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

The kiss didn’t last nearly long enough. When Xander broke it off, he rested his forehead against Aaron’s, his chest heaving as he struggled for breath.


“I lied,” Xander panted. “I wasn’t a little afraid. I was fucking terrified.”


“Don’t be.” Aaron rested his hand against Xander’s chest. “I want to be with you. I know I’ve always had a crush on you. I had you on the pedestal. But in the past few weeks…I’ve had the chance to realize that I want to be with you, and all that comes with you, not just the…fantasy I had.”


The pounding beneath his palm was proof just how much he wasn’t alone in his fears. That was almost more calming than any declaration Xander had made.


“I’ve got time accrued. I can take it off and come out and help when you’re ready to do the move.” Xander lifted his head, his eyes suddenly bright. Water clung to his long lashes. “We’re clear on you living with me, right? I didn’t imagine that part of this?”


Chapter 33