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. I'm devoted to three things: my hometown, my bakery, and my friends.

That is, until an opportunity to enter a baking contest catches my eye. And I need a partner. Enter the rookie. Yes, the same one who easily lifted me and slung me over his shoulder. My best friend and business partner, bless her heart, suggests we fake a relationship—just for the sake of the contest. It seems like a simple fix.

Don't worry. It's not like I'm going to fall for him. I'm immune to his charms. Mostly.

Fire and Icing is a sweet, closed-door romcom with kisses that might require a fire extinguisher. This standalone story is the first in the series The Firemen of Waterford, TN.