Leave Him Loved_Harloe Rae

by Rae, Harloe

  “Yes!” He holds up his hand for a high five. “That’s what I’m talking about. This is why we’re meant to be buddies.”

  I clap our palms together. “Absolutely. I couldn’t agree more.”

  “To answer your question, we’re just chillaxing after five full weekdays of farming festivities. The excitement never quits.”

  Do I secretly check over his shoulder for a certain someone? Maybe. But no one else needs to be aware of that minor detail. I give myself an internal scolding, focusing on the two within earshot. “Well, you know what’s better than five?”

  “Seven, seven, SEVEN!” Gavin moans the last one, catching several scandalized stares.

  Bea folds over, giggling so hard that her body trembles. “Nicely executed, Crap Bag.”

  He smirks at her. “Does that make you Princess Consuela Banana Hammock?”

  That kicks off an epic exchange of our favorite lines. We take turns sharing the best moments until my stomach muscles ache from laughing. Tears blur my vision as our surroundings morph into a cloud of amusement. The apples of my cheeks are sore, but that doesn’t stop me. The stress of today and this week melts away with each blurted favorite. I’m still caught in a Friends quote battle when Reeve appears in my periphery.

  The volume of my grin sobers slightly at the sight of him. This expression is more demure—flirty and automatic. I catch myself almost immediately, wiping the dopey grin off my face. The swarm of flutters in my belly, on the other hand, are more difficult to tame.

  “Ah, I can’t compete with that.” Gavin chuckles beside me.

  I blink out of my Reeve stupor. “Huh?”

  “You’ve got that look. I get it. He’s totally dreamy.”

  I scoff and shove his chest. “We’re just friends, if that.”

  He suddenly sniffs the air. “Do you smell smoke?”

  I inhale a deep breath. Nothing but pungent musk and fried food greets me. “No?”

  Gavin’s nostrils flare with an audible intake. “Really? Something’s gotta be on fire.”

  “I think you’re the one smoking something,” I mutter.

  “Oh, you know what? It’s probably just your blazing loins.”

  “Dammit,” I spit. In my defense, I was distracted and didn’t catch the reference. “Well played, Joey.”

  “Don’t be too sour. You’re a worthy opponent, and totally smitten.”

  “I’m not vying for his attention,” I protest.

  Gavin grunts. “For now, maybe. Reeve will charm your shorts off, whether he means to or not. It’s a natural talent.”

  A curl attacks my upper lip. “I’m in a long line of tally marks, then? How lovely.”

  “Don’t be jelly, sweets. It’s not like he gives any of them that.” He motions toward the man in mention.

  I follow his line of sight, not that it’s necessary. What I find has me nearly swallowing my tongue. Reeve bores holes into me, incinerating my pitiful defenses. His beast-mode RDF scares off anyone who might dare to interrupt his trajectory. A fevered burn scorches along my skin, leaving me helpless against the onslaught. I shiver despite the overwhelming heat blanketing me. That look peels away my layers, exposing me for the taking. I’m fully clothed, but I might as well be buck naked.

  “Oh,” I mumble.

  “Precisely, sweets.” Gavin turns his gaze on my coworker, shooting her a wink. “Bea-Bea, let me buy you a round of something delicious.”

  She titters under his playful affections, harmless as they might be. Before she wanders off, Bea gives me a grin and nods at Reeve. “He’s a good one. Solid choice.”

  I gape at her for a second while my mind goes blank. “Uh, okay?”

  “Enjoy all that,” she encourages. He gets her stamp of approval, apparently.

  Before I can respond, Bea flounces after Gavin with a skip in her gait, not that I truly notice. My sole focus narrows in on Reeve the instant she’s gone. His smolder should be trademarked because it would be a cheap knockoff from anyone else. I will come-hither all day if he keeps up the molten stare.

  Reeve teases the edge of my personal space, dipping down until his woodsy cologne assaults me. “Have you been avoiding me?”

  Audria’s brown eyes spark with the same fiery longing that’s churning in my own gut. She blinks, her dark lashes fluttering over her cheeks, and draws in a shuddering breath. Does she need a moment to compose herself? We might have that in common as well. It took me a solid ten minutes of wrestling with my desire before I regained some semblance of control. She wouldn’t appreciate me mauling her on sight. My social graces aren’t that far gone.

  When her gaze locks on me again, most of the pooling lust has cleared, but she still doesn’t answer me.

  “So, have you?” I repeat.

  Her brow furrows. “Why would I be avoiding you?”

  “Good question, which is why I asked.”

  “Okay,” Audria drags the single word out. “The answer is no.”

  “Sure about that?” I swipe a palm over my mouth to hide a grin. Messing with her is too entertaining.

  She huffs, sending a few blond wisps off her forehead. “Is there a reason I should be?”

  I shove a fist in my pocket. “Probably, but not one I’m going to divulge. I just haven’t seen you out and about. Are you afraid to hurt another innocent stranger with a grocery cart?”

  “Ha, very funny.” She pops out a hip, her sass shining brighter than the stage lamps. “I’ve been busy doing… other stuff.”

  My mind propels straight south into the gutter. I raise an eyebrow. “Is that so?”

  Even under the harsh glare of artificial lighting, I catch the flush racing up her slender throat. “Ugh, okay. That came out sounding way more inappropriate than I intended. Don’t pervert my meaning.”

  A dry chuckle escapes me. “Pervert? That’s a little extreme. I didn’t say anything.”

  Audria nibbles her bottom lip. “You didn’t have to. I could tell you were thinking it.”

  “Let a man dream, yeah?”

  “Sure, let the fantasies loose. But in reality, I’ve been doing new-to-the-neighborhood responsibilities—settling into my house and job, trying not to miss home by binging Netflix and eating greasy pizza. I walk around the park that’s conveniently located just beyond my yard. You know, very tame and totally typical tasks. Nothing sordid or dirty.”

  “Well, damn.” I snap my fingers.

  Another glint flickers across her brilliant features. Damn, she’s beautiful. The distance of a week hasn’t made that less obvious. My fingers itch to comb through her golden hair and grip at the roots as I slam our lips together in a kiss hot enough to torch all decent resolve to resist.

  Though the reunion wasn’t planned, crossing paths with Audria again isn’t a hardship. I’d been kicking back on a stool, minding my own business, when Gavin took off like a damn hound with a fresh scent. Of course I had to follow. Hanging on the outskirts while he entertained her with his usual shenanigans was cruel torture. Her laugh pierced the noise with the most intoxicating siren song. Every urge I possess begged me to prowl forward, taking what my entire being yearns for. Watching only delayed the inevitable, and I’ve never claimed to be patient.

  And now I’m facing my ultimate temptation—in the flesh. Even if I promise to maintain my boundaries, treating myself to a few glances and conversations isn’t breaking any rules.

  I clear my throat and gesture to a narrow gap at the bar. “What do you like to drink?”

  She gives a slight bob of her shoulders. “I’m not picky.”

  “But if you could choose?”

  “Summer Shandy,” she relents.

  “Leinenkugel’s?”

  “Yep.”

  I knock on the glossy wood under my fist. “Hey, Buck! Do you have any Summer Shandy?”

  The burly owner of this fine establishment ambles over to us. His bushy mustache twitches as he frowns. “Is that the fruity shit from Wisconsin?”

  I no
d when he looks to me for confirmation. “Guess so.”

  The grunt he shoots at me reveals his true opinion. “Not sure why you want that crap. Nothing but fizzy lemon water. Some of the girls kept pestering me about having more variety. I stocked the cooler with a few froufrou choices, and they like that brand enough to quit harping on me. There should be a case on the patio. Cheryl can get you sorted.”

  “Shall we?” I turn to Audria while blindly pointing in that general direction.

  She steps in front of me as we begin moving toward the open doors. “Oooh, yes. That’s where Bea was taking me when Gavin intercepted us. Speaking of, do those two have history?”

  I almost laugh at the absurdity until noticing the genuine curiosity on her face. “Not that I’m aware of.”

  Her body bows naturally into mine as we pass a stationary group of heavy boozers. “Really? They seem to have a vibe. A lot of underlying tension, if you catch my drift.”

  “I doubt there’s more going on than what you see on the surface. My friend is quite resistant to dating but hides it well. His heart has been ripped to shreds on several occasions. Last I heard, he isn’t searching for a repeat performance.” What I don’t admit is that all Gavin’s aloof behavior is just a disguise. An ache spears my chest just recalling his last failure at coupledom. I would be surprised if he ever tries again.

  Audria hums, gearing up to speak, but she must change her mind before anything slips out. She remains quiet for a moment, and I don’t press her. Her leg brushes mine as she slows to walk beside me. “That’s really sad. I hope he finds the right woman to heal his broken soul.”

  “That’d be nice.” But I’m not counting on it.

  A blast of direct sun stabs at my eyeballs as we exit the building. I tug my hat lower and direct Audria to a small stand in the corner. After ordering a set of beers, we find a spot in the shade where the traffic isn’t as thick. She tips the bottle to her lips, taking several swallows. A low groan follows shortly after, nearly eliciting one from me. She’s too damn tantalizing.

  “Good?” I guzzle some Coors to relieve the gravely scratch along my tongue.

  “It really hits the spot.” She releases another seductive moan.

  Audria’s sounds divert a concerning amount of blood from my brain. I widen my stance, attempting to hide the evidence hardening behind my zipper. When I glance back at her, the oxygen meant for my lungs rushes out in a hiss. A bit of foam clings to the curve of her upper lip. It reminds me of the barbecue sauce incident, which doesn’t ease the situation in my jeans.

  “You have a little something.” I swipe at the same area on my face.

  “Again? I’m not usually this sloppy. I promise.” She gets the droplet off with one try.

  Thank the Lord above for small miracles. I’m not sure I could handle another dose of juicy bait without giving in. My resolve is frayed enough.

  “Did I get it?” Her velvet tone knocks me from the haze.

  “You’re golden.” I give a single jerk of my head, clearing the remaining thoughts that lead nowhere good.

  Audria digs the toe of her sandal into the gravel beneath our feet. “So, fancy chance catching you at this joint.”

  “It’s not such a huge coincidence.” Does she remember my recommendation?

  The grin she gives me suggests so. “I’m beginning to realize that.”

  “How goes the rug rat wrangling?”

  She sips her beer. “Stellar, thanks for asking. I survived my initial test run with minimal injuries. The kids seem eager to learn, I think. How’s CornHub?”

  I scratch the stubble along my jaw, laughing at her pun. I might need to get shirts made just for shits. “Thriving, as always. It’s more maintenance right now. The hours can get a bit boring checking irrigation and plowing fields.”

  “You can always sow some wild oats for added excitement. I bet mixing beets and meat could make for a titillating evening.”

  That almost gets a full knee-slap out of me. I settle for a sharp hoot of amusement. “Certainly can. The filthy implications are endless.”

  “I’ll up my game. More research is needed,” she states with confidence, squaring her form.

  “I look forward to it. Are you adjusting to Bam all right?”

  Audria teeters her hand back and forth. “Somewhat. Better than expected. I have plenty of ropes left to climb and hidden passages to discover.”

  “I’m more than willing to assist,” I offer.

  She quirks a slim brow. “Is that why I’ve seen so much of you?”

  “Have you sought me out?” The retort slips out without hesitation.

  “I don’t have the foggiest clue where to look.”

  “Hunting season doesn’t kick off until fall, but you can get an early lead. It allows the mystery to thrive.”

  “That’s not really my style,” she muses.

  “Do you prefer getting chased? Or playing hard to get?”

  “Or just impossible to tame.” Her voice takes on a seductive purr.

  Fuck, she’s addictive. This woman is better than the fresh scent of alfalfa after a rainstorm. But this thrilling banter only further proves why we can’t cross that fatal line. Will she agree? Only one way to find out.

  I chug a mouthful of Coors, liquid courage and all that shit. “Should we address the obvious?”

  Audria sends me a blank stare, making regret squeeze my windpipe. Maybe this isn’t such a smooth move. She swirls the remaining contents of her shandy and nods. “Um, sure. Go for it.”

  “We share a mutual attraction,” I start.

  “Oh.” She giggles. “That’s not what I was anticipating. So bold to admit.”

  I lean an elbow against the fence beside me. “Is it? I’m drawn to you—that’s no secret. After five measly minutes in the supermarket, I could feel the pull. But we shouldn’t act on it.”

  “And why is that?”

  I hear no evidence of upset in her tone. Just honest interest, as if what I’m about to say will be worth engaging in. “This is just to avoid future complication—small town and all.”

  “Very,” she deadpans.

  “I’m not trying to be a dick,” I offer.

  “By all means, go on.” She makes a rolling motion to prod me.

  After pulling in a lungful of hot air, I let the explanation spill in a reckless cascade. “I can think of nothing better than ditching this place and losing myself in your body until the sun rises. But it would hold no real significance, just hours of fucking. It would end there in a fleeting rush of nothing beyond basic need. In the morning, we’d be done and go our separate ways. I can’t offer any commitment. You deserve better than a shallow relationship based off sex.”

  Beer dribbles out of her pinched lips. She wipes away the spewed excess. Maybe I should’ve waited until she finished drinking. Audria snorts and glares at me. “You say that as if I’d accept those terms to begin with.”

  “Well, right. You wouldn’t, and definitely shouldn’t. I’m trying to be decent by suggesting we don’t take things further than just…friends.” The urge to redact that word is instant once I release it into the wild. I don’t make a habit of blocking my own cock. The damn thing is five seconds away from staging a formal protest. Pure physical relief could be within reach, and I’m tossing the chance away. A shudder almost ripples through my limbs.

  No, dammit. This is the best outcome… for both of us.

  “Uh, okay.” That’s all she gives me. She doesn’t argue or put up a fight. Did I want her to? A weight settles in my gut as a balloon of tension expands between us.

  I peel at the label on my bottle. “Am I setting myself up for failure by trying to build walls and shutting down our potential?”

  Audria cringes. “Arrogant much?”

  “No, you’re just too much. Period.”

  Her eyes roll to the trees above us. “How will this become problematic?”

  “I might not be able to resist.”

  She releases
another sound of disbelief. “Well, lucky for you, my willpower is ironclad. I think we can manage to be friendly without any added benefits. The no-strings agreements never pan out.”

  I bob my head as she talks. “Right, that tends to complicate things.”

  “As you’ve already mentioned,” she drawls. Her tone has taken on a defensive whip.

  I wince. “Don’t you agree?”

  She exhales hard enough that her lips buzz. “Impossible to argue with the best of intentions. Emotions are messy, attachments are risky, and flings are cheap. Sure, we could scratch this itch and cut ties afterward. But that would make things awkward when Gavin insists we all hang out to watch the Friends reunion.”

  I scratch at my temple while trying to align those pieces. “Huh?”

  “Never mind.” Audria flicks her wrist. “Getting involved romantically is foolish when I’m leaving. It makes perfect sense to maintain our boundaries.”

  “We’re from two different worlds, and one of us will get hurt,” I add. “I’d rather be in your good graces when we cross paths. It would really suck if our exchanges became strained. That would ruin the solid foundation we’ve managed to build. Plus, I already know once with you wouldn’t be enough. Then you’d have to deal with me begging for another go.”

  “Now who’s too much?” she mutters.

  Mayday, Mayday. Pride is in danger of taking a critical hit. A crackle of static splices into my train of thought, and not for the first time. I find myself second-guessing this entire spiel all over again. Am I being an idiot? There isn’t much room for me to dispute in this case. I recently accused Gavin of handing over his man card. What the hell do I call this?

  “Shit, is this lame?” I scrub at the sting attacking my nape.

  “Depends who you ask, I guess. I cherish my friendships. We can share more together platonically,” she states.

  “Rather than sate our appetites for one night,” I tack on.

  “See? We’re building a bond right now.”

  “I suppose so.”

  “Isn’t that what you wanted?”

  “Do you hate me?” I blurt the question before my filter can weigh in.