-organized itinerary.

Danielle nods, scribbling something on her clipboard. "And the emergency contacts?"

"Already filed with the office." My mind races through the checklist, mentally ticking off each item. "We're all set."

"Sounds like you've thought of everything, as usual," she says, giving me a smile that feels a little too...knowing.

"Of course," I reply, trying to match her smile even as I sense where this conversation is heading.

Danielle's brown eyes sparkle with mischief and she lowers her voice. "Speaking of emergencies...how's that hot neighbor doing?"

A flush creeps up my neck at the mention of Jake, and I can't help the way my heart does a tiny somersault. "He's...fine, I guess?" I stammer, adjusting my glasses and trying to maintain an air of indifference. "I wouldn't know. He always keeps to himself. You know he doesn’t talk much."

"Uh-huh. I think you know, considering how much you stare at his house all the time. You're always peeking out your window like he's some kind of shirtless weather forecast."

I scoff, but she's right, and I’m regretting how often I tell her about my afterschool activity of being a stalker. I just can't help myself from glancing at Jake's place, hoping to catch any glimpse of him. "Am not!" I say. The denial comes out sharper than I intend, my facade cracking just a bit. I force a laugh to cover the slip. "That would be creepy, Danielle."

Danielle laughs, seeing right through me. "Just admit you like him already. You and I both know you do, so why can’t you just say it?"

My gaze drifts to a crayon drawing pinned to the wall, anything to avoid her too-perceptive eyes. In my head, though, I'm back in my house, stealing glances at Jake outside. That man has no right to look so good while wrestling with potted plants. And it's not just the abs or the way his black hair catches the sunlight—it's the flicker of gentleness that sometimes passes over his face when he thinks no one's looking. It tugs at something deep inside me.

My gaze drifts to the window, where the morning sunlight catches the trees outside. A smile tugs at my lips. As much as I try to bury my thoughts of Jake, they keep resurfacing. My attraction to him is undeniable, despite all the reasons I should ignore it.

"Ellie, you've got that look again," Danielle teases from across the cluttered desk.

"Which look?" I ask, feigning innocence even as my cheeks grow warm.

"The 'Jake Wilder is walking around shirtless in his backyard' look." Her grin widens, and I can't help but chuckle despite the knot forming in my stomach.

"Okay, maybe he's a little distracting," I concede, rolling my eyes for effect. "But it's not just about...well, you know. It's everything he's juggling—being out there fighting fires, protecting our forests, all while raising Charlotte on his own."

"Sounds like someone admires him for more than his abs. And you don't think his daughter could use a maternal figure in her life?"

"First of all, you're thinking way too ahead. And second, I'm sure her mother shares custody. I've just never seen or heard anything about her."

"See?"

I roll my eyes, glancing at my students to make sure no one is raising their hands. Unfortunately, none of them are, which means I'm still stuck in this interrogation.

Danielle leans forward, adding, "You already love kids, and you're amazing with them. Why not consider—"

"No. Do you realize how crazy you sound? I barely know the guy. Look…Jake's just a guy who happens to live next door. And sure, he's a single dad, which is...admirable. But I’m focusing on my life right now, getting settled in town, saving up for a house. And Marcus would flip if he knew I was even thinking—"

"Whoa," she cuts me off, holding up her hands. "No need to get defensive. Marcus isn't here, it's just us girls. Let those walls down."

I smirk but plead the fifth and don't respond. The truth is, Jake Wilder isn't just 'a guy who happens to live next door'. He's a damn solar eclipse. You know you shouldn't stare directly at it, but how can you resist?

"You deserve to be happy." Danielle squeezes my arm. "Don't let fear hold you back. Marcus doesn't control your life."

She's right about both things, but relationships are never that simple and my brother is...overprotective. I'm also content right now just establishing myself again in Cedar Ridge after being gone for so many years. I only just moved back six months ago, so I'm not looking to get into any messy relationships, especially one that would cause my brother to give me disapproving stares whenever I come over for dinner.

Before I can drown anymore from the weight of Danielle’s stare, I decide to remove myself from this conversation. I give Danielle a look that tells her we're done with this subject for now, and then I stand. I make the rounds, looking at everyone's progress on their dioramas, and force thoughts of Jake from my mind for the rest of the day.

There are lines I can't cross, no matter how much I might wish otherwise.