Brandon Russo can't stand the sight of blood and the current heat wave makes doing almost anything outdoors unpleasant. So when an SUV sideswipes a bicycle right at the gate of the storage facility in Burlington, Vermont, where Brandon works for his aunt, he considers just locking himself in the office and calling 911. But he's rewarded for letting his good nature overcome his squeamishness when the man he rescues from the ditch turns out to be absolutely gorgeous.<br><br>Scott Seay is a photographer on the trail of a legend. A strong lead has brought him to Vermont for the auction of a storage unit whose owner had been obsessed with Champy, the creature rumored to live in the depths of Lake Champlain. When Scott winds up in a ditch outside that very same storage facility, being rescued by a hot, chivalrous man who literally sweeps Scott into his arms ... well, Scott's always believed in fate.

Heat Wave: Burlington

“Oh. My. God.” Scott swallowed hard, wrapped both arms around Brandon’s neck as Brandon’s hold seemed a bit precarious. Scott was, at the same time, both completely mortified and absolutely enchanted. He tucked his face against Brandon’s broad chest to hide his furious blushing.


“Hold still, Cinderella,” Brandon said. He jiggled Scott up into a steadier grip, and then carried him across the parking lot and toward the small office as if Scott weighed no more than a child.


Chapter 4