Nate: Stryker County Fire Dept., #3

By Kali Hart

Ember

I burned a pizza—on purpose—so the fire department would show up.
Guilty.
But I only did it so my best friend could reunite with her man.
I didn't expect his sizzling hot brother to come to my rescue.
He's not impressed with my tactics, but that doesn't stop him from leaving me with a crazy hot kiss that could start its own fire.
But when I learn that Nate is nothing but a playboy, I do everything I can to avoid him.
He's persistent, but I'm not interested in being anyone's fling.

Nate

I've never wanted to settle down.
I like my freedom.
But when I meet Ember on a fire call—one she staged—I'm not so sure anymore.
That kiss in her kitchen started a completely different kind of fire in me, and I can't get her out of my head.
Too bad my reputation proceeds me.
What will it take to make her see that I don't want anyone else—ever again?
Ember is the one for me, and I'll do whatever it takes for her to see I mean it.

Sweet & steamy short story instalove romance with a firefighter hero and younger curvy woman with an HEA. NO cliffhangers. NO cheating.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jackie M. Wallick
• Release date: Jan 3, 2020
• ISBN: 9798223818120

Book preview

1

EMBER

I burned a pizza. On purpose.

But how else do you get the fire department to show up without causing serious property damage? I’m in grad school with student loans up to my eyeballs. The last thing I need is to be sued by our landlord.

But tell that to the sexy firefighter with the scathing glare in my apartment now.

I didn’t do it for me. I did it so my best friend and the dishy firefighter of her dreams had a chance to work through a misunderstanding. They’re destined to be together, but destiny needed a little help in the form of a charcoal-black Digionro.

I’m still mourning the loss of my favorite frozen dinner, but it was well worth the cost. Chase and Leah are in her bedroom now, sorting things out. That leaves me alone in the kitchen with his partner.

What did you say your name was again? He didn’t tell me his name, but I’m desperate to divert his attention away from the crime scene he seems so intent on investigating. Plus, I’m actually curious. I’m not exactly the kind of girl that’ll snag a hot firefighter, but I’d sure like a name to call my fantasies later.

He closes the oven door and stands up. Nate.

Later, I’ll have to deal with cleaning out the mess I created. Leah and I won’t be able to use the oven for days without it stinking up the entire apartment. But I suspect she’ll be too preoccupied to care.

Nate. That’s a good name. Simple. And— I stop myself before I speak any adjectives out loud that might make things awkward. Like hot or yummy.

You sure you didn’t fall asleep? Nate crosses his arms. His broad shoulders fill our dinky kitchen. The fire is out, and a window is open to vent the smoke. He’s not impressed with my tactics. Too bad even a scowl makes him look sexy as hell.

Nope.

Maybe you were watching TV and forgot to set a timer?

I shake my head. At least he’s not asking about the oven temperature. Because no sane person bakes a frozen pizza at five hundred degrees.

Were you in the shower?

I almost say with Leah? But I refrain. Somehow I don’t think that’ll help my cause. Nope.

I don’t understand.

I could lie and tell him I was simply forgetful, but something about the intensity in his gaze warns me lying is a terrible idea. We needed you guys to show up. I nod toward the hallway where Chase and Leah disappeared.

Nate folds his arms across that chest of steel. He’s wearing that heavy jacket, but it’s open. I can see the carved lines of his muscles. There’s an entirely different kind of fire happening low in my belly. You know, you can get in trouble for something like that.

Shit, he’s right.