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

Before they got back to town, Sully had almost dozed off. Grady pulled up in front of the garage. “You’re not on call the rest of the day. Turn your damn radio off.” He issued the order in a harsh, terse tone.


“Whatever you say, boss.” Sensing the genuine concern in the command and too tired to snap back, Sully slid out, struggling to keep his step firm and steady as he walked in front of the fire truck and headed for his Spartan quarters in back of the garage. Yeah, he was feeling kind of rocky, but nothing a few hours of sleep wouldn’t fix. He wasn’t coughing now, wasn’t struggling for breath—at least not much, and wasn’t noting any confusion or abnormal mental processes.


I’m fine, he told himself. Most of the time I crouched down under the heaviest smoke in that damn barn. Fool woman; what in hell was she thinking? But she treasured that particular trophy, the first her horses had brought home. He recalled her shy brags about the win at a recent show.


Chapter 8