Fires are blazing across southern Utah, and Aaron Meyers, volunteer firefighter, knows he should be concentrating on the flames. Unfortunately, he's too distracted by former crush, and current New York City fireman, Xander Wescott.<br><br>Xander returns to Utah to help battle the flames threatening his hometown. He remembers Aaron as the gangly kid who used to follow him around, and he's unprepared for just how much he wants to know the man Aaron has become.

Scorched

Xander probably assumed Aaron had followed the older boys around because he was just an obnoxious little brother, and that’s what little brothers did. He hoped Xander assumed that, and didn’t know the truth—Aaron had just been following Xander around. Aaron reached for a bar of soap and began smoothing it over his chest, stealing a quick glance at Xander’s form. He regretted that as soon as his groin began to tighten.


“So, when was the last time you saw Eddie?”


“About four years ago. He made it to New York for my birthday that year.” Xander laughed. “I think I scared him away for good after that little bash.”


Aaron sought his memory, but he didn’t think Eddie ever mentioned what happened at Xander’s party. He and Eddie were never close, and they mostly just exchanged cards and emails around important holidays.


Chapter 3