Naughty and Nice
SYCAMORE MOUNTAIN
Trevor
I came to Sycamore Mountain to start over.
Focus on my career, not little miss sunshine.
The brotherhood of firefighters is the only relationship I want.
Trust me. This tart is the last thing I need.
I’ve been down that road.
Beautiful girl who can have any man she wants.
Well Addie Briggs can focus on someone else.
No sultry siren is worth going through that heartache again,
no matter how naughty I think she could be.
Addison
Of all the men to fall for,
I have to pick a grumpy hero.
He’s the hottest thing I’ve ever laid my eyes on,
throw on his fireman turnout gear and I’d do almost anything he asked.
But this guy is jaded and scarred. He fights me at every turn.
Yet, I can tell there’s a softness under his tough exterior.
I’m going all in. Because I’m not ready to give up on Mr. Nice guy.
Chapter1
Trevor
“Are you sure you have to go, Son?”
“Yeah, Mom. It’s for the best. I need a fresh start.” It’s become crystal clear that’s not possible in this town. Walking over to my favorite person on the planet, I bend encompassing her in a tight embrace. This little lady right here is the only female I can trust. I hate leaving her, but the last few months have been a wake-up call. “It’s not that far. I’ll come back home to visit. And you need to come to Sycamore Mountain and check out the town. I bet you’ll love it so much you’ll want to stay.”
“Oh, I’ve lived in Hanover my whole life. This is no time for an old bird like me to be starting over somewhere new. But I understand, Trev. I know how much she hurt you. Maybe you can find a nice girl there.”
“Yeah. That’s not happening.” I thought I could trust Ashley, and look where that got me. I’ll have my hands full with the new job and getting to know the guys at the station. A quick lay is all I’m interested in. “There won’t be any women in my life for a while.”
“Trevor Joseph Laurence. Do not let one heartless girl steal your future.”
“Mom, it’s okay. My future’s solid. I have the fire department and my IT graduate studies on the side. Plus, moving to a rural town will be an adjustment after living in this bustling city my whole life.” Hanover may be small compared to Washington D.C. or nearby Richmond for that matter, but compared to where I’m going, it’s a thriving metropolis. “Hell, there might not be any girls my age in Sycamore Mountain. Just blue-haired knitting circles and a couple of old coots who spend their days whittling in rocking chairs.”
A half-hearted chuckle escapes her lips as she moves about the kitchen, returning dishes to a cabinet from their perch on the drying rack. This isn’t new behavior for my mother, scurrying about, trying to stay focused on mundane household tasks so she doesn’t drown in a tidal wave of emotion. “Don’t be silly.” She moves to stand in front of me. “I’m sure there are plenty of nice girls there. And once they get a look at you…” Grabbing my cheeks, she squeezes them between her fingers as if I’m still five. “Well, they’re going to be drawn to you like a moth to a flame.”
Remind me to buy a fly swatter.
