Leave Him Loved_Harloe Rae

by Rae, Harloe

  I nudge him back to his side. “Oh, zip it.”

  He makes a shooing motion. “I will once you two consummate what’s painfully overdue.”

  With a parting grin, I hop out of the cab. Reeve meets me at the halfway point between our vehicles.

  His knuckle brushes along my temple, and I tilt into the soft touch.

  “Hey, babe.”

  Why does that endearment make my knees wobble with every utterance? “Hi, farmer.”

  He dusts my lips with his, a chaste kiss that’s over before it truly begins. “Miss me?”

  “Very much. I was stuck with Gavin for almost thirty minutes.”

  “The travesty.” The boom in his voice makes me smile wider.

  “Work was busy?”

  Reeve nods. “Hellishly so, but that’s over now. Can I get you a drink?”

  “That sounds lovely.” My tastebuds sing in preparation.

  I follow him to a stack of coolers set along the edge of an enlarged firepit. At least thirty people stand nearby in small clumps, relaxing after a long week.

  “For you.” He passes me a can with an unfamiliar label. The design is beautiful, which already has me liking the brand.

  I pop the top and take a trial sip. A tart bite of yum hits my tongue. I immediately treat myself to a bigger gulp. “What’s this magic concoction, and why haven’t we been properly introduced until now?”

  He chuckles richly. “Sippin’ Pretty. It’s a raspberry sour. Kate told me you’d like it.”

  The woman at the liquor store has become privy to my fruity preferences.

  “Solid choice, farmer. I’ve never had it.”

  “That’s always my goal.”

  “You’re getting really good at finding things I haven’t done.”

  “What about this?” He gestures to the festivities surrounding us.

  “Partying in an otherwise-empty field? I can’t say that I have.”

  He holds up a palm for a high five. “Another win for me. It may not seem all that exciting, but it’s a bit of a staple for these parts.”

  “I can dig it. There’s no beating this scenery.”

  Watching the moon and sun trade spots is better from this vantage point than any skyscraper. The kaleidoscope of colors is more vibrant out here, swaddled by nothing but fresh air.

  “Would you have preferred a barn dance?”

  I don’t remove my gaze from the exchange of power in front of me. “I’ve never done that either.”

  He seems to tuck that scrap in his back pocket. “Next time.”

  “I’m already looking forward to it.” Fluttering my lashes, I shift to lock gazes with him. I find myself inching closer to his side. “I imagine we’ll be in a different corner of some unmarked location. This definitely seems to be a trend. You guys have a tendency to gather in the middle of nowhere.”

  Reeve takes a swig of his Coors. “Not much else around, babe. Going to the same three local bars got stale before I turned twenty-one. This is much more cost-effective too.”

  “We’re literally in the center of”—I spin in a slow circle—“nothing, no buildings in sight. What if the fire spreads?”

  He nods at a truck parked off to the side. “Henry has a water tank.”

  I can’t argue with that. “And if there’s an accident or someone gets alcohol poisoning?”

  His dimpled smirk teases my stifled lust. “I imagine it’s the same as anywhere else. We call the cops or drive the injured person to the hospital.”

  A huff sends a few loose strands of blond flying. “Okay, that was a silly concern.”

  “You should be more worried about where to use the bathroom.”

  I narrow my eyes at him. “Why?”

  “Have you ever dropped trou?”

  A snort escapes me. “Yes, actually. Believe it or not, this big-city girl knows how to pee in the woods.”

  Reeve whistles. “Did you learn that from the Girl Scouts?”

  “You remembered.” I can’t keep the giddiness from my voice. It’s such a small detail to care about, but it proves he listens. And cares? That might be going too far.

  “Are you surprised I pay attention?”

  “Kind of?” I cringe. My history with men has conditioned me, skewed incorrectly or not.

  He gently pinches my chin, lifting it until our mouths meet. “Have more faith in me.”

  “Okay, I will.” I release a shuddering breath while mentally reversing several steps. “The Scouts are responsible for teaching me many resourceful skills, but that’s not one of them. I went camping with my family a lot growing up. Not every site had adequate facilities. I figured out how to pop a squat real fast when nature called.”

  “It’s a very handy trick to master, especially if you plan to spend more time with me in the middle of nowhere.”

  “I’m growing rather fond of these rustic excursions.”

  “Good. We have many more to come in your remaining months.” His eyes glitter in the flickering flames beside us.

  The mention of these future endeavors prods at something in the far recesses of my mind. “I have a question, and you can’t laugh.” The courage to even ask starts to wilt just thinking about it.

  His mouth twitches with amusement. “I’m not sure I can make that promise.”

  “Never mind then.”

  Reeve squeezes my hip. “You have to tell me.”

  I shake my head. “Nope, it’s stupid.”

  “There’s no such thing as a stupid question.”

  I scoff. “That’s not true.”

  “Okay, fine, but yours isn’t.” His fingers dig into my waist, on the verge of tickling.

  I squirm in his grasp. “How do you know?”

  “Call it a hunch. Now spit it out.”

  “Let’s move on.” I finish the last of my beer and shake the can. “This is really good stuff.”

  “Come on,” he pleads. “I’ll be left wondering, and it’ll drive me crazy. Do you want to be responsible for my insanity?”

  “No,” I relent. Regret curdles in my belly before the words leave my lips. “Is cow tipping an actual thing?”

  He tries not to laugh. Or, at least, I want to believe his sealed mouth means he’s attempting to conceal a burst of cackling humor. Then the floodgates open, and he’s practically howling at my expense.

  “Dammit,” I spit and wiggle away from him. This is exactly what I was afraid of.

  “Babe.” He tugs me in by the belt loop and presses a kiss to my forehead. “You’re my fucking dream girl.”

  I release a breathy sigh as my legs tremble with the urge to topple. A swarm of rabid bumblebees buzzes in my stomach, but I tamp down the flurry. He’s not being serious with that comment. I’m well aware he just used a figure of speech as he fought not to piss his pants. But a forehead kiss? The man should know better. That’s every girl’s freaking kryptonite. I double down on the barbed barriers already caging my heart. This shit is getting lethal, but I’m not ready to toss in the towel quite yet.

  Before I can rein in my flubbering mess of emotions, Reeve threads our fingers together. “Will you go somewhere with me?”

  I don’t even have to think about it. “Of course. When?”

  “Now, if you’re not particularly attached to this party.”

  “I’m ready if you are.”

  His grin pulses with the kind of guarantee I want to spend hours reveling in. “You have no idea, babe.”

  The road ahead is dark, the type that conceals distance with an opaque veil. There’s no telling what might wait in the endless sea of black. I could be steering straight to the edge of a cliff and would be none the wiser until my high beams caught the threat. The obscurity is so dense that my eyes blur from staring at blank space. It’s the type of vast midnight that allows the mind to create nonexistent figures.

  This far out, no floodlights guide us, not that I rely on those. I’ve been blindly navigating these rural streets since before I had a license. I’v
e engrained the route we’re taking in my mind, memorized it from countless trips over the years. My grasp on the steering wheel never falters as I maneuver the sharp bends with practiced ease.

  I steal stealthy peeks at Audria during our short ride. From my periphery, I see her searching the vast nothingness. I track each subtle movement highlighted by the dashboard. Her delicate features take more of my concentration than I can afford. Fuck, she’s beautiful. I must’ve done something right to have her sitting next to me.

  We drive for approximately two miles before a reflective strip alerts me to turn. Gravel spews and pings against metal as the tires eat up the ground. The dirt lane turns steep, signaling the final leg of our journey. My headlights offer a sneak peek as the ground levels out. Our destination is cloaked for the most part, but the familiarity spreads warmth in my chest all the same.

  “Where are we?” Audria whispers, as if she’s afraid of waking any monsters lurking in the shadows.

  That gives me pause. “Are you afraid of the dark?”

  She peeks over from the corner of her eye. “No.”

  I seek out her hand to hold. “You’re not convincing anyone.”

  Her brow creases. “Huh?”

  I squeeze her fingers. “You can tell me, babe. No need to be ashamed.”

  Audria sends me a bland look. “Thanks for the boost of confidence, buddy. If I’m getting scared, you’ll be the first to hear.”

  “And the only one.” I hitch a thumb at the abyss beyond my window.

  “That’s not creepy at all.”

  I’m pretty sure I can hear her teeth chattering. “Should we leave? I feel like you’re nervous.”

  She rubs her temples. “Are you trying to give me reason to be?”

  “Not at all.” Quite the opposite, if I can stop assuming the worst.

  “Then who are you trying to convince?”

  “Good question,” I mutter. “Should we get out?”

  Audria reclines against her door, showing no signs of moving. “Not until you tell me where we are.”

  I groan and shake my head. “That would probably be a good place to start. This is the first field I helped seed. We planted alfalfa hay, not that it matters. These twelve acres hold a bit of sentimental value for me.”

  Her entire demeanor changes. She exhales, and the strain relaxes from her posture. Any trace of the pinched expression from moments ago smooths out, replaced with the carefree smile I’ve grown so fond of. “You’re sharing another special spot with me. That’s so sweet.”

  “It also has an incredible view.” I point upward.

  She gasps. “Oh, oh. Can we go stargazing?”

  Damn, she’s cute. “Of course, babe. We just need to step outside.”

  Audria unbuckles her seatbelt before I finish talking. She leaps down from the truck with a squeal. “This is crazy romantic.”

  I wait for the catch, but she doesn’t add more. The moon offers a soft glow, providing just enough illumination to tease me. With a flick, I turn on the interior light and kill the engine. “Are you okay lying in the bed?”

  Her features pinch. “Uh, where in the what now?”

  A chuckle bursts from me. “The pickup box. We can get cozy back there.”

  Her lips make a small circle. “Right, okay. That makes sense.”

  “Can you take this?” After switching on the LED lantern, I pass it to her. I grab the pile of blankets from the back seat and step out, meeting her on the passenger side.

  Audria glances at my stack. “Were you planning on this?”

  “And hoping you’d agree.” I direct her to the rear of the truck.

  “How could I refuse?”

  I lift her onto the open tailgate, and she scoots backward on her ass. I leap up and join her. She sets the lamp in a corner, bathing the box in dim light. We can see well enough to get the job done. With her taking the lead, we unfold the blankets and create a makeshift mattress.

  She doesn’t hesitate to get situated then pats the flat space beside her. “Why don’t you join me, farmer?”

  “Just taking a minute to appreciate the view.”

  “Isn’t that the entire point of this?” She motions to the sky.

  I toss off my hat and comb through my unruly hair. “I’ve seen these stars my entire life. You’re stealing the show, babe.”

  “Smooth words,” she purrs. “Lie with me and get a closer look.”

  I follow orders like any wise man in this situation. It’s so quiet I strain my ears to hear any noise just to prove I can. The barest hint of crickets chirping makes me grin. I glance over to find Audria’s gaze fastened on the starry expanse above us. The corners of her lips curl higher, as if the sky is whispering sweet nothings that only she can hear. I want to be responsible for every ounce of her pleasure. Just watching her gets me hard, my blood pumping hotter than the humidity in July.

  A calm breeze blows a gust over us. The wind doesn’t bother me, and Audria doesn’t react either. Iowa in early autumn is usually mild. The beginning of October has graced us with highs in the upper sixties and low seventies. The temperature cools without the sun, but being out in the elements is still bearable. If I waited until next weekend, this entire idea might’ve been a massive flop.

  We chill in compassionate silence, and Audria slips her hand over mine, interlocking our fingers in a gentle embrace. The subtle contact almost startles me. I’d been two seconds shy of touching her somehow, stoking the heat between us to combustible levels. As it turns out, she isn’t as preoccupied with the stars as I assumed. To further prove that point, she curls her body against my side with a sigh.

  “I was wrong earlier,” Audria murmurs into the stillness.

  I tense beside her from habits long formed. “About?”

  “This scenery is better.” She rests her head on my shoulder, sending puffs of warm air ghosting across my throat.

  My sinking gut rebounds as I exhale harshly. “And why is that?”

  A small palm settles on my thigh, applying the slightest pressure. “We’re alone, for starters.”

  “You wanted privacy?” My eyes nearly cross as she trails her hand upward.

  “Maybe.” But her response holds no uncertainty. Instead, the even lilt in her voice leaves little room for misinterpretation.

  A low throb builds in my groin. “I would’ve snatched you away much sooner had I known.”

  “Building the anticipation gets me very excited.” She chooses to avoid the hard ridge straining behind my zipper, swerving to resume her quest underneath my shirt.

  “Tell me what else you prefer.” The demand is a mere croak. Lord have mercy, she’s going to make me embarrass myself.

  “Having all of you within reach.” Her fingers walk across my ribs and pecs. She’s thorough to a fault, covering each dip and groove.

  “I’m all yours, babe. Free rein,” I offer. I stretch my restraint taut in an effort to stay still. Every rippling muscle is ready to pounce at the given command.

  She buries her face in the crook of my neck, nipping at the sensitive flesh. “I should take advantage while the offer stands.”

  A plea stings my lips. I’m content to share control, and she’s taking matters into her hands—very literally. We’ve spent hours taunting our thresholds for temptation prior to this, soft caresses and tormenting grazes meant to drive our need to the brink without means for release. How far will she go?

  In response, a brush of smooth knuckles frames the edges of my collarbones. She circles the bobbing lump of my Adam’s apple before retracing her former path. Her timid exploration drifts lower, and she draws imaginary lines across the contours that define my abdomen. The muscles flinch and quiver of their own accord, seeking more of her affections. I’m almost afraid to breathe in case the slightest hitch prompts her to stop. In this moment, dredging up the remaining shreds of my resistance takes a type of strength that leaves me dizzy. She’s never taken us this far, and I find myself holding my breath, waiting for
her to pump the brakes.

  Audria reaches for the button of my jeans, tugging just enough to open the closure. Her intentions are undeniable when she lowers the zipper with expert precision. The stiff rod in my pants demands attention, practically bursting a seam in the effort to reach her fingers. I would be a liar to not admit my almost obsessive fixation about which one of us would initiate sex. My patience has been growing thinner by the day, and it appears I’m not alone.

  “What’re you doing, babe?” My gritty tone rumbles in the dark. Why I feel the need to halt her progress is beyond feasible explanation. Blame it on the uneven distribution of blood being sent to my demanding cock.

  “Isn’t it obvious?” She skims the waistband of my boxers, sneaking a fingertip beneath the confines to offer a clue of what’s to come. That slight tug offers the barest hint of friction.

  “I want your words too. Tell me.”

  “I’m making us much more than friends.” With a snap, she releases the elastic against my feverish skin.

  The sting barely registers. “Out here?”

  “Are you suggesting I stop?” Her question clears a section of fog from my brain. Why the fuck am I still talking? She mistakes my silence for hesitation. “Is this not okay with you?”

  I cup her cheek and tilt until our mouths meet in a crackle of sparks. Swiping my tongue along her bottom lip, I hope to convey a straight shot of reassurance. “What you’re doing is fan-fucking-tastic. Please don’t stop, like ever. But wouldn’t you be more comfortable on a real bed? We can go back to your place. I’d offer my room in the bunkhouse, but the guys are nosey as shit. We’re better off anywhere else.”

  Audria doesn’t retreat, and I get busy thanking all the higher powers at play. “I’m not high maintenance, farmer. Doing this in your hayfield is super swoon-worthy, especially for us. I’ve never had sex in the bed of a truck. Let’s go with what feels right, yeah?”

  I cross my arms behind my head, offering a silent surrender. “By all means.”

  “Oh.” She laughs. “I’m gonna do all the heavy lifting?”

  “Just making sure my message is clear.”

  “Free rein,” she recalls.

  “Take it all, babe.” I shift my hips in an attempt to lower my pants. She tugs them off the rest of the way, tossing them blindly behind her. My boxers suffer the same fate.