Kindling the Blaze: Firefighter Romance Series, #3

By Leslie Johnson

Francine is at a crossroads, her life hasn’t gone the way she planned. She was supposed to be back in the states after a one year teaching tour in Poland, but her beloved Oma had other ideas.

Now, she’s setting up house in Germany, in the little apartment she loved as a child. She’s met new friends, is planning her next adventure and may be falling for the gorgeous firefighter, Erich Klein.

Francine’s learning to roll with the punches, to enjoy life as it comes her way. She’s grateful for this important lesson, but has it come too late? Will her newfound joy come crashing to the ground?

*Kindling the Flame is a stand-alone novella that intertwines the lives of best friends Cassie and Francine. Although you can read this book on its own, you may enjoy reading Cassie’s adventures first in Fanning the Flames.*

• Language: English
• Publisher: Atrevida Publishing
• Release date: Oct 16, 2016
• ISBN: 9781536522204

Book preview

One

Francine pushed a hand through her chestnut hair and groaned. For the third time she took her belongings out of her bulging suitcase, repacked them in a different order and pushed her whole weight down on the groaning lid. The zipper strained as she dragged it round.

Ha! She gave a triumphant cry as the case finally closed. She pounced on it with her padlock, urgently clicking it into place as if the lid was likely to throw itself open again. She shoved it onto the floor, trying not to think about her baggage allowance as she heard it land, and collapsed onto her bed.

It seems I only just got unpacked, Francine thought. I hardly even know where everything is yet, and her I am packing again! Cassie, the things I do for you…

Maybe she was exaggerating a little, since she’d been in Germany for several months by now. Plus, Francine was well organized to the point of OCD. Within twelve hours of collecting the keys to the apartment, everything was in order and picture-perfect.

She always loved the feeling of sorting things out and making them fall into place—with the exception of her personal life, of course. The messier her emotions were, the more she needed to make sure her home was pristine. Someday, she told herself, I’ll get my life sorted out and this place will be a total mess.

Even as she thought it, Francine knew it wasn’t true. This beautiful one-bed in Badenburg had been left to her by her beloved Oma. There was no way she would ever let it look anything less than impeccable.

She looked around, still unable to believe this was her home—it certainly hadn’t been in her short- or long-term plans. She had left Boston for a one-year teaching assignment in Poland, intending to move back to the states when her term was through. Then Oma died and left her this apartment. Visiting it, then ultimately living here, seemed like the right time to do.

Oma had taught Francine everything she knew about style and presentation. Francine had never seen Oma wear anything that wasn’t tailored, adjusted for the perfect neat fit. Even when old age had forced Oma into residential care, she had shunned the flannel nightdresses worn by her neighbors in favor of silk pajamas and kept her hair in its usual chic chignon.

As a child, Francine had loved and admired her Oma more than anyone else on earth; she visited her as often as she could. She always thought of Oma as the one constant in her life, even as she was bounced from country to country by her parents.

Francine dragged herself off the bed and threw open the window, leaning on the sill to watch the sun set over the mountains, turning the lake gold with its final glowing rays. She inhaled deeply, enjoying the sensation of breathing clean country air. She remembered how much she had loved this view as a child. Never miss an opportunity to watch the sunset, Oma had told her. Treasuring these small pleasures is the key to living well. Francine smiled to herself.

Good night, Oma, she whispered into the cool summer breeze. Thanks for leaving the apartment to me. You know I’ll always love it, just like you did.

Losing Oma had been devastating for Francine. She had been so broken up she nearly dropped out of college. Only the thought of her grandmother scolding her over the waste of an opportunity had kept her on track—that and Cassie, of course. Her old roommate had seen her through all sorts of rough times, but none of them rougher than getting the news of Oma’s stroke.

As the last traces of gold faded from the sky, Francine pulled the slatted shutters closed and seated herself at the dressing table to begin her night time beauty routine, taking a little extra care. A ten-hour flight wasn’t going to do her skin any favors, and she refused to look dried out and flaky-skinned for Cassie’s bachelorette party.

The alarm shrilled in Francine’s ear. Instantly alert, she slapped the button down, grabbed her towel and dived in for a lightning-quick shower. She got out with just enough time for a meticulous blow-dry before her cab arrived.

Setting off in the cab felt a little extravagant after so many years of riding the bus to visit Oma, but it was the only way to get to Munich at this time of day. Besides, she reasoned, this is a special occasion! It’s worth a little reckless spending. It would be good to see Cassie again. Even after nearly a year and a half, Francine still had trouble wrapping her head around the fact that she didn’t live with Cassie any more. Heck, they weren’t even in the same country. But thanks to the wonders of video chat, it still felt like they shared a living room sometimes, and the two had racked up countless hours on Skype, working out every detail of the upcoming wedding.

Francine had just settled into a comfortable reverie, watching the trees flicker past and thinking about her time in Boston, when suddenly the cab shuddered to a halt. She snapped back to reality, alert to the possibility of danger.

What’s happening? she asked the driver.

No idea, he replied, popping open the hood. His accent was thick, but she thought he said, Let me take a look.

Francine glanced nervously at her watch. She had left plenty of contingency time, but they were still in the woods around Badenburg, miles from the airport and hours before the first bus. Even with the extra time she had allowed, this was going to be tight unless the driver could get the cab fixed quickly.

It’s the battery, he called from beneath the hood. I’m sorry, Miss, but I don’t think we’re going anywhere. I’ll call the depot and see if they can get someone else out here to collect you.

She thanked the driver, but as she watched him walking around trying to find reception on his phone, Francine felt sure a replacement taxi would not get there in time. She rooted around in her hand luggage for her notebook, tore out a piece of paper and dug out a Sharpie. MUNICH AIRPORT, she wrote, then got out of the cab and waited by the side of the road, holding up her makeshift sign and hoping for the best.

Looks like it’s my lucky day, Francine thought as a silver Opel Astra pulled up beside her broken down cab. A woman with glossy black hair rolled down the passenger window.

You’re going to Munich Airport? she asked.

I’m trying to, Francine replied. As you see, we had a breakdown.

We can give you a lift, the woman said. As Francine thanked her profusely, a tall, dark-haired man got out of the driver’s side and transferred her case from the cab to the trunk of the Astra. Wow, Francine thought, he is stunning! She watched appreciatively as he lifted her heavy suitcase, the short sleeves of his t-shirt showing off the strong muscles in his arms. Then she glanced back at the woman in the passenger seat. Pity she’s just as attractive. They made a beautiful couple.

Francine wished the cab driver luck with his repairs and climbed gratefully into the back of the silver car, breathing a sigh of relief as it sped off toward Munich.

The woman turned around in her seat to face Francine. I’m Veronika, she smiled, extending her hand, and this is Erich. Francine shook her hand and introduced herself.

You’re lifesavers, she told them. I’m going to Boston for my best friend’s wedding, so if I’d missed my flight, my life wouldn’t have been worth living!

Erich gave a little laugh. I know the feeling, he said, speaking perfect but beautifully accented English. We’re going there to pick up Veronika’s mother. Five minutes late and our lives won’t be worth living!

Erich! Veronika exclaimed, giving him a light, playful slap on the arm. "Mother is not that bad! Besides, you know you can’t do anything wrong as far as she is concerned. It’s only my life that wouldn’t be worth living."

Ah, Francine thought. They’re married, I guess. And they’re cute together. Lucky her… She stole a glance at Erich’s athletic physique, checking out the powerful muscles of his tanned arms. He and Veronika shared the same lustrous dark hair and coloring. If it hadn’t been for the mention of Veronika’s mother, Francine might have taken them for siblings.

Do you live in Badenburg, then? she asked them.

Yes, Veronika responded. We both grew up there. Erich’s never even left.

Veronika, you’re going to give Francine a terrible impression of me, Erich chided, but his eyes were smiling in the rear view mirror. Just because you lived in Hamburg for a few years…

Oh, I’m so sorry, Veronika’s voice was dripping with light-hearted sarcasm. I should show a little more respect—someone has to stay in Baden and protect us all, I suppose.

Protect us? Francine asked. What from? Sounds like you’re a superhero or something.

Not quite, said Erich. Emergency services. Part of a small crew, but you really wouldn’t want to be kept waiting for someone to arrive from Munich if you’re in need of rescue.

I certainly wouldn’t, said Francine. Wow. Much tougher than being a superhero!

By the time they got to International Departures, the three were laughing and sharing funny stories. Erich and Veronika continued their playful banter and Francine, feeling increasingly comfortable with them, was