by Rae, Harloe
“Can I question the same for your blond hair and dark eyes? Unless you use dye.”
I gasp, twirling a loose strand around my finger, holding it out for inspection. “This color is natural, thank you very much. And I’m really leaving now. Sorry again for the bang.”
There goes the remainder of my dignity. I press my lips together to trap more nonsense from spewing out, futile as it might seem. The damage is already wreaking havoc on my pride.
The man’s harsh mask cracks, a slice of amusement twitching his lips. I catch a twinkle in his eyes while that slight humor grows into a crooked grin. My earlier assessment is no longer valid. He isn’t the hardcore, surly sort, other than his resting dick face—also known as RDF, for future reference. It’s almost a relief to see the expression I came across so often in high school and college. Without having to mutter a word, these guys would receive a wide berth from most. That skill is essential in chasing off unwanted attention, for themselves and others.
A dimple dents his cheek as he graces me with a full smile. The oxygen meant for my brain fizzles into a puff of smoke. As if this fella needs more ammunition to reel in the ladies.
“You’re not from here.”
I slap on a grin of my own to cover the undeniable scent of lust wafting off me. “Why is that so obvious?”
“Any lifer could sniff you out in an instant,” he drawls. “We don’t get a lot of visitors in our small section of paradise.”
“No?”
“Not that look like you.”
I almost recoil. “That’s not very gentlemanly. Do you make a habit of being rude to women in the entryway of the supermarket?”
My word vomit erases any progress I managed to make, not that he doesn’t deserve it. But the stranger surprises me with a raspy chuckle.
“Nah, you’re proving to be a special case.”
“Should I be offended?”
“Not in the slightest, darling. I meant that as a compliment. You’re so… shiny.”
I glance down at my outfit, noticing an obvious lack of sparkle. “Like a new toy?”
He scrubs a hand over his mouth, hiding a smirk. “Not sure I’m bold enough to cross that line just yet.”
“I’m not following.”
He smooths a thumb over the bill of his hat. “You have a certain something that we don’t see too often. We usually get truckers, farmers, and the occasional business suit eager to make deals. Crops of ladies looking to let loose pass through every now and then, but that’s fairly rare.”
I drop my gaze, taking a sudden interest in the checkered floor. “Well, all right.”
“So, what brings you to Bam?”
“Bam?”
He motions around us. “The great Bampton Valley.”
I track his gesture, still regaining my footing after receiving the heat of his focus aiming at me. “It definitely has some luster to enjoy.”
“Only some? You wound me, woman.” He clutches his chest, showing off the outline of an impressive pec.
“I take it you’re a lifer?”
“Born and raised.”
“Well.” I offer him an outstretched hand. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Audria.”
His loud whistle turns more than a few heads. “I should’ve known the fancy lady has a name to match. Reeve Colton, at your service.”
I raise a brow at that. “It’s a pleasure.”
A low sound rumbles from the depths of him. “I would hope so after you rammed into me.”
“Oh, please. It was a light tap at worst.”
Reeve rubs his side. “I’ll have a bruise tomorrow, no doubt.”
Is he screwing with me? Do I want him to be? “Aww, big man has an ouchie? Can I get you an ice pack?”
He licks his bottom lip, biting the plump center and sucking it between his teeth. “Couldn’t hurt.”
“I’ll get right on that.” Something he said earlier niggles at the back of my mind. Call me shameless, but I can’t stop my urge to ask. “So, you think I’m fancy?”
His dimple makes a reappearance. “As if you need me to confirm that. But while we’re returning to unanswered questions, what brings you to town?”
“I got hired to teach at the elementary school—just temporarily,” I add.
Reeve’s eyes widen as he shudders. “During the summer? Those poor kids.”
“Well, they offered me a position with their kindergarten readiness program prior to the academic year. I figured why not make a few extra bucks? This way, I get to start my contract early.”
His chuckle is deep and rich. “Kindergarten readiness? That sounds like a fancy term for babysitting.”
I swat his arm. “It’s more than that. Parents take their children’s education very seriously.”
Reeve sniffs, looking like he smells a pile of crap. “Of course, my mistake. You’ll have an absolute blast wrangling a room full of rowdy rascals wanting to play outside.” He acts as though I’m setting myself up for torture.
“It’s only a few hours a day,” I grumble.
“And those will be draining as fuck. I’ll get a stool permanently reserved for you at the Salt Lick, with a cold beer waiting too.”
“Is that a bar?”
“The best—and cheapest—in town. You’ll need a boost after dealing with those young minds on a daily basis.”
I squint at him as the thought of a frosty shandy teases my tastebuds. “Maybe I’ll take you up on that.”
“There’s no maybe about it, darling. But I’ll let you keep that chin tipped high until proven otherwise.”
A zip races down my spine at the term of endearment. I assume he uses it quite often. “Thank you?”
Reeve nods and crosses his arms. I do my best not to stare at his biceps straining the seams that attempt to conceal him. My efforts prove futile when he laughs. “So, what happens after you’ve prepared these delightful tykes for kindergarten?”
“I’ll be teaching second grade.”
“Ah, you’re covering for Hollie.”
“I believe so.”
“She’s still pregnant but ready to pop. Her husband works with me.”
“Small world,” I murmur.
“Very. You’ll get used to it.”
“That’s probably true, since I’m sticking around for a while. I’m taking over Hollie’s class in the fall and winter. Another teacher going on leave needs a sub for spring until summer break starts. That provides me with a full-time gig for the entire school year.”
“And then?”
I shrug. “I’ll move back home most likely. It’s impossible to say what schools will have openings by then. I’m here for now.”
Reeve studies me long enough that the impulse to fidget slithers under my skin. “Where are you from?”
“Minneapolis.”
“That could be a worse hike, considering how far some come from. You won’t have to spend an entire day driving back home for a visit.”
I hum in agreement. “Five hours is plenty.”
“Not much for travel?”
“That depends. On a plane heading for a tropical beach? Absolutely. Taking a road trip alone? Not my favorite.”
“That’s fair, especially when the scenery falls flat and repetitive.” Reeve tacks on a grin.
Is it weird that we’re talking like good friends catching up? In the grocery store, no less, rather than somewhere more private? I barely have to think about the answer before letting the easy flow carry us on. “How about you? Major globe-trotter?”
“Nah, I don’t get out much. Too much relies on me here.”
“Your job?” Or does he have a family? Not that it matters, but there’s no ring on his finger. The shameless side of me refuses to feel guilty for checking.
He bobs his head while I’m busy with my internal debate. “I’m a crops manager at a local farm in conjunction with Prairie Myers.” Reeve says the name like I should recognize it.
All I can manage is a blank stare. �
�Um, cool?”
“Yeah, right.” He grunts and rubs the back of his neck. “Well, they’re one of the largest corn and grain distributors for the Midwest.”
That fires a connection in my brain. I partied with a few agricultural science majors in college. “Oh, wow. That’s really interesting.”
“It’s probably not, but thanks for humoring me.”
“In all honesty, I’m a total novice where farming is concerned. Learning about that stuff is a whole new world for me.”
“If you’re ever curious, just ask.”
Who am I to refuse an opening that wide? “Is it like CornHub?”
His smile wilts faster than a dry husk. “I’m not familiar with that.”
“No? I figured you’d be a pro at sprouting girthy stalks and shucking to completion.”
“Is that supposed to be funny?” His tone suggests my attempt at humor is anything but.
“More like punny,” I mutter.
“Not sure it makes a difference.”
Tough crowd. I’ve officially ruined our flirty exchange by being a dirty bird. I want to blame Vannah for her naughty influence, but this botched joke is all on me.
The effortless stream of our banter fizzles out. Silence clings, allowing what starts as a brief pause to become an awkward lull. Crickets chirp as the stale drought expands. My mind whirls, searching for a solution to salvage this. The last thing I need is a bad name on my first day in town.
Reeve rocks on his heels, staring at some random spot over my shoulder. I get the sinking suspicion he’s less than five seconds away from ending our little chat. Why not just rip off the bandage and say he’s offended? He won’t hurt my feelings. Not all of them, at least.
Bracing for his departure leaves me unprepared for him to ask, “Are you hungry?”
Shock pops my mouth open. Am I broadcasting my famished state somehow? “Uh, maybe a little.”
“Wanna grab a bite with me?” Any evidence of upset vanishes from his features. This guy is going to keep me guessing.
I struggle to adopt a neutral expression with this unexpected twist. I have little doubt my eyes grow wide. To add insult to injury, my stomach rumbles in the next instant. I slap a palm over the rude interruption. “I could eat.”
He smirks and glances at my noisy belly. “That doesn’t sound very convincing.”
“Okay, fine. You caught me. I’m starving, actually.”
Reeve’s gaze pierces mine with a wave of heat fiery enough to melt my clothes. Then he cranks the thermostat up another notch. “Are you a fan of barbecue?”
What the fuck am I doing?
I stare at Audria, certain my leer is approaching creeper status. Something about this woman captivates me. Beyond her fuck-hot curves and snappy wit, an alluring oddity howls at my baser desires. She reminds me of a secret gift I’m eager to unwrap. Getting laid isn’t the worst idea. Would she be down for the suggestion? The attraction seems mutual, if her lingering gaze and jittery body language are reliable indicators. Do I want to risk the complications and guaranteed fallout? I know better than to get involved with an unpredictable bombshell. This chick isn’t dropping by Bam for the weekend. The semi in my jeans can point elsewhere.
Friends only, that I can do. I’ll show Audria a few prime spots around town before returning to my predictable routine. I have no business hitting on this newbie, or inviting her to lunch, but studying that seductive pull outweighs the risk. That’s my excuse for remaining rooted to the floor, compelled to uncover more layers. She’s throwing a wrench in my stable game without even realizing it.
“Does Bampton Valley have a decent barbecue joint?” Audria’s question steers my motivations onto a cleaner track.
“Only the best.” I rub my torso for emphasis. The promise of tender meat slathered in rich sauce further assists in redirecting my hunger.
“It’s like you’re speaking my love language.”
“If that’s the case, I should’ve offered sooner.”
Audria leans a hip against the cart corral. “I’m not gonna lie. I thought you were about to kick me to the curb after that raunchy pun.”
I grunt and pin her with a teasing glare. “Are you fucking with me? That’s the reason I’m willing to share one of my sacred havens with you.”
“Now I really feel like you’re screwing with me.”
“Nope, just the opposite. I don’t mess around when it comes to crop business. You told a corn joke. That’s a serious aphrodisiac to a farming nerd.”
One of her slim eyebrows curves upward. “I have a difficult time believing there’s anything nerdy about you.”
“You haven’t seen me talk to the soil.”
She giggles. “That’s adorable.”
I thrust out an arm. “See? Not macho or sexy. You’re probably turned off by that confession.”
“No way. On my rare baking occasions, I whisper sweet nothings to the dough. It’s tough to admit, but turnabout is fair play. That’s kinda the same, right?”
I tug at the brim of my hat. “You’re just trying to make me feel better.”
Audria tips her chin, sending golden waves cascading over her shoulder. “Does your ego need stroking?”
Is she serious? I cough into my fist. “Not sure I’d ever refuse an offer like that.”
Loud laughter bursts from her. “Oh, your face. I’m just kidding. You appreciate my form of amusement, right?”
“It’s very refreshing,” I admit. Once again, I find myself wondering why her alure impacts me so strongly. My blood pumps hotter the longer she stands in front of me. I squint at her, attempting to peel away the surface layers. That’s not necessary, though. Her expression is open—free and unguarded.
“But for the record, I’m willing to provide confidence boosters if your pride ever takes a hit.” She tucks a lock of glossy hair behind her red-tipped ear.
“That’s very kind of you,” I mutter.
“I figure you’d be willing to return the favor.” The smile she graces me with is more natural than the tomatoes from my mom’s garden.
A reflection from the glass doors winks off a shelf beside me. I drag my focus to the shiny flicker, and our secluded bubble for two bursts with an audible pop. I realize far too late that people are watching us. And why wouldn’t they? We’re putting ourselves on display at the entrance of a very public space.
Every face peeking at us is familiar. All of them are looking for juicy details to share in their gossip circles. By this evening, word of me making moves on the new girl will be whispered in every ear bent to listen. Just what my reputation needs.
There’s no reason for this scene to be drawing such a crowd. This isn’t out of the ordinary—my involvement, at least. The only explanation for their rapt interest is who I’m talking to. It appears I’m not the only one drawn to Audria’s presence.
Plenty of attractive women live in Bampton Valley and the surrounding areas. I’m very well acquainted with most of them, seeing as we were raised in close proximity. Sometimes living in a city of less than three thousand people has pitfalls—not deep enough to make me leave, but the level of excitement can be lackluster. Stumbling upon unique opportunities is rare. When a stranger elbows me while trying to free a grocery cart, it’s safe to assume I perk up and take notice. That has to be what’s hooking me to this chick. And now, all the residents of Bam will have the knowledge of our minor crash.
I might as well give them something to squawk about. I take a purposeful step toward Audria. At this distance, I tower over her much-smaller frame. “We’ve overstayed our welcome.”
She blanches and casts a look behind us. “Loitering?”
“Nothing that serious.” But I immediately reconsider. Depending on whose attention we’ve snagged, the flock could be vicious. “Have you heard of the rumor mill?”
Her pout twists to one side. “Hasn’t everyone?”
“But have you experienced it in a tight-knit community?”
Audria g
ives the buzzing store another cursory glance, her gaze taking on a wary glint. “No.”
“Then I’ll be the first to warn you. Bam has an intense fascination with spreading dirt, especially when it comes to outsiders.”
She shudders. “That sounds worse than high school.”
“Much,” I amend.
“Should I worry about my squeaky-clean image being tarnished?”
I sober at her flippant comment. “Is that a dig at me?”
“How would I know? You’re only the second person I’ve met since arriving three hours ago.”
“Who was the first?” Better yet, why should I care?
“Does it matter? We can agree that I’m the innocent party in this charade.”
“Hardly. The only reason people are gathering is because you paint a very intriguing picture.”
A furrow dents the smooth skin between her brows. “Thank you?”
“You’re welcome. And don’t overreact. This will be old news in a week.”
“If you say so,” Audria mumbles.
“I appreciate that blind trust. Do you need to get groceries before we eat?” When I wave toward the aisles, our audience of curious gawkers scatters. Damn vultures.
Her smile reappears at the mention of lunch. “If you’re about to feed me, shopping can wait.”
“I wasn’t aware that sentence fit in a woman’s vocabulary.”
“Burn,” she hoots. “Priorities vary. Maybe I’m different from those you’re familiar with.”
“Isn’t that the truth,” I utter under my breath.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
But she must have heard me. “I’m not from around here, remember?”
“That doesn’t need repeating. Same goes for stuffing our mouths full of meat. No more delays.” I gesture outside with a sweep of my arm. The motion sensor kicks on, creating an open path for us. “Ladies first.”
Audria takes the lead with extra sway in her step. Keeping my eyes off her ass is a challenge. “Is the restaurant far? I walked here.”
“Nah, just a few blocks.” I point to the general location off Main Street.
She slips on a pair of sunglasses as we leave the awning’s shade. “I can handle that.”