by Rae, Harloe
I tug on one of her braids. “Pump the brakes, sweetie. No one is getting married.”
She pins Reeve with a steely glare. “Uncle Ree?”
He holds up a palm, placating the little fireball. “I’m not the boss.”
I pinch his arm. “Don’t put this on me.”
“Too late,” he murmurs from the corner of his mouth.
Jamie grips Gabby’s shoulder and swats at us. “Hurry and make a run for it.”
“And on that note,” he offers me a hand. “Shall we?”
I thread his fingers with mine. “Absolutely.”
Reeve leads me to a side door and down a gravel trail that’s soon enveloped with thick foliage. I’ve never ventured this way before, so the landscape is new. It’s easy to forget how many trees exist in certain parts when I spend so much time surrounded by open fields. Tall oaks and maple trees greet us as we pass, their limbs swaying in the slight breeze.
“It’s such a beautiful night,” I comment while tipping my face to the sky. The weather is reaching that succulent slice between warm and hot. This is the optimal period to bask outdoors without the threat of chill or overheating. A cool gust tickles my back, soothing the sizzle from my balmy skin. I didn’t realize how steamy it was in that building.
“Couldn’t have asked for better,” he agrees.
I glance around in the near darkness. The moon doesn’t reach this strip of land. “Where are you taking me, farmer?”
“It’s a surprise,” he whispers.
I falter to a quick halt, my sandals skidding along the dirt. “Why are you being so quiet? Please tell me there aren’t a bunch of poorly paid teenagers hiding in those bushes.”
He snorts. “And why would I do such a thing?”
“So you can chase them off and play hero. Duh,” I retort.
“That’s actually not a terrible idea.” His contemplative tone raises my hackles with a resounding screech.
I point at him with my no-nonsense teacher authority. “Don’t you dare.”
“Such little faith in your boyfriend.” Reeve presses a kiss to my temple.
“You can take the blame for that.” His periodic suggestions that involve a potentially traumatic activity leave me on edge. I’m certain he does it on purpose, so I won’t get rid of him. He represents safety and all. Cue an internal eye roll. I give the big guy a bone and play along. It keeps our relationship thriving.
Reeve lifts a large branch out of our path and a circular cleaning comes into view. Framing the small section are dozens of glowing candles. A gasp rattles from me at the romantic sight.
I lift a palm to my gaping mouth. “What is this?”
He motions to a blanket and pillows arranged on the grass. “Take a seat.”
I flop down without further instruction, situating the cushions for comfortable reclining. Might as well enjoy a gander at the stars while I’m out here. Due to my gazing upward, I totally miss what Reeve is doing. The strum of guitar strings has me flinging upright with another strangled breath.
“Ready?”
I look from left to right, expecting others to appear. Nothing happens. “Are you asking me?”
He chuckles. “Just listen, yeah?”
I cross my legs in a secure lock. “All ears, farmer.”
The opening bars are unfamiliar, but soothing. He plays several chords before beginning to sing.
Main Street caught a buzz
When a new girl pulled up
With golden hair to match her soul.
She hit me with a cart,
And that’s how our story starts.
Never-ever hasn’t been so sweet.
I didn’t mean to fall,
But will you catch me?
Tall skyscrapers can’t compete
With cornfields and true love.
You might be unsure,
But can I convince you?
This little town is fate,
Like the man you bumped into.
Will you let me be your heart?
The city has your past,
But this lonely man wants your future.
Don’t look back with regret,
Only happiness awaits around the corner.
Leave me loved,
But don’t leave me alone.
Promise you’ll be my city girl gone country by saying yes.
Audria Griffin, will you forever be mine and marry me?
I’m a sobbing mess when his final note rings out. The stream of tears is so thick that I can barely see him lower to one knee. Reeve is a kneeling blur mere feet from me as I stumble forward and tackle him. We collapse in a tangle of limbs and love, rolling until he’s propping himself above me.
He brushes his nose along mine. “Is that a yes, babe?”
“It’s a hell yes, farmer.” I smother every inch of his face with kisses, like a sloppy rainstorm. He chuckles while slipping a stunning solitaire diamond on my ring finger. “I love you so much.”
“Love you more,” he croons.
“We’re gonna get married,” I shout.
“Can’t wait to see you dressed in white.”
I cup his stubbled cheek. “You say the sweetest things. Did you write that song for me?”
“Sure did. Came straight from here.” He pats his chest.
“The greatest decision I ever made was accepting a teaching job in Bampton Valley, Iowa.” I wrap my arms tighter around him, never wanting us to part.
He returns the embrace with a squeeze of his own. “I’m damn glad you did.”
“You’ll always be my forever, farmer.”
Reeve ghosts his lips along my jaw. “Infinity never had meaning until you, babe.”
Those vows are just practice as we get lost in an eternal type of kiss.
**FOR EBOOK ONLY**
Want more of Reeve and Audria? I whipped up two additional scenes that you can read for free. Grab them HERE! (insert link: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/sbw9skcngr)
There’s a short story—I’m Calling Dibs—about one of Audria’s college friends that’s available to read for free HERE! (insert link: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/81mf6x10jz)
Are you looking for more broody, swoony heroes from me? Well, I have plenty to offer!
Enjoy this excerpt from my best-selling standalone, Breaker.
“I want you to take my virginity.”
Grady is silent for a few beats. I peel my lids open, watching the stacks of muscle in his shoulders flex with harsh breaths. The knot in my chest pulls tighter. My offering dangles in the few feet separating us. He just needs to reach out and grab me. But his lips pull into a sneer.
“Are you fucking joking?”
I cringe at his foul language. Grady’s tongue has always been sharp. Even more so lately, especially with me. “No,” I whisper. “I’m very serious.”
“Go home, Sutt. We’re not discussing this.”
“Why?”
A tic of strain pops in his jaw. “Because I say so.”
“Doesn’t it matter what I want?”
“Has it ever?”
The answer is no. A loud, resounding boom meant to deter. But I don’t hear it. I’ve been waiting all of my teenage years for this moment. I’m not letting it slip away.
“Just once. No one has to know.”
His eyes flash with a streak of lightning. “How fucking nice. I can be your shameful secret. No fucking thanks. Find someone else to slum it with.”
I almost smack my forehead. How could I be so dense? “That’s not what I meant, Gray.” This is not going according to plan. I lick my lips and search for a different route. “I want you, and always have. I’ve saved myself for you. My first time is meant to be with you.”
Grady flops onto his bed with a groan. “People accuse me of doing a lot of bad shit, but I’ve never been a thief. I’m not stealing your fucking cherry, Sutton.”
I’m shaking my head before he’s done talking. Heat crawls up my chest and neck, but I’m already buried to
o far. “But I want to do this with you. It has to be you.”
He scrubs a palm over his face. “Don’t do this desperate act. Give yourself to a man who’s deserving.”
“I’m looking at him.” This wall between us needs to crumble. I step out of my soggy flip-flops and instantly feel more at home. If I reach forward, my hand will skim his blankets. It’s been years since I’ve felt the comfort—albeit platonic—of his arms. I curl my toes into the carpet at being this close again.
Grady glares at the ceiling. “Seriously. I shouldn’t have to repeat myself, but I will. Go home, Sutt.”
“Please, Gray.” The two words trickle off my trembling lips.
His scoff echoes around the dark room. “Begging is far beneath you, Sutt. Keep that silver spoon in your mouth.”
That has me clacking my teeth together. “Don’t be an asshole.”
“Then don’t force my hand. Go back to your side of the fence. You don’t belong in these bunks.”
Something dark flips inside of me. “This is my property. I have every right to be here.”
He grunts into a clenched fist. “Don’t need another reminder of who reigns.”
The strength that brought me here is beginning to crack under his pressure. But a lingering spark ignites when I catch him staring at me. Grady rarely looks my way for longer than a casual glance. But the privacy of his bedroom is proving to make a difference. He doesn’t conceal the way his eyes skitter across my exposed skin. There’s unmasked hunger waiting for me there. That gives me a much-needed confidence boost.
It’s not an accident that I’m wearing a daringly low-cut shirt. The hem of my skirt is a few inches too short. Am I acting desperate like he claims? No doubt. Do I care about being the one pursuing this? Not in the slightest. Am I worried about being rejected? More than I care to admit. But that fear doesn’t hinder me.
“Did you know that I’m leaving tomorrow?” I catch a brief glimmer of shock register across Grady’s features. A twitch snags his eyebrow. His throat bobs with a heavy swallow. He rolls his gaze off mine, avoiding the truth. If I hadn’t been standing so close, watching his every move, the reaction would be missed.
“And your point?” It appears he’s choosing to address the wall.
“I’ll be gone. We won’t see each other anymore.” I hold my breath while waiting for more honesty to show.
Grady’s lips tighten. “So, you came for a farewell fuck?”
I wrinkle my nose. “Must you be so crass?”
“Don’t act like this is a new development.” His tone is flat and stiff.
I rub my temples. I’m beginning to see the massive error in my ways. But my heart is stubborn. “I always wanted things to be different between us.”
“Sorry to disappoint.” His tone reveals he’s anything but.
I’m already waist-deep. Why not wade a bit further? “It’s not too late, Gray. I’m here now. This is what I’ve been waiting for.”
“Wait longer. You’re still a fucking kid, Sutt.”
“I’m eighteen. Only two years younger than you.”
He waves off my words. “Age is just a number. You’re sheltered as fuck. Get out and experience the world before shackling yourself to the gutter. Get outta here before Jace finds you missing.”
Rather than retreat, I erase the remaining distance to his bed. “I don’t care about my brother.”
Grady’s snort resembles a bull. “I sure as shit do.”
Of course he does. They might as well be related by blood, not just sentiment. Defeat appears in two large boulders weighing my shoulders down. He won’t budge, no matter how hard I push. A seed of nostalgia plants itself in my mind. I find myself changing tactics as a last-ditch effort. “Tell me a happy something, Gray.”
His chuckle is empty. “Nah, we’re too old for that shit. But nice try. Don’t have any spare joy to share.”
I blink at the unshed tears slowly building momentum. I want to scream at him. Demand that he forgets the pain and anger for one second to see what’s standing right in front of him. But I force the fire down. “Want me to tell you one?”
“Won’t change my mind.”
I glance away to hide my wobbling lip and wet lashes. “Will you at least hold me for a bit? Like you used to during storms?”
“Sutt—”
“Please, Grady. I never ask for anything from you.” I scoot forward until my legs bump the mattress.
With a resigned sigh, he opens his arms. “All right, fine. Five minutes, then you’re going home. C’mere.”
I nod and quickly cuddle into his side. He smells of a hardworking man, that familiar mix of motor oil and fresh hay. I snuggle deeper while inhaling the scent of my dreams. “Remember the first happy something I gave you?”
Grady nods, his chin ghosting across my forehead. He doesn’t protest while I tug us along some pleasant highlights. I fill the chilly silence with sunny chatter. Grady doesn’t add to the conversation, keeping it one-sided. It’s probably for the best. Nothing he shares lately is good.
My five minutes loop several times before I run out of steam. We’re stuck at a fork in the road. Sad as it might be, I find myself turning in the direction that leads away from him. “I’ll miss you, Gray.”
A rumble rises off his chest. “Yeah? Try forgetting me while you’re at it. You’ll be better off.”
I don’t bother responding. With that final blow, a gate slams shut between us. The clang ripples through me, solidifying what I’ve been trying to deny. This is the end of us. But this has always been the story of a girl desperately in love with a boy. Irrevocably and unrequited.
I’m ready to leave these well-worn pages behind.
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How about a hero wrongly accused and seeking redemption? Halder brings all the swoon in Left for Wild!
“All right, tell me what happens next in this grand scheme of yours.”
Paul averts his gaze, and my stomach sinks into a deeper pit. “Well, uh, you need to attend a hearing.”
The initial prickling of wariness eases slightly. “That doesn’t sound so bad.”
He steeples his fingers in front of his lips, hiding the tension building there. “Listen to me before blowing a gasket, okay?”
I let a scoff loose. “You act as if I’m so unreasonable.”
A single brow arches my way. “They’ll expect you to own up to the crimes you’ve been convicted of. Explain to them how you’ve seen the light and are turning over a new leaf. You’re a changed man and all that. The whole reformed criminal speech. I can write it down for you.”
I blink at him while trying to calm the raging thunder in my veins. “You’re asking me to apologize? Grovel?”
His features pinch further. “I’m advising you to take this bargain and get the fuck outta prison.”
It’s hard to argue when he puts it that way. “When?”
“Could be tomorrow or the next day. Definitely before the weekend. The paperwork is already being processed. All you really have to do is show up and keep that temper in check. Mouthing off won’t grant you any favors. But don’t worry, I’ll be there with you.”
A muscle pops in my cheek. “To make sure my muzzle is in place?”
“Just as your counsel. You’re the one claiming to be reasonable.”
“And then what? I just walk free?”
Paul’s laugh is rusty, grit from rare use evident in the harsh tone. “You’ll be assigned a probation officer. They’ll meet with you on a near-constant basis to ensure you’re on a straight road to rehabilitation. There will probably be others hovering nearby on your return to civilization.”
“Like a social worker?” I have no business getting a jolt at the idea, but it comes just the same.
“Potentially. They’re usually a vital part of any supportive recovery team. Are you interested in a certain one?” He grins in a way that clearly states I’m not hiding a damn thing.
There’s no reason to expose myself completely. I give him a limp shrug. “Not necessarily.”
His smile stretches wider. “Do you want me to see if Blakely has availability in her schedule?”
Just her name gets blood pumping south at an alarming rate. “Is that a role she would typically take?”
“For you? Of course. Any decent person who has heard your story wants to lend a helping hand.”
Any heat I’d been feeling fizzles out with a hiss. “I don’t want charity. Especially from her.”
Paul’s chuckle has a bit more girth this round. “Oh, she’ll be more than adequately compensated. Don’t worry.”
“And this wouldn’t be a weird request?” Why I’m even considering this proves how detached from women I’ve become. The possibility of getting another hit off her, however small, is enough to send me straining against my leash.
“I’m not sure about Blakely’s specialty. You can always ask her.”
“Maybe I will.”
His jaw almost drops to the chipped tabletop. “No shit. Does this mean you’re actually going to grow a pair and speak with her?”
A semblance of a twinge tips one side of my lips. “I’ll consider that as one of my options.”
He gestures at my mandated jumpsuit. “I’m sure she’ll appreciate seeing you in a different shade. Normal clothes will do wonders for your complexion.”
“Maybe she’s a fan of orange.”
Paul’s grunt bounces off the concrete walls. “The prison hue isn’t a turn on. No matter what she says.”
Yeah, I’m not fooling anyone with my faux bout of confidence. “I’ll have a better chance at appearing human once my innocence is proven. Speaking of, what’s the latest on those assholes responsible for putting me in here?”
“As of now, there’s nothing new to report.”
“How is that possible? They’re dirtier than any man in this joint.”
His exhale is long-winded, gaining strength to let me down. “The system is complicated. I have no doubt Stefano and his right hands are being watched around the clock. But effectively taking down a complex operation is no easy task.”