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Prologue
“Welcome to The Tinder—”
“It’s just us, Joey!” Will interrupted as he walked up to the bar, his fellow firefighters trailing behind. “How’s today been going?”
“Pretty good so far,” the bar owner answered with a shrug of his big shoulders. “How’ve things been down at the station?”
“Not bad.” Will gestured over his shoulder to the newcomer mingling in the group of firefighters. “Have you met Leo yet?”
Joey squinted in their direction. “Don’t think so.”
“Leo!” Will yelled, his voice rising above the jukebox and chatter filling the bar and grill. He waved at his friend to come over as the others walked to their usual tables in the back. “This is Joey, the owner of The Tinderbox, and the best damn bartender you’ll ever meet.”
“Nice to meet you,” Leo said, reaching across the polished bar for a handshake.
“Joey, this is Leo Trask. He’s not only the new guy on our crew, he’s also my best man.”
“Ahhh,” the bartender said with a nod. He wagged his finger at Will. “This is the friend from Colorado you’re always talking about.”
“Yep.” Will pat his best friend on the back. “He gave up that mountain life and moved back to Kansas.”
“First one’s on me, man. Welcome back.” Joey handed Leo a bottle of beer. “How’re you liking it so far?”
“Thanks,” he said, tipping the bottle of beer at the man. “I’m still settling in but so far, it’s great. I grew up in KC and lived here for a bit, so this place feels like home. Colorado is nice but it was becoming too expensive for me to live thereandkeep my toys.”
“Toys?” the barkeep echoed with raised brows.
“His bike,” Will clarified. “He has a custom Harley.”
“Like the ones that come out of Iron Seeds?”
“Yep.” Will nodded. “It’s gorgeous and I’m not even a bike guy.”
“She is a thing of beauty, isn’t she?” Leo sighed. “I’ve put a lot of work into her and I’m not ready to sell. At least, not yet.”
“What does that have to do with moving?” Joey asked, obviously confused once again.
“I hated renting but there was no way I could afford to buy a house unless I sold my bike or truck.” Leo rubbed his jaw. “The housing market is crazy. It’s pricing the normal working folk out of the area and the commute isn’t worth it. Especially when the weather gets bad. I would have had to downsize a lot to find something in my budget, and it wasn’t worth it to me.”
“It’s that expensive?”
“It’s that expensive,” Leo nodded. “When Will mentioned there was an opening here, it seemed too good of an opportunity to let pass by. Not only was the timing right, but I’ve also always loved this town.”
“It’s a good place,” Joey agreed. “Did you bring a wife with you? A girlfriend?”
“No,” he said with a shake of his head as Will leaned forward.
“Winter’s already planning to introduce him to Jazz.”
“Since when?” Leo asked in surprise. “And who’s Jazz?”
“Her old roommate,” his friend answered. “She’s cool, I promise.”
“She’s a gem.” Joey gave Leo a wink. “Everyone loves her.”
“Is she hot?” Leo asked, grabbing a handful of pretzels.
“I don’t know.” Will made a strange face. “She’s Winter’s best friend.”
