Former military pilot Blaine Darby carries a load of guilt and pain from the harm he may have caused in wartime. Now he seeks to earn some good karma by fighting wild land fires while holding on to his great love of flying. But reporters like young Daz Contreras scare him -- one of the few things that do -- because he shuns the public eye.<br><br>Freelance investigative journalist Daz Contreras is convinced terrorists are behind at least some of the wild land fires plaguing New Mexico. All he needs is enough proof to break the story. As he pursues leads, he begins to shadow pilot Blaine Darby and, in the process, develops a gigantic case of hero worship.<br><br>When Daz is allowed to ride with Blaine one time, he hopes the adventure will help him to uncover the proof he seeks. Yet when a near tragedy unexpectedly develops and Blaine puts his life on the line to save a trapped hotshot firefighting crew, Daz realizes he’s an eyewitness to what may be a bigger story than the one he planned. But will the reclusive Blaine actually allow Daz to report the news as he sees fit, even as they grow closer?

Red Tails in the Sunset

Not since Liam had anyone reached him to this depth, and if he were totally honest, even Liam hadn’t done it quite this well…


When Daz drew free and Blaine felt the other man rock back on his heels, he opened his eyes. It was too dark to see, but he could imagine the smirk on the other man’s face.


“Yeah, you do. I have to admit it. You give one damn fine BJ. What else can you do?”


“A lot of stuff,” Daz replied, his tone smug. “Right now, though, we prob’ly need to get some sleep. Think you can relax?”


“I may melt through this bag. Yeah, I can relax. I owe you one.”


Daz laughed. “You owe me a lot more than one. That’s okay because you can bet I’ll collect in time.”


Before he could frame a smartass reply, Blaine felt himself fade into oblivion.


Chapter 16