Page 8 of Naughty & Nice

“Me thinks this Trevor has put you under his spell.”

“Probably because he’s the one guy here she can’t have,” Alden says.

“Who says?” I toss back.

“See. It’s the challenge, isn’t it, Addy?”

“I’m not like that. Not that men don’t play that game all the damn time, and no one calls them on it. He’s just a new pretty face. That’s all,” I say, crossing my arms over my disappointing C cup boobs. “Weren’t y’all heading to the grill? Can you get me some grilled vegetables? I’m going to try and grab a dance partner.”

“Sure, babe. We’ll be right back.” Cece smiles before turning to wrap her arm around Alden’s waist. They’re so lucky. I’m glad they don’t consider me a third wheel. It would suck coming to these functions alone all the time.

Turning toward the makeshift dance floor, I spot Matthew and Dave. As if they’ve read my mind, they head in my direction. Sandwiching me, they begin to awkwardly dance with me as I attempt to get my groove on to the Dr. Dre song Sam has on his playlist.

“So, did you meet Trevor?” Matthew shouts over the rhythmic base of the song.

“Yeah. He’s not very friendly.”

“He’s a nice guy, Addison. He’s just getting used to the place.”

“Well, if he’s this miserable at a party, what the heck is he like at the station?”

“He’s fine. Give him a chance. Maybe you intimidate him?”

“What?”

“Addy, you’re quite a force to be reckoned with.”

I have to admit I come on a little strong. It’s easier to act self-confident and put together than to let others in to see your flaws. Years of practice at overcompensating, I guess.

“But don’t you change a thing,” Dave says from behind me.

“He’s right. Don’t dim your light for any man. Especially a firefighter. We live for that high-intensity shit.”

I can’t help but throw my head back and laugh at the two of them. “Y’all are completely ridiculous.” I spin around to face Dave and immediately catch Trevor’s heated stare over the rim of his red solo cup. He sure is sending a lot of energy in my direction for a cranky-assed newcomer who had no trouble demonstrating his distaste for me.

It’s in that moment, I know. He can’t fight this attraction any more than I can. It might take me a while to break him, but break him, I will.

This isn’t about the challenge, as Alden had said. It’s clear to me I have this hot new firefighter’s attention, regardless of how he’s acted. What I do with it is up to me. This model and pastry decorator may seem superficial on the outside, but I’m bright enough to go after what I want. And whether I like it or not, I want Trevor Laurence.

CHAPTER7

Trevor

“Trevor, hit over there.”Jason points toward the smoldering brush along the highway.

Thank goodness we didn’t overdo it at the party last night. We’ve been on the scene of this brushfire since sun up. Who knows how these start. That’s for the fire marshal to investigate. Given the heat, dry conditions, and the location of this particular fire, it’s likely it could be related to a tossed cigarette. The complete carelessness of one individual can cause so much damage. Luckily, this one was located along the highway, far from residents or farm life.

Containing these can take a long time. The high heat of the blaze continues to feed the arid ground cover, making it difficult to get on top of it. As soon as one area is doused, another pops up several feet away. If only this wind would die down.

“Do you need a break?” I hear Dave’s voice come over the radio.

“No, man. I’m good.” This is a great group of guys. While the town is definitely smaller than I’m accustomed to, they’ve more than made up for it. That crazy party was just what I needed. Well, except for the dirty thoughts of Addison on repeat. Why can’t I stop thinking about this girl?

Watching her dancing between the guys last night had my motor running. I’m not into group kink. It was simply how open and free she appeared. The way she’d throw her head back in laughter, completely at ease with both of them. Hell, Sam didn’t need a generator to keep that party lit. Her radiance could light the night sky.

And the way she moved. There was an effortless seductive quality about the way she moved. Addison seemed to be genuinely enjoying herself, not performing as I felt Ashley often did. Watching the sway of her hips as she placed her hands on their chests while she danced was mesmerizing. Fuck, I had to look away before she gave me a boner.

Standing in this sweltering heat, my insulated turnout gear has created my own personal sauna. My mind keeps drifting to thoughts of her similarly covered in sweat. Except, the only fire she’d be putting out is mine. I lay in bed after the party, unable to get myself off in the bunk room with the guys, hard as a brick, thinking about her beautiful body all spread out for me.

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