Hot Axe: Axford Brothers, Book 2

Ames has spent sixteen years perfecting the art of hiding his heart. As the owner of Watchfire Restaurant and a dedicated volunteer firefighter, he is a pillar of the community, but his most important role is being the best friend to Robbie, the man he has quietly adored since they were teenagers. There is just one significant problem: Robbie is straight, and he is currently engaged to be married. Watching his soulmate prepare for a life that does not include him is a slow-burn agony that pushes Ames to his emotional limits. Yet, in the high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled world of firefighting, boundaries blur and long-held secrets struggle to stay buried. When the line between friendship and something deeper begins to fray, Ames must decide if the risk of losing his best friend is worth the chance at a love he never thought possible. This story is a poignant, funny, and deeply emotional exploration of longing and the messy reality of loving someone who might be just out of reach. With its perfect blend of angst, heat, and heartfelt connection, this friends-to-lovers journey proves that sometimes the person you were meant to be with has been right beside you all along.