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

Brandon grabbed a handful of Scott’s hair, the locks fine and straight and just a little bit tangled from sleep, and yanked him even closer. Scott was shirtless, his smooth skin radiated heat, smelled of cheap hotel body wash and deodorant. Brandon groaned against Scott’s lips, pulled back just long enough to peel his own shirt off. He kissed that silken skin everywhere he could reach, hands roaming as freely as his lips.


Scott tugged at the sides of Brandon’s shirt, sliding his hands up under, fingers exploring the planes of Brandon’s back. He slid one finger around the waistband of Brandon’s pants, a ticklish, feather-light caress.


Chapter 10