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

Sweat trickled down Grady’s face and torso as he inched along the roof, sliding in new shingles to replace those that had blow off or been damaged by the blizzards and wind. He peeled off his T-shirt and hung it on one corner of the extension ladder before he hefted another pack of shingles and crossed over the top to work on the far side. He looked down into the yard around the trailer and watched Jamie and Lots for a minute.


Chapter 10