Leave Him Loved_Harloe Rae

by Rae, Harloe

  “It isn’t polite to stare, Uncle Ree.”

  Fuck, I’m so busted, and by a seven-year-old no less. I shake all traces of those highly inappropriate thoughts from my head and focus on Gabby. “Sorry, kiddo.”

  She leans in and whispers, “I don’t think Miss Griffin cares. She’s laughing.”

  Can this exchange get any worse? I bite the bullet and offer Audria a wave. She sashays over to us with the grace of a prom queen. As if she didn’t already walk with enough flair to snag the attention of every man in Bam.

  “Hey there,” she greets.

  Gabby beams up at her like she’s responsible for creating the entire galaxy. “Hi, Miss Griffin. This is Uncle Ree. His real name is Reeve, though.”

  “I see that.” She wrinkles her nose. “And I probably should’ve slid those pieces together sooner.”

  “Gabby is a fairly common name,” I offer.

  “Is not.” My niece juts out her bottom lip at my comment.

  I ruffle her ringlets until she smiles again. “You’re the only Gabby who truly matters to me, peanut.”

  “Good,” she mumbles. “I don’t like to share.”

  Audria makes an agreeable sound. “Which is something we’re working on, yes?”

  “I don’t wanna.”

  “Only-child syndrome,” I mutter from the corner of my mouth.

  Gabby’s gaze bounces between us before settling on me. A tricky grin I recognize from her mother appears on her quirky lips. “You’re already friends with Miss Griffin.”

  I share a quick look with Audria. She shrugs, tacking on a wink. It’s reassuring that we can still talk in public without a problem.

  “Yeah, peanut. We know each other.”

  Her gap-toothed smile stretches wider. “Guess what, Uncle Ree?”

  “Chicken butt?”

  She sticks out her tongue. “You always answer with that!”

  “Because it’s a funny joke.”

  “No one thinks so except you,” she snarks.

  I shoot her a stern stare. “Okay, fine. I’ll be serious. Tell me what you were going to say, kiddo.”

  Gabby bounces on her toes. “Miss Griffin agreed to be your date for the harvest festival.”

  Audria gags on nothing but air. “Oh, um… no, Gabby. That’s not quite right.”

  My niece spins toward her teacher. “What do you mean? I asked if you had a husband. You said no. Then I asked if you were going to the festival. You had no idea what it was, so I told you all about it. Then you said it sounded like a blast, but you had no one to go with. My uncle isn’t married either. You can go together.”

  “I’m not sure that’s a great idea,” Audria hedges.

  My niece gapes at her. “Why not?”

  I cross my arms, more than ready to discover her excuse. Audria sends me a pleading glance that borders on pitiful. All I can return is a smirk. This will be entertaining.

  When she realizes I won’t bail her out, Audria glares at me. “Your uncle has another date, Gabby. He can’t go with me.”

  Now it’s my turn to choke. Of all the things I could guess she would whip up, that wasn’t one of them. I swipe a sweaty palm down the front of my jeans. Before I can respond, Gabby whirls to pin me with a glare.

  “Who are you going with, Uncle Ree? You told me we could go as a family.”

  I hang my head as shame strikes a burning trail up my neck. “You’re my date, Gabby. I’d never choose another girl over you.”

  “Well, I want you to take Miss Griffin instead.” She jerks her head like it’s a done deal.

  “Look at you trying to share.” If only I weren’t the one being tossed around.

  Gabby tugs on Audria’s arm. “See? I’m doing better already. Now will you agree to be Ree’s date?”

  “I don’t know about that, kiddo.”

  “Why not? My mom says he’s a catch—whatever that means—and I’ve heard Miss Trewd call him handsome. Knowing that girls like my uncle is kinda gross, but I want you to say he’s cute. It can be like the crush Abigail has on Charlie. And Uncle Ree has a really nice truck that plays the Frozen soundtrack super loud. I bet he’ll let you listen to whatever music you want. Oh, and if you’re extra nice to him, he might take you out for ice cream.”

  Audria smiles strictly for Gabby. “He sounds like a great uncle, but—”

  “No buts. Please?” She folds her little hands, begging with the skill of a girl used to getting her way.

  When Audria glances at me again for moral support, I swoop in for the rescue. “How about I talk to Miss Griffin about it later? I need to get you home, peanut.”

  Gabby blinks at me. “I forgot my backpack in the classroom. Keep Miss Griffin company while I’m gone.”

  “So bossy,” I mutter.

  “Mama tells me I get that from you.”

  “She would say that.”

  Gabby stomps her pink boot on the floor. “Just stay put, and get Miss Griffin to love you.”

  I almost swallow my tongue. Love? Dear Lord, this girl is watching too many Disney fairy tales. She’s acting so innocent, staring up at me with pale-green eyes that remind me of her mother. Pure trouble and sneaky meddling pump through their veins just the same.

  “I’ll wait right here.” That’s the only promise I’m willing to make.

  It’s apparently enough to appease the little matchmaker. Gabby skips off without another word.

  When she’s out of earshot, Audria lets loose a real laugh. “Wow, she’s a spitfire.”

  “You met Jamie,” I remind. “It’s a tree-and-apple situation.”

  “I can see that.” She peeks up at me from under her lush lashes. “How’ve you been, farmer?”

  “Busy, but good. This is one of the most hectic months to be in the corn business.” I tug at the brim of my hat, earning a sliver of reprieve from her burning gaze.

  She offers a slow nod. “I’ll have to take your word for it.”

  My eyes seek hers without permission. “How’s teaching?”

  The answer glitters in Audria’s bright expression. “Amazing. The students are so well-behaved. The staff has been very welcoming. This school is great, especially for a newbie. I feel right at home.”

  “I’m happy to hear that.”

  “Are you?” She quirks a brow.

  A rumble rises off my chest. “Getting sassy, city girl?”

  “Always.” Her earnest tone sobers my brief amusement.

  “Listen,” I start. “I owe you an apology.”

  She holds up a palm. “It’s okay. There’s no need. We parted on good terms at the park. I’m not upset.”

  “Well, I pushed too far—moments after telling you our flirting was harmless. This entire friendship deal was my idea, but I’ve been fucking it up ever since. That’s going to change, though. You won’t have to worry about me stealing liberties. Getting that close was a mistake. It won’t happen again.”

  “Because we won’t be hanging out anymore?”

  A pit forms in my chest, and I rub at the ache. “That would certainly ensure it.”

  Her crooked smile looks tense with the effort to force it in place. “Gabby won’t appreciate this plan.”

  “She’ll get over it,” I mumble.

  Audria dips her head, but I still catch her wince. “On that note, I should probably go.”

  The ache spreads to my gut, twisting in a painful knot. I’m only making this situation worse. Big fucking surprise. “At least stay until she gets back.”

  “For her sake?”

  “And mine.”

  She shuffles her feet, avoiding my gaze. “Why didn’t you call or text?”

  “I didn’t want to make things more awkward.” The truth slips free without hesitation. “I’ve already caused enough damage.”

  “And if we hadn’t bumped into each other today?”

  “We would’ve eventually,” I finish.

  “How sweet.” Her voice suggests a very different description.
/>   Pressure builds at my temples. “I never claimed to be good at this shit.”

  A slim brow quirks at me. “Holding a conversation?”

  I roll my eyes at the barb. “Making amends.”

  Audria huffs. “I already told you there’s nothing to feel bad about, from that night at least.”

  “Were you uncomfortable sitting next to me during the movie?”

  I almost left as the opening credits rolled, but that dick move would’ve been unforgivable. Passion and lust teetered on a tightrope as I sat beside my ultimate temptation. The heated moments in that famous chick-flick provided more fuel to the raging inferno. It took considerable effort to keep my muscles still. My neck still has a damn cramp from tensing.

  When I glance at her, she seems to be contemplating. Whatever it is, she must solve it as she grants me a shy grin. “Yes, but that’s only because I couldn’t quit dissecting our almost-kiss.”

  Her honesty gives me pause, and I nearly stumble into the wall. Was she actually replaying those seconds where we balanced over the line? What would’ve happened if Jamie popped up a minute later? It’s best not to wonder. But maybe…

  I take the plunge. How could I make this worse? “Did it offend you when I got that close? You know, since I said numerous times it wouldn’t be like that with us.”

  “Quite the opposite,” she murmurs, erasing a noticeable foot separating us.

  Fuck. Is she messing with me? One glance at her heavy-lidded gaze renews my confidence. “Maybe we can—”

  “Are you two done yet? I walked so super slow, but I don’t wanna wait any longer.” Gabby stands beside us, appearing from her hiding spot around the corner, if I had to guess.

  I chomp on the curse waiting at my lips. It would be fucking swell if we weren’t constantly interrupted. I imagine the possibilities while tamping down my boiling frustrations. “Hey, peanut.”

  She gazes at Audria. “Did you agree yet? Uncle Ree will be very disappointed if you don’t go with him.”

  This kid has bigger balls than Gavin. I swipe a hand over my mouth to mask a chuckle. Audria’s shoulders shake with her own silent laughter. Gabby’s eyes slide from me to her and back again. She won’t tolerate our lackluster responses much longer.

  I dare to smirk at Audria. “So, will you do me the honor of attending the harvest festival as my…date?”

  Her mouth curls to mirror mine. “It doesn’t seem like I have much choice.”

  “Don’t make it sound like I’m forcing you.”

  “It’s not you twisting my arm.” She laughs. “This pint-sized cutie is fully responsible for that.”

  My niece squeaks behind pressed lips. “Is that a yes?”

  “How about maybe?”

  Gabby shakes her head. “Not good enough.”

  Audria peers up to catch my stare. “Then I suppose we’re going on a date.”

  From its cradle on the dash, my phone beeps with an alert that my final destination is approaching on the left. A vibrant spread of activity appears just beyond my windshield moments later. Mixtures of orange, red, yellow, and brown dot the expansive space. Sections of booths and carnival rides blend into the skyline. If I had to guess, the sprawling land is at least ten acres. A large portion of that appears to be some sort of maze.

  I turn into a grassy lot with the flick of my blinker. According to tradition, one of the local farmers has donated his hayfield for the festival. Located on the outskirts of Bampton Valley, it provided a scenic drive I puttered along the road to appreciate. That’s precisely why the clock glares one o’clock rather than noon, not that anyone but Gabby will notice my tardiness. I chose to come alone—no date decoy in sight. Maybe I’m taking a risk, but it’s not a huge one.

  The makeshift entrance is impossible to miss. An oversized archway decorated with gnarled cornstalks and giant balloons stands ready to greet the attendees with a warm welcome. As September skirts to an end, the weather has dropped to pleasant degrees that allow for chunky sweaters and knit scarves. With a predicted high of sixty-three, I couldn’t wish for a better afternoon to spend outdoors. I cross underneath the towering embellishments and stumble to a stop. An explosion of autumn wonderment instantly envelops me.

  I draw in a deep breath, savoring the scent of fresh funnel cakes and memories in the making. The sense of community clings to every colorful display and entertainment stand arranged around the wide area. The creative layout reminds me of an annual fall event my family used to attend at a friend’s repurposed equestrian facility, but that was on a much smaller scale.

  A streak of bright pink flashes in my periphery. In the next second, Gabby stands in front of me with the largest spool of cotton candy I’ve ever seen.

  “Miss Griffin, you came! I’m so happy you’re here.” She chomps off a huge bite, chewing with the enthusiasm of a kid seeking a sugar rush.

  “I wouldn’t miss it, girlie.”

  Before I can ask about her parents, Jamie and a man I presume to be Trevor appear. I offer them a smile and wave as another figure comes into view. Reeve waits on the outer rim of the mini semicircle the other three have formed. It’s been almost a week since he picked up his niece from school. What an interesting coincidence that turned out to be.

  Watching him interact with that adorable little girl was a potent clip of lady porn. Since that day, I’ve found my thoughts even more centered on this man. Has he been thinking of me? His smirk, aimed directly at me, is downright devilish. That might suggest an affirmation in the positive. I feel that naughty expression strike straight into my core.

  “See, Gabs? She showed. Now we can quit stalking the gate.” Reeve pats her head the way any adoring uncle should.

  “Uh-huh, she didn’t ditch you like mama thought. Whatever that means,” she mumbles the last part.

  Jamie sputters out her sip of soda. “I never said that.”

  Two small fists park on Gabby’s hips. “Did so.”

  “Remember what I told you about arguing?”

  “It’s for adults only?”

  Jamie’s laugh sounds strained. “Not quite, sweetie. It’s not polite for children to be sassy with grown-ups.”

  “You’re one to talk,” Reeve mutters.

  She pins him with a glare. “I’m attempting to defend you.”

  “How so?”

  “By eliminating interruptions.”

  “Easier offered than executed,” he retorts.

  Jamie squeezes Gabby’s shoulder. “We were about to take this bitty miss to the petting zoo.” Her daughter draws in a deep breath, about to add something, so she steamrolls on. “Enjoy the privacy while she’s occupied.”

  Gabby frowns at her mother, but shrugs off the momentary defeat. “See you later, Miss Griffin. Have fun with Uncle Ree.”

  “Oh, I’m sure she will,” Jamie sings as they wander toward a far corner of the property.

  Reeve steps forward until only a couple of feet separate us. The sleeves of his flannel shirt are rolled up to show off an impressive set of forearms. A roadmap of ropy veins intersects the sculpted muscles. Staring for too long will get me in trouble. Instead, I trap a laugh that’s waiting to burst from my lips. I almost wore a shirt with the same plaid pattern. How fitting would it have been for us to match?

  He flings up a brow, most likely due to my odd behavior. “Hey, city girl. Glad you made it.”

  I return his coy grin. “Afraid I’d stand you up?”

  “Maybe a little, not that I wouldn’t deserve it.”

  “That’d be a tad harsh.” A gust of warmth breezes across my cheeks. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t want to be.”

  That makes him ponder, and he gives me a slow perusal. “I see you’ve purchased a proper pair of boots.”

  I click my clunky heels together. “Yes, I caved. Sondra brought me to a saddle shop near Des Moines. I didn’t know those were even a thing. That allowed me to cross two items off my never list.”

  He releases a low whistle. “You re
ally aren’t from around here.”

  “Pretty sure we covered that months ago.”

  “It slips my mind now and then.”

  “Since I fit in so well otherwise?”

  “Something like that. I’m sure you have plenty of tricks up your cuff that will stun me.”

  I shimmy my shoulders. “Shocking you is one of my favorite pastimes.”

  “I look forward to it.” Both his dimples choose that moment to salute me. “Have you been to a harvest festival like this?”

  “Definitely not of this magnitude.”

  “Bam doesn’t skimp on the flair and details.”

  I give the expansive setup another once-over. “I’ve definitely gathered that. You guys know how to throw a lavish event.”

  Reeve chuckles, stirring a fluster in my belly. “That’s some fancy lingo, but I’ll agree we spare no expense. There’s a bit of everything. It smells better than the county fair too.”

  “I think the cooler temperatures allow for the delicious aromas to travel better.”

  A pinch tightens his expression. “Is that true?”

  I laugh. “No clue. Sounds legit, though.”

  “Either way, I might steal that theory.”

  “By all means.”

  “So.” He sweeps an arm out to the side. “Where should we start?”

  “What are my options?”

  “Another spin on the Ferris wheel, grab some food, hayride, corn maze, or Bam’s esteemed spooky castle.”

  “It seems a bit early for that last one.” I do my best to hide a gulp.

  “They keep it running through Halloween.”

  “That’s intense.”

  “We don’t slack off with the festivities, remember? Especially when it comes to holidays. Those include the Hallmark kind. People travel rather far to visit our seasonal attractions.”

  I fidget, searching for a reasonable excuse to avoid the scare tactics. “Then we should save the best for last.”

  “Or go through it first, and if there’s time, we’ll do another round.” Excitement radiates from his voice and is difficult to refuse, even with a heavy dose of fear pumping through my veins.