“Rushing back inside, I wince at the thought of waking Trevor. He likely just crawled into bed before I woke up. His twenty-four hour shift ended not long ago, and he only lives minutes from the station. Although he hasn’t been asleep long, I have no idea how his night went. Had they gotten many calls?
“Trev?” I whisper in his ear, trying to gently shake his arm to awaken him without causing alarm. “Trev, babe?”
“Hmm?” His hand quickly travels down his torso to give himself a stroke before opening one eye to look up at me. “Need a little vitamin T before work?”
“Trev,” I huff. Good grief. “My car has a flat tire, and I’m already late. Why didn’t you wake me up when you climbed in? You know I’m usually already gone when you get here!”
“I didn’t know if you weren’t feeling well, or got someone to cover for you for a few hours. I didn’t want to wake you just to ask,” he says, sitting up to orient himself before reaching for his pants.
“No, you don’t have to get up. Can I take your truck? You can change the tire later and bring my car to the shop and switch them. Go back to sleep.”
As if on autopilot, he flops back down on the bed. He must have had a long night. He’s not usually one to forego a kiss goodbye, but I don’t have time to worry about that right now. I barely make it two steps before my hand is yanked behind me, and I fall on top of him.
Umph. “What are you doing? Did you miss the part where I said I was late? I should’ve been there hours ago,” I splutter, smacking him on the chest.
“Cool your jets, sassy! One minute for a kiss goodbye isn’t going to make a difference. Now shut your mouth unless you want me to fill it with something!” His words come out with a growl. Suddenly his hand moves to the back of my neck, pulling me forward until his big, beautiful warm lips take mine as his hot tongue pushes inside.
As he pulls away, my senses wrap in a delicious fog. I lie there unable to remember what I was doing mere moments ago. How does this man still have this effect on me? I never imagined I’d find someone who could still make me feel as electric as we did when we first met.
“Uh, Addy?”
“Hmmm?”
“Weren’t you going somewhere?” I feel a chuckle rumble beneath me as he slaps my backside. “I can call Alden at Honey Bunz and ask him to put a closed sign on the shop for a few hours.”
“What? No.” Pushing myself off of this hypnotizing man, I run in search of his keys.
“They’re on the counter.”
“I love you!” “The words trail behind me as I dash to his truck. Starting the ignition, I thank heaven he’s so close to town. I should be there in enough time to at least get the coffee going before the usual seven o’clock crowd arrives. Truth be told, most of my early morning customers are just there for coffee. Alden’s sucks. They stop there for morning baked items before heading my way for coffee and conversation. They talk about their upcoming celebrations and we try to find ways to let my confections make a starring appearance. I’ve likely only missed a few folks by arriving late, but it throws off my baking schedule.
As I put the car in park, I reach for my purse and notice Trevor’s turn out gear. The soot covered insulated jacket and matching pants are strewn across the passenger seat of the truck, his helmet and boots sitting on the floorboard beneath. Running my hand along the rough exterior of the material, my mind drifts to the conversation yesterday about the surprise photoshoot. I can’t help the immense sense of delight that forms in my chest. Picturing my handsome man on the cover of a firefighter calendar for charity causes a toothy grin to spread from ear to ear. Having given up my modeling days, I’m still fully aware of the excitement of such events. I’m proud of him.
And us.
For all of my feelings of possessiveness at the thought of some woman oiling up my guy for the perfect shot, I’m not a jealous person. Even more so with Trevor. If a guy isn’t into me or only interested in the physical, I simply move on. I know I can do better. Hence why I was single for so long until Trevor came to Sycamore. He briefly walked away from our relationship in the early days, but only because of the fear “I could step out on him. A very rational concern given all that his ex, Ashley, put him through. I know beyond the shadow of a doubt, he’d never betray me. And it’s great having a healthy relationship with a partner you love and trust.
As I open the shop and set about getting the coffee brewing and the day’s baked goods prepped for the oven, my thoughts remain on my gorgeous hero. He’s honestly the whole package. Kind, smart, funny, and my exact equal in bed.
Wait… that’s it.
“Hey, cupcake. Your car is all set. You got my keys? I couldn’t find them under the seat.”
“Oh. I must’ve brought them in with me by accident, rushing to get the place up and going this morning. Let me grab them.” Spinning on my heel, I bite the inside of my cheek to prevent from giggling and giving anything away. As I grab his keys, I spot his turnout gear hidden alongside my purse in the back closet.
I return to find one delicious firefighter with his face covered in cream cheese icing. “These are good,” he mumbles around a mouthful of carrot cake cupcake. I can’t help but laugh as I approach. Sliding my hands behind his neck, I pull him down enough so I can lick the cream cheese off of his lips and chin.
Trevor pulls my pelvis against his hips and growls into my ear. “Don’t start something you don’t plan on finishing, cupcake.”
Biting into my lower lip, I stare up at him. “Sorry. You were too tempting.” I pull away as the front door chimes. “I thought you’d still be asleep.”
“Nah. I only needed a short nap. We had an early morning call, but I got a few hours before that.”
The older couple who’ve entered are taking inventory of my glass bakery case, so I decide to share what I’ve been icing in the back.
“Hey, can we do dinner at home tonight?” It’s Thursday, which is poker night with the guys. I’m well aware of this, but wait for a response.
“You’ll be home before I meet the guys?”
