Behind the Scenes: Crafting Tommy & Adrian’s Story

Some characters demand their own story the moment they appear on the page. Others take their time, waiting for the right moment to step forward. Tommy wasn’t originally meant to have a book of his own, but as I wrapped up Playing with Fire, something about his final scene at the rally stuck with me.

We’ve all felt like Tommy at some point—frustrated with life, convinced our efforts don’t matter, tired of trying when it never seems to be enough. When Tommy looked up at the sky in that moment of quiet defeat, I knew I couldn’t leave his story there. I wanted to shake things up for him. Enter Adrian.

I wasn’t sure at first if Adrian was just a glimpse of hope or something more, but after writing their first scene together, I realized the potential was huge. Tommy admired Adrian, saw him as everything he wished he could be. But Adrian’s presence wasn’t just inspiring, it was disruptive. And that’s when I knew... These two needed their own book.

Little Details That Make Them Who They Are

Every character has those small quirks and habits that bring them to life. Tommy and Adrian are no exception.

• Tommy fidgets—with his lighter, a coin, his sleeves. He’s always in motion, like sitting still might give his thoughts too much room to breathe.

• Adrian treats his motorcycle better than people. If someone leans against it, they get a look that could kill. If Tommy does it? Well… he gets away with things other people don’t.

• Tommy talks in circles when he’s nervous. Adrian pretends it’s annoying, but he listens to every word.

• Adrian has a habit of staring— long, unreadable looks that make Tommy’s skin burn. Tommy calls him out on it. Adrian shrugs. What do you want me to do about it?
  

They balance each other in ways neither of them expect. Tommy is loud, Adrian is quiet—but only one of them is truly reckless.

Their Dynamic: A Slow-Burn Waiting to Ignite

From the start, Tommy looks up to Adrian. Adrian is everything Tommy wants to be—strong, confident, untouchable. But admiration shifts into something else, something neither of them is ready for.

Adrian holds back. He always has. But when it comes to Tommy, there’s an uncharacteristic obsession lurking beneath the surface. He watches, protects, and sometimes, when no one’s looking, he lets Tommy see the parts of himself no one else gets to.

Their story leans into:

• Bad boy/good boy – Tommy’s trying to be good; Adrian is the reason he keeps slipping.

• Devotion in disguise – Adrian doesn’t say much, but he does everything for Tommy.

• Reluctant protector – Tommy gets into trouble. Adrian is always there.
  

At the end of the day: Tommy runs his mouth. Adrian runs over anyone who hurts him.

This story is still unfolding, but I can already tell it’s going to be a ride. 🥰💖 Would you want to be caught in the middle of these two? Drop a comment below and let me know what kind of slow-burn tropes you love!