First Impressions

Collateral damage to her parents' toxic marriage, Maya Rayes isn't sure she believes in love. Short relationships are safer. She's surprised by a scorching encounter with her best friend's infuriatingly sensible and contained older brother, but they're complete opposites who struggle to find common ground outside the bedroom. There's no way they could turn into something more, no matter how tempting she finds him.

Firefighter Jake Jacobs grew up fast in the wake of his parents' deaths. He doesn't regret putting his life on hold to help his younger sister, but once she graduates from college in a few weeks, he's going to be facing the future on his own. Or so he thought. His one-night stand with Maya is a revelation, and the freedom he finds with her is addictive.

Maya's used to burning bridges, not crossing them, but Jake's never been afraid of running into the flames. When he offers to share his future with her, she'll have to decide if the chance for a lasting love is worth the risk of getting burned.