by Rae, Harloe
“You’ll discover everything is real close around these parts.”
“Yeah, the house I’m renting is about two miles that way.” She hitches her thumb toward Oak Lane.
I let loose a whistle. “Nice neighborhood.”
“It’s super cute and conveniently located.” She inhales and licks her lips. “Oh, my yum. Something smells really good.”
The telltale smokey aroma gets stronger as we cross onto Pine Lane. Saliva pools in my mouth, and I’m tempted to wipe away any signs of drool. “You’re in for a treat.”
“I have no clue where you’re taking me, but I already feel the need to thank you.”
“It only gets better. Guaranteed,” I vow. “The Grill Pit, or just the Pit if you want to blend with the locals, is one of the town’s prized staples. Only slightly outranked by our Prairie Myers connection.”
“You have my expectations set pretty damn high.”
“And they’ll still be blown to smithereens.”
A neon sign blinks B-B-Q in bold letters, marking our arrival. As if the overwhelming scent of savory pork isn’t enough. I stride past the entrance but slow my pace when her footsteps falter.
Audria pauses by the front door. “Aren’t we going in?”
“Wild horses couldn’t stop me. They set up a tent round back during the warm months. It has better seating and ambiance.” I motion her toward the alley.
“Fancy,” she coos.
With my palm notched in the dip at her spine, I guide us under the striped canvas suitable for a circus. A mix of picnic benches and long tables monopolizes the area. About half the seats are occupied with satisfied customers. I would consider this a slow afternoon by the Pit’s standards, but the hum of energy is high enough to raise the roof.
Audria’s gaze ping-pongs from floor to ceiling. “Looks like an outdoor festival.”
“We have those, too, mostly in July.”
“More for me to anticipate.”
I nod to an available corner near the middle of the pack. There’s no chance we’ll stay hidden, not that I want us to. Not like it would be any good at this point regardless. “Hope you aren’t a huge fan of personal space during meals. Family seating is popular in these parts.”
“I like being cozy and friendly.”
“Then you’ll fit right in.”
“That has a nice ring to it.” She winks at me.
When she heads toward an empty spot, I steer her to the food line. “We serve ourselves. It’s somewhat of a buffet style. You buy a plate and fill it up. They weigh it at the register. It’s as easy as that.”
Her eyes glaze over in a familiar way. “All I can eat?”
“Absolutely.”
“Sacred haven, indeed. I love meat.” She groans.
My jeans tighten with a bulge of discomfort. I would give just about anything to adjust myself without being obvious. Widening my stance is the best alternative I’ll get. “Then I definitely picked the right place.”
“Couldn’t have chosen better myself. You might end up being my soulmate, farmer.”
Rather than step in that sticky trap, I pivot to safer ground. “Do you need a bib?”
She swivels her head to pin me with a glare. “As in, for a baby?”
I snatch a plastic one off the stack and hold it up. “To cover your white shirt.”
She glances down at her outfit. “Pretty sure I can manage to stay clean.”
“Suit yourself.” Regardless, I shove a pair of bibs and several towelettes into my pocket.
I watch in awe as Audria piles ribs on top of brisket, pulled pork, and roasted chicken. She takes generous portions of each option, humming a sweet sound with every scoop. My dick appreciates the sensual, teasing noise. I tug at the collar of my tee, trying to block out the temptation. All I can see is this woman slathered in—
“Are you okay?” Her sugary voice isn’t the distraction I need.
But I chase off the vision with a grunt. “Right as rain.”
“Then why is your plate still empty?”
I glance down at the evidence of my wishful thinking. “Just choosing carefully.”
Her potent laugh could stop traffic. “What’s to decide? Take it all.”
There’s no arguing with that logic, and I follow her example. “I had no idea you were this hungry. We could’ve skipped all the idle chitchat.”
“Then I wouldn’t have been able to adequately judge your character.”
“The results must be decent if you’re still standing beside me.”
“You’d have to be pretty bad for me to refuse barbecue.”
“I’ll eat, and drink, to that.” I wave off her attempt at paying, handing over enough cash to cover beers plus a generous tip. The Pit is bringing me better fortune than usual.
Audria doesn’t hesitate once we sit down. She digs in with both hands, and I gladly follow suit. Blends of spice and rich flavors coat my tongue as I devour a half-rack. Silent contentment fills the space between us. She’s not a shy eater, and that’s a huge turn on—especially when she nibbles scraps from the bone, sucks off specks of sauce, and licks her fingers clean.
She pauses, a forkful of chicken poised at her lips. “So, where do you live? Nearby?”
I swallow my bite, drowning the remains with a swig of Coors. “Not walking distance, unfortunately. If I ever buy my own place, maybe it’ll be closer to town. I stay in the bunkhouse on my boss’s property. It makes the five o’clock alarm easier to handle.”
She stops chewing. “As in that’s when you wake up in the morning?”
“You get used to it.”
Audria cringes. “I would never. Eight o’clock classes in college were hard enough.”
“But I’m done working by one or two. The rest of the day is mine.”
Her nose wrinkles farther. “That’s still a no-go for me. I hit snooze enough as it is.”
The thought of seeing her before dawn, tending to the fields, sparks an arousing visual—all drowsy and warm from the comforts of her blankets. With a jerk of my head, I extinguish those flares before any can catch fire.
A breezy sigh eases out of her, saving me from filling the silence. “Damn, Reeve. I could get used to this.”
I guzzle a mouthful of the cheap beer, chuckling at the sight of Audria next to me. “You’ve got a little something on your face.”
“No doubt I’m a mess.” She rubs at her mouth and jaw, getting most of the stain.
“You missed a spot.” I mirror the area on my cheek.
Audria only manages to smear more across her otherwise flawless skin. The sloppy action makes me grin. I lean over and wipe her cheek. The hitch in her breath swirls around me like a siren song. She tips her face into my touch, only a slight shift of movement. Her exhale skates across my cheek, and I’m powerless to quiet the rumble rising from my chest. The hard length in my jeans has no hope of deflating soon.
I straighten in my seat, coughing to cover the tension in my gut. “All clean.”
She blushes a rosy hue. “You’re quite the charmer, a real slick shooter.”
“Straight from the hip,” I murmur.
“For the most part,” she jests.
“We’ll see what you think once the rumors spiral.”
“Eh, I prefer going straight to the source.” She glances around, a slow shrug lifting her shoulders. “But you know what? I might end up enjoying living in a small town.”
I scoff. “How could you not?”
“I’m a lot out of my comfort zone.”
My own confession bubbles up from some unknown place deep inside of me. The words wait to escape, but the opportunity is stolen from me.
Shadows in the shape of a gigantic cockblock fall across our table. “Well, look what the corn cobs dragged in.”
I don’t bother turning to confront our intruder. “At least I don’t smell like manure. You’re gonna scare all these nice folks away. Go home and shower.”
“Nice try, but you’
re not getting rid of me that easily.” Gavin plops into the vacant spot across from me. He gives his shirt a deep whiff, pulling away with a grimace. “Even so, that’s no way to greet your best friend.”
“I’m beginning to rethink that title.”
That morning, Gavin Keets was the closest thing I had to a brother. Now? I’m not so sure. His position in my life depends on his motivations for showing up unannounced.
My full stomach gurgles at the potential clusterfuck he could cause. “Shouldn’t you be at the mill?”
He snorts and flicks his wrist in dismissal. “Overtime is overrated. Jenny said you were walking through town with a girl. I had to see it for myself.”
I roll my eyes. “As if this deserves breaking-news status.”
“When the woman in question isn’t from Bam? Hell yes, it is. I couldn’t haul my ass down here fast enough. You brought a date to the Pit.”
Audria chokes beside me.
“It’s not a date. I’m just introducing her to the best Bampton Valley has to offer. There’s no harm or salacious implications in showing her where to find good food.”
Gavin reclines in his seat, getting too comfortable. “Tell that to the masses. You’re going to cause quite a ruckus with this monumental scandal.”
“Don’t start with the dramatics, Keets. We already left Valley Market in an uproar.”
“And I had to find out from my sister.” He jabs a thumb at me while looking at Audria. “Brass balls on this one.”
“I met Audria an hour ago. You’re hardly the last to know, not that there’s anything to share.”
He ignores me, choosing to address the beauty beside me. I don’t blame him. “I can see why my friend is bending his rules for you.”
Up until this point, Audria was quietly spectating on our exchange. Her brown gaze swings from me to Gavin and back again. She narrows her eyes, searing us with her laser focus. “Um, what’s that supposed to mean?”
Gavin smirks at the obvious concern marring her features. “Don’t fret, sweets. Reeve isn’t the type to tolerate relationships of the romantic variety. Physical or platonic—take your pick.”
“You’re such an asshole,” I grumble.
“Don’t be salty. I’m not the playboy in this scenario.”
“Is that really necessary?” I see this going sour fast. All those years I spent defending this punk are in question. They seem like wasted effort if he’s about to toss me under the bus.
Audria shifts on her chair, the creak of metal effectively shutting my mouth. “Should I leave you two alone? This doesn’t really involve me.”
Gavin scoots forward, resting an elbow on the table. “You’re the only reason I made this trip.”
Her eyebrows take an upward leap. “Should I be honored?”
He claps a palm over his mouth, trapping a bark of laughter. “Snark is a valuable trait. I’m Gavin, by the way. Our friend has lost his manners, among other vital faculties.”
“Audria. It’s nice to meet you.” Her words are kind, but her tone is ripe with suspicion.
“I apologize for being a dick. It’s a natural reflex when it comes to Reeve. We’re very close—practically family. The grind gets boring without throwing in a few wrenches.”
“Or punches,” I provide.
“It makes sense.” She still appears wary but makes no move to leave.
“Speaking of besties, where’s your entourage?”
She pouts her bottom lip. “Nowhere near here. I’m on my own.”
“Ah, got it.” He glances at me, reading my expression faster than a flip book. “And this guy happened to swoop in at the optimal moment, rescuing you from eternal loneliness.”
“I actually hit him while trying to get a grocery cart from the corral.”
“Those damn things are sticky,” Gavin sympathizes.
“Then she made a corn joke.”
He holds up a hand. “And the rest was history. That means you’re sunk, and she’s initiated.”
“We’re just friends,” I amend.
“In that case.” He wags his brows at her. “Are you single?”
He’s only asking to fuck with me, and his method is proven. I grind my molars until my jaw spasms.
Audria giggles. “This took an interesting turn.”
“I’m glad you see it that way,” Gavin drawls. His gaze dips before returning to her face. “No bib? Bold move for a rookie.”
She gestures to her top, drawing attention to her generous breasts. “And yet I’m spotless.”
The rumble he emits raises my hackles. “Classy lady.”
“That’s hilarious. Dainty refinement isn’t my specialty.” She huffs. “I grew up with three older brothers. Our family values include chugging beer and belching contests.”
“Now you’re boasting for my benefit, party girl. Where have you been hiding?”
“Minneapolis.” Audria points to the ceiling, as if her home is due north.
Gavin scratches his jaw, adding a nod. “You’re a long way from home.”
“That’s what I said,” she supplies.
“Our little community might not seem like much to a big-city girl such as yourself, but don’t underestimate us—especially when it comes to farming, grub, and hospitality. Give us a chance, and we’ll prove our worth.”
She hums while her eyes burn into mine. “I’ll admit to being a tad hesitant about the small-town situation when I first took the job. But I wouldn’t dare sell anyone short. The company I’ve found so far has proven to be a perk.”
“And you just arrived today.” For some reason, I feel the need to drop that detail. It’s strange that we’ve managed to cover so many topics in a short amount of time. I’m not typically one who people consider talkative. Yet here I am, being overly social.
Audria combs her fingers through some blond strands. “Gah, don’t remind me. Hours of nothing to see but fields and pavement leave a lot to be desired.”
Gavin shrugs. “But once you arrived?”
She takes in our surroundings with a sweeping scan. “Totally worth it.”
He smacks his palms together. “Yes, sweets. That’s what I want to hear.”
I shoot him a glare, not that he notices. It’s real swell Gavin is getting along with Audria, but their camaraderie is almost too easy. Call me jealous, or maybe bitter, and I might fess up to harboring a feeling or two. I’m about to put the kibosh on their gabfest when she does one better.
Audria props her chin on an open hand. “You remind me of my brother. Tyler is a total goofball. I get that same vibe from you.”
Gavin doesn’t bother masking his sulking frown. Such a sore loser. “And there’s the friend zone. I wondered how long it’d take.”
I almost dust off my hands but settle for smirking at her swift execution of any potential chemistry between them. A job very well done, if I say so myself. My friend’s misfortune shouldn’t please me, unless it involves a woman I’m interested in. I contemplate the temptation to call dibs, just to be on the safe side. Real mature. Acting like that will get me axed without hesitation. Not that I want more than this afternoon from her. A harsh grunt sends a jolt through me. I’ll keep lying, and see where that leads me.
Circling the drain, sucker.
Fresh off the rejection wagon, Gavin pins his focus on me. “Where’s your sausage?”
I’m busy guzzling the rest of my Coors when he speaks. It nearly shoots from my nose as the question registers. “Pardon?”
“The wurst, man.” He holds his hands about a foot wide. “What gives? Those massive wieners are your favorite.”
I groan and tuck my chin. “Such a douche.”
“No wonder you’re in a foul mood.” Gavin tugs at the brim of my hat, and I smack his hand away.
Audria swivels in her seat, gaping at the food line. “Wait, there’s sausage? How did I miss that?”
“Usually,” I mutter. “They must’ve run out.”
“No surprise. Everyone
loves a solid weenie. Guess you two will need to get porked elsewhere, which reminds me of an important question.” His eyes shine with the kind of trouble I want no part of. “What’s next on the agenda, fresh meat?”
She glares at him, her middle finger twitching on the table. “Other than getting stuffed with a footlong?”
He sucks in a breath through clenched teeth. “Damn, you’re feisty.”
“Thank you,” Audria singsongs.
“Am I really that much like your brother? You’ve barely given me a chance to prove otherwise.” His lashes fan at her fast enough to cause a gust.
Her gaze twinkles with mirth. “Positive.”
Gavin snaps his fingers. “Such a damn shame. But does that mean you’re cool hanging out with me as a loyal confidant?”
“Or gal pals,” I joke.
She taps her chin. “That could work. I miss my ladies something fierce.”
I curse a blue streak for my friend’s sake. “Hey, bro? Your man card called. It’s in serious jeopardy of expiring.”
Audria’s elbow jams into a soft space between my ribs. I almost double over from the sharp ache. “This is fun. Don’t ruin it for me.”
“He’s gullible enough to let you get away with anything,” I explain.
She flicks her gaze back to Gavin. “What do you suggest we do first?”
“I have so many ways I want to answer that, and none of them are proper.”
“You’re so bad,” she mutters.
Gavin flicks a piece of lint from his shirt. “I’ll apologize in advance, but that doesn’t mean you can dissuade my efforts to change your heart.”
I realize Audria is more than capable of handling herself, but I have a bad habit of running interference. “Don’t listen to him. He’s just trying to push my buttons. But if you take him to get pedicures, I want picture evidence for his scrapbook.”
He grunts and flops back against his chair. “And if the roles were reversed, he’d be doing the same.”
“This is good practice,” she comments.
I wait a beat for her to elaborate. She doesn’t. “For?”
She nudges me again but without the painful punch. “Working with young children.”
“Hey.” Gavin slaps a palm to his chest, taking on an affronted expression. “Are you calling us immature?”
