When firefighter Grady Ashcroft adopts his deceased sister’s son, he knows life will change. He never expected to be a dad, but he’ll give young Jamie his best, even if it means a celibate life in a new home. He does not expect to find the man of his dreams in the Colorado village where he takes a new job, either.<br><br>Sullivan Parker wanted to be chief of the Valle Vista fire department when the former chief was forced to leave. Instead, the town council hires a stranger from far away. Despite his resentment, Sully finds himself drawn to the newcomer. He also discovers a need to take Jamie and the spotted pup the former chief left behind under his wing.<br><br>Can the brotherhood of battling dangerous blazes morph into stronger feelings for the two men, or will conflict prevail?

Smoke and Spots

Sandy and Sully jogged in together. For an instant, Grady wondered if they were a couple, but so far he hadn’t heard even a whisper of gossip to that effect. Still, small towns tended to be close-mouthed and protective of their own to outsiders, even while hot tidbits spread fast among the regulars.


“Jamie’s still asleep,” Grady said to Sandy. “I thought about getting him up and bringing him over here, but he should be okay.”


“I’ll watch for him,” she assured him. “I’m sure this is the first place he’ll come if he wakes up and realizes you aren’t there. We’re getting to be pals.”


“I’ll drive,” Sully volunteered. “I know right where this fire’s at; get there faster than trying to tell you where to turn.”


Chapter 5