Smolder (Firefighters of Montana Book 1) Read Online Free Page B

men and women who had served under Edwards.
    “I’d like both you and Dodson to take a major role in assessing the rookies,” Sam said. “Let me know if there’s anyone else you think might make a good team leader.”
    Kingston seemed to search the field with his eyes before settling on a dark-haired man leaning up against the hood of a pickup truck on the outer edge of the parking lot. “That guy,” Kingston said, gesturing with his chin. “Ace Clark.”
    As far as Sam could tell, Clark was a bit of a wiseass who seemed the most resentful of Sam’s presence at the station. The guy didn’t appear to take too many things seriously, especially the few assignments Sam had doled out since arriving. The fact that he chose to ignore the mini-boot camp this afternoon spoke volumes to Sam about Clark’s commitment. Or lack thereof.
    Kingston seemed to sense his reticence. “Don’t be so quick to judge. The kid has had a pretty hard life. But he’s more capable than he appears. He’s one of the first guys I’d pick to have my back in a fire.”
    Sam studied Clark, who seemed to be good-naturedly heckling his coworkers as they navigated the course. His gut usually never let him down, but he couldn’t get a good read on the young firefighter.
    “Trust is a two-way street, captain,” Kingston said from beside him. “You may need to give a little to get some back in return. You asked for my opinion and that—along with Clark being a solid asset—is my two cents.”
    The sun dipped lower, warming Sam’s face as the men and women below laughingly made their way toward the station, presumably to shower and head home. He was responsible for the lives of all of the people below him—along with a couple of dozen arriving next month. It was against his nature to leave anything to luck, much less trust. But if he was going to count on Vincent Kingston to jump into a fire, Sam needed to trust Kingston’s judgment, too. All he could do was pray they both weren’t making a mistake.
    “All right,” he said with a nod. “We’ll give Clark a chance. I’ll jump with his team the first time out and see how it goes.”
    “Looks like everyone survived field day without killing each other. I think that calls for some nachos and a cold one,” Kingston said as he got to his feet. “I’m just gonna jump in the shower before heading over to The Drop Zone. Care to join me for a beer? I’m buying.”
    “That depends. It isn’t karaoke night, is it?”
    Kingston shook his head. “Even better; it’s half-price burger night.”
    “In that case, count me in.”
    “I’ll meet you there in half an hour.” Kingston climbed down the metal ladder. The sound of Muttley’s barking grew more excited as he got closer to the ground.
    Sam glanced over toward the forest service station where some of the crew members were already making their way home. As dusk began to settle over the area, Sam’s new home away from home was bathed in pink sunlight that reflected off the many windows circling the second floor of the massive log cabin. A flock of geese landed on the lake with a loud flurry of wings and excited honking.
    This day had been Sam’s best so far since arriving in Montana. Kingston was right; while the morale within the staff hadn’t improved, it hadn’t gotten any worse and that was a win in Sam’s book. Easing his mind even more, Tabitha was safely ensconced at the Whispering Breeze Ranch.
    Sam fixed his gaze across the horizon. Squinting against the sun’s glare on the lake, he could just make out the stone barn where the mare was likely enjoying her dinner. Muttley barked excitedly, making Sam wonder about the little dog, Oreo, and the boy who’d been in the stable this morning. His mind immediately made a beeline to the young boy’s insufferable mother. Wayne Keenan’s daughter might be a world champion rider, but she was a callous, spoiled little rich girl, too.
    She was also sexy as hell.
    Sam hadn’t been able