The Firemen of Waterford TN

Talk about making a bad first impression. The rookie at Waterford's fire station literally hauled me out of my own home, over his shoulder. Was my kitchen on fire? Yes. Did I have it nearly contained? Also yes. And now he's been tasked with making up for his overzealous rescue attempts by showing up to my bakery to grovel daily. And beg for my donuts. Don't get me wrong, the man is built like a redwood, has the personality of a golden retriever, and eyes you could get lost in for days. But I'm not dating. Not after my last serious boyfriend left town without looking back.

Is Patrick O'Connell gorgeous? Unfortunately, yes. Jet-black hair, smoldering eyes, and those muscles I accidentally saw when my friends dragged me to spy on the fireman calendar photo shoot. Is Patrick O'Connell also the bane of my existence? Absolutely. He wrecked my dream years ago, and I'll never forget what he—and his family—took from me. Now the O'Connells want to dump a big-box store right next to my cozy bookshop. Over my dead body.

I've spent most of my life pretending I don't have a thing for the rancher next door. He's my brother's best friend. My best friend's brother. And now—because fate clearly hates me—he's the firefighter I have to work alongside as Waterford's newest fire inspector. Cody Lawson is steady where I'm stubborn, calm where I'm chaos, and way too good at showing up when I'm trying to keep my distance. Especially now, with my family ranch hanging by a thread.