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

As they slowed at the edge of town, Sully turned to Grady. “I’d say this is something Arch can take care of at the clinic, but if you want to go on down to Boca Ca?on, I’ll take you.”


Grady hesitated a few seconds. “It looks to be a simple break, no protruding bone or major issues. Not much danger of infection. And if Ja—Jim is in shock, it’s mild. Let’s go to the clinic. If Arch sees anything that worries him, he’ll tell me. He’s a good medic.”


Two hours later, Sully followed Grady back out to the truck. Cradled in his dad’s arms, the boy seemed on the verge of sleep, his blond head bright against the black shoulder of Grady’s shirt. The child’s right leg was encased in a denim blue cast from foot to the knee, but no other signs of his misadventure were visible.


Chapter 16