Burning Up My Love Life

She’s planning Twin Waves’ first Valentine’s Day festival, but the grumpy fire chief keeps shutting her down for safety violations.

Dean
I came to investigate complaints about Jo’s Valentine’s Day book club festival. What I found was thirty Bookaholics Anonymous members crammed into a space meant for fifteen, and a hostess who thinks “but it’s for love” excuses basic safety rules. Jo Lennox has paint in her hair, heart-shaped decorations everywhere, and treats fire safety like suggestions. I’ve never seen someone turn safety violations into Valentine’s flirtation—but somehow, she’s got me questioning everything.

Jo
Dean Beckett showed up during my Love Stories and Lattes planning meeting with a clipboard and the romantic spirit of a tax audit. He’s gruff, inflexible, and thinks his precious fire codes matter more than giving Twin Waves, North Carolina the most romantic beachside Valentine’s celebration ever. But he keeps coming back, accidentally suggesting solutions, and almost smiling when I offer him heart-shaped cookies. I am not falling for the fire chief. Probably.