His loud whistle turns more than a few heads. “I should’ve known the fancy lady has a name to match. Reeve Colton, at your service.”
I raise a brow at that. “It’s a pleasure.”
A low sound rumbles from the depths of him. “I would hope so after you rammed into me.”
“Oh, please. It was a light tap at worst.”
Reeve rubs his side. “I’ll have a bruise tomorrow, no doubt.”
Is he screwing with me? Do I want him to be? “Aww, big man has an ouchie? Can I get you an ice pack?”
He licks his bottom lip, biting the plump center and sucking it between his teeth. “Couldn’t hurt.”
“I’ll get right on that.” Something he said earlier niggles at the back of my mind. Call me shameless, but I can’t stop my urge to ask. “So, you think I’m fancy?”
His dimple makes a reappearance. “As if you need me to confirm that. But while we’re returning to unanswered questions, what brings you to town?”
“I got hired to teach at the elementary school—just temporarily,” I add.
Reeve’s eyes widen as he shudders. “During the summer? Those poor kids.”
“Well, they offered me a position with their kindergarten readiness program prior to the academic year. I figured why not make a few extra bucks? This way, I get to start my contract early.”
His chuckle is deep and rich. “Kindergarten readiness? That sounds like a fancy term for babysitting.”
I swat his arm. “It’s more than that. Parents take their children’s education very seriously.”
Reeve sniffs, looking like he smells a pile of crap. “Of course, my mistake. You’ll have an absolute blast wrangling a room full of rowdy rascals wanting to play outside.” He acts as though I’m setting myself up for torture.
“It’s only a few hours a day,” I grumble.
“And those will be draining as fuck. I’ll get a stool permanently reserved for you at the Salt Lick, with a cold beer waiting too.”
“Is that a bar?”
“The best—and cheapest—in town. You’ll need a boost after dealing with those young minds on a daily basis.”
I squint at him as the thought of a frosty shandy teases my tastebuds. “Maybe I’ll take you up on that.”
“There’s no maybe about it, darling. But I’ll let you keep that chin tipped high until proven otherwise.”
A zip races down my spine at the term of endearment. I assume he uses it quite often. “Thank you?”
Reeve nods and crosses his arms. I do my best not to stare at his biceps straining the seams that attempt to conceal him. My efforts prove futile when he laughs. “So, what happens after you’ve prepared these delightful tykes for kindergarten?”
“I’ll be teaching second grade.”
“Ah, you’re covering for Hollie.”
“I believe so.”
“She’s still pregnant but ready to pop. Her husband works with me.”
“Small world,” I murmur.
“Very. You’ll get used to it.”
“That’s probably true, since I’m sticking around for a while. I’m taking over Hollie’s class in the fall and winter. Another teacher going on leave needs a sub for spring until summer break starts. That provides me with a full-time gig for the entire school year.”
“And then?”
I shrug. “I’ll move back home most likely. It’s impossible to say what schools will have openings by then. I’m here for now.”
Reeve studies me long enough that the impulse to fidget slithers under my skin. “Where are you from?”
“Minneapolis.”
“That could be a worse hike, considering how far some come from. You won’t have to spend an entire day driving back home for a visit.”
I hum in agreement. “Five hours is plenty.”
“Not much for travel?”
“That depends. On a plane heading for a tropical beach? Absolutely. Taking a road trip alone? Not my favorite.”
“That’s fair, especially when the scenery falls flat and repetitive.” Reeve tacks on a grin.
Is it weird that we’re talking like good friends catching up? In the grocery store, no less, rather than somewhere more private? I barely have to think about the answer before letting the easy flow carry us on. “How about you? Major globe-trotter?”
“Nah, I don’t get out much. Too much relies on me here.”
“Your job?” Or does he have a family? Not that it matters, but there’s no ring on his finger. The shameless side of me refuses to feel guilty for checking.
He bobs his head while I’m busy with my internal debate. “I’m a crops manager at a local farm in conjunction with Prairie Myers.” Reeve says the name like I should recognize it.
All I can manage is a blank stare. “Um, cool?”
“Yeah, right.” He grunts and rubs the back of his neck. “Well, they’re one of the largest corn and grain distributors for the Midwest.”
That fires a connection in my brain. I partied with a few agricultural science majors in college. “Oh, wow. That’s really interesting.”
“It’s probably not, but thanks for humoring me.”
“In all honesty, I’m a total novice where farming is concerned. Learning about that stuff is a whole new world for me.”
“If you’re ever curious, just ask.”
Who am I to refuse an opening that wide? “Is it like CornHub?”
His smile wilts faster than a dry husk. “I’m not familiar with that.”
“No? I figured you’d be a pro at sprouting girthy stalks and shucking to completion.”
“Is that supposed to be funny?” His tone suggests my attempt at humor is anything but.
“More like punny,” I mutter.
“Not sure it makes a difference.”
Tough crowd. I’ve officially ruined our flirty exchange by being a dirty bird. I want to blame Vannah for her naughty influence, but this botched joke is all on me.
The effortless stream of our banter fizzles out. Silence clings, allowing what starts as a brief pause to become an awkward lull. Crickets chirp as the stale drought expands. My mind whirls, searching for a solution to salvage this. The last thing I need is a bad name on my first day in town.
Reeve rocks on his heels, staring at some random spot over my shoulder. I get the sinking suspicion he’s less than five seconds away from ending our little chat. Why not just rip off the bandage and say he’s offended? He won’t hurt my feelings. Not all of them, at least.
Bracing for his departure leaves me unprepared for him to ask, “Are you hungry?”
Shock pops my mouth open. Am I broadcasting my famished state somehow? “Uh, maybe a little.”
“Wanna grab a bite with me?” Any evidence of upset vanishes from his features. This guy is going to keep me guessing.
I struggle to adopt a neutral expression with this unexpected twist. I have little doubt my eyes grow wide. To add insult to injury, my stomach rumbles in the next instant. I slap a palm over the rude interruption. “I could eat.”
He smirks and glances at my noisy belly. “That doesn’t sound very convincing.”