Inflame (Explosive) Read Online Free PDF Page B

alongside Xavier when her mom left town. We’ve been best friends, battle buddies, and brothers ever since, and I’m fortunate and proud to be Lily’s godfather.
    “I thought military men were always on time,” a low whisper sounds from behind me. Turning, I see Ms. Dawson, and I don’t hide the fact that I’m checking her out.
    She’s in a flowery dress, flowing down to her knees. The bare sleeves show off her tan arms, and she crosses them, effectively lifting her breasts in the process. I have to look away before she catches me staring. Instead, I’m drawn to her face. Since her hair is up in a clip, I’m given free rein to study her features. Her green eyes are even bolder than before, and I wonder if she spent extra time this morning on her makeup, knowing she was going to see me.
    Hey, I grew up with sisters. I know way too much about this makeup shit, and I can tell when someone’s gone all out. Lord knows my sister Kalli always did.
    Seeing the freckle on the tip of her nose causes me to grin, and she sucks in her bottom lip when I do. I know I shouldn’t be hot for teacher, but I can’t help it. I totally am.
    “Got caught up in the line of duty, Ms. Dawson. Apologies. Won’t happen again, ma’am,” I say in a Southern drawl, almost wishing I had my beret on so I could tip it at her.
    “I guess I’ll forgive you. Just this once. But next time, you’ll have to see me after school, Sergeant Montgomery,” she responds teasingly, and the sound of her sweet voice does something to me.
    “No, ma’am. I’m more than willing to accept my punishment now. I guess I’ll see you at the end of the day,” I promise and grin when I see a pink flush spread over her face. She quickly walks away from me, moving to the front of the class so she can introduce dad after dad.
    I don’t skip a beat when she introduces me, and my heart warms when Lily grabs my hand, eager to show me off to all her friends. My heart slightly breaks for Xavier, knowing he should be here, but I do my duty and stand in for him whenever I can. All this time spent with Lily has me reevaluating my whole not-wanting-to-settle-down stance, but seeing as how I’m leaving the country in the next few months, I have no room to be thinking that way. I’m just glad he’s going to be home not long after I have to leave Lily. After having helped raise her since she was just a baby, I know I’m going to miss her so damn much. I don’t know how the fuck parents in the Army leave their kids. Lily’s not even mine and I’m already dreading not seeing her a few times a week.
    The kids ooh and aww over my war stories, and I don’t miss the way Ms. Dawson is clinging to every word. I may have made myself sound a little more badass than I actually am, but that’s what these kids like to hear. No one will ever know they’re little white lies, right?
    By the end of the class, I’m reluctant to leave, but Ms. Dawson makes it clear that sharing time is over. Begrudgingly, I give Lily a hug and head out.
    Fortunately, it’s the end of the day and I know school is about to be dismissed. I normally don’t stick around for a woman, but something about her has me waiting. I watch as the bell rings and kids pour out of the school. I spot Lily and she gives me a wave as Anna, her sweet-as-can-be grandmother, picks her up. I wave back then lean against my car to wait. For her.
    When she walks about of the building, I grin as the wind makes the skirt of her dress flow. Loose strands of hair become detached from her clip, and I watch as the wind whips them around her face. She keeps trying to push them back behind her ear, but it’s no use. Too distracted to notice me, she almost walks by without giving me a second—or well, even a first—glance. I whistle and immediately feel like a tool. You know that lame high school jock who rests up against his muscle car, whistling at the cheerleaders? Yeah, that’s me right now, and I inwardly cringe. The damage