“Admit it. He’s great with Greyson and, as a bonus, is super cute.”
Morgan cut her eyes toward her friend and frowned. “His being cute has nothing to do with anything.”
Suzie laughed. “Sure, it doesn’t. A cute firefighter is talking to your kid and promoting a charity contest that’s raising money to buy Christmas toys for needy kids. What’s to like about that?”
Knowing that no matter what she said Suzie wouldn’t let up, Morgan sighed. “Yes, Greyson seems to like him very much.” She didn’t bother saying whether or not she agreed. Suzie would draw her own conclusions.
Suzie’s hands clapped together softly. “So, you’re going to talk to him?”
“What would be the point? You know Greyson and I are still struggling to find our way. We’ve got enough going on without throwing in a good-looking firefighter.” It was good seeing the animated way Greyson chatted with him, though. Which must be why her heart still raced.
An adrenaline junkie firefighter. That alone should turn her off completely. You’d think I would’ve learned my lesson.
“Besides,” Morgan continued. “You’ve already said he’s a confirmed bachelor, and I’m not interested in dating, either, so what would be the point?” In all these months since being thrust back into single life, dating hadn’t entered her mind until today. She hadn’t been prepared for someone waking her insides. “That’s why I don’t plan to talk to him.”
She’d never let another adrenaline junkie get close to her. Not ever.
“If you say so.” Suzie didn’t sound convinced. “But you may not have a choice.”
“What do you mean? Of course, I have a choice. There’s no rule that says I have to date again.”
Suzie laughed. “I meant about talking to him. Because, don’t look now, but your son has a firefighter by the hand and is bringing you a six-foot Christmas present worth writing Santa a thank you note for.”
Chapter Two
Morgan had just enough time to frown before Greyson and Andrew reached her and Suzie. Greyson really did have the man’s hand. His eyes were bright and full of excitement.
“Mrs. Winters, may I have permission to be an assistant firefighter?”
Suzie and Morgan stared at him in confusion.
“What my buddy here is asking is if he can help me while I talk to the kids about the fire engine,” Andrew clarified, his eyes sparkling and not leaving Morgan’s.
Why was he looking at her that way—as if he knew something she didn’t and found it amusing? Had Greyson mentioned something embarrassing about her?
“Can I please, Mrs. Winters?” Greyson looked up at his teacher with such hope.
Suzie sent Morgan a questioning glance. Greyson turned his pleading eyes onto her. “Please, Mom. I’ll be good and super careful. I promise.”
How could she say no to such an innocent request when it obviously meant so much to her son?
“That’s fine, Greyson, so long as Mrs. Winters doesn’t mind.”
Suzie gave her a look of approval, then smiled at Greyson. “I appreciate you being willing to assist our visitor, Greyson. Thank you for always being such a great helper.” She turned to Andrew. “Should we wait for Santa and Firefighter Ben to come back from Miss Hilton’s classroom? Or should I line the class up to go outside and look at the truck right now?”
Rocking back on his heels, Andrew nodded. “Since we’re finished here, why not go now? It’ll give the kids more time to see the truck and ask questions.”
“Greyson, please get your coat, then go stand by the door,” Suzie said. “I’ll get the rest of the class bundled up and lined up behind you.”
Greyson nodded, then took off toward his cubby to grab his coat. Suzie walked to the front of the classroom and called her students to attention, leaving Morgan alone with Andrew. He’d been squatted down with the kids earlier. Standing fully upright, he seemed larger than life. Then again, most people seemed tall next to her.
“I’m Andrew, by the way.” He grinned at her, again.
Reminding herself that she wasn’t interested and could walk away at any time, Morgan nodded.
His eyes danced with merriment. “I missed where you gave me your name.”
Breathe in. Breathe out. Stay calm.
