“Okay, fine. You caught me. I’m starving, actually.”
Reeve’s gaze pierces mine with a wave of heat fiery enough to melt my clothes. Then he cranks the thermostat up another notch. “Are you a fan of barbecue?”
What the fuck am I doing?
I stare at Audria, certain my leer is approaching creeper status. Something about this woman captivates me. Beyond her fuck-hot curves and snappy wit, an alluring oddity howls at my baser desires. She reminds me of a secret gift I’m eager to unwrap. Getting laid isn’t the worst idea. Would she be down for the suggestion? The attraction seems mutual, if her lingering gaze and jittery body language are reliable indicators. Do I want to risk the complications and guaranteed fallout? I know better than to get involved with an unpredictable bombshell. This chick isn’t dropping by Bam for the weekend. The semi in my jeans can point elsewhere.
Friends only, that I can do. I’ll show Audria a few prime spots around town before returning to my predictable routine. I have no business hitting on this newbie, or inviting her to lunch, but studying that seductive pull outweighs the risk. That’s my excuse for remaining rooted to the floor, compelled to uncover more layers. She’s throwing a wrench in my stable game without even realizing it.
“Does Bampton Valley have a decent barbecue joint?” Audria’s question steers my motivations onto a cleaner track.
“Only the best.” I rub my torso for emphasis. The promise of tender meat slathered in rich sauce further assists in redirecting my hunger.
“It’s like you’re speaking my love language.”
“If that’s the case, I should’ve offered sooner.”
Audria leans a hip against the cart corral. “I’m not gonna lie. I thought you were about to kick me to the curb after that raunchy pun.”
I grunt and pin her with a teasing glare. “Are you fucking with me? That’s the reason I’m willing to share one of my sacred havens with you.”
“Now I really feel like you’re screwing with me.”
“Nope, just the opposite. I don’t mess around when it comes to crop business. You told a corn joke. That’s a serious aphrodisiac to a farming nerd.”
One of her slim eyebrows curves upward. “I have a difficult time believing there’s anything nerdy about you.”
“You haven’t seen me talk to the soil.”
She giggles. “That’s adorable.”
I thrust out an arm. “See? Not macho or sexy. You’re probably turned off by that confession.”
“No way. On my rare baking occasions, I whisper sweet nothings to the dough. It’s tough to admit, but turnabout is fair play. That’s kinda the same, right?”
I tug at the brim of my hat. “You’re just trying to make me feel better.”
Audria tips her chin, sending golden waves cascading over her shoulder. “Does your ego need stroking?”
Is she serious? I cough into my fist. “Not sure I’d ever refuse an offer like that.”
Loud laughter bursts from her. “Oh, your face. I’m just kidding. You appreciate my form of amusement, right?”
“It’s very refreshing,” I admit. Once again, I find myself wondering why her alure impacts me so strongly. My blood pumps hotter the longer she stands in front of me. I squint at her, attempting to peel away the surface layers. That’s not necessary, though. Her expression is open—free and unguarded.
“But for the record, I’m willing to provide confidence boosters if your pride ever takes a hit.” She tucks a lock of glossy hair behind her red-tipped ear.
“That’s very kind of you,” I mutter.
“I figure you’d be willing to return the favor.” The smile she graces me with is more natural than the tomatoes from my mom’s garden.
A reflection from the glass doors winks off a shelf beside me. I drag my focus to the shiny flicker, and our secluded bubble for two bursts with an audible pop. I realize far too late that people are watching us. And why wouldn’t they? We’re putting ourselves on display at the entrance of a very public space.
Every face peeking at us is familiar. All of them are looking for juicy details to share in their gossip circles. By this evening, word of me making moves on the new girl will be whispered in every ear bent to listen. Just what my reputation needs.
There’s no reason for this scene to be drawing such a crowd. This isn’t out of the ordinary—my involvement, at least. The only explanation for their rapt interest is who I’m talking to. It appears I’m not the only one drawn to Audria’s presence.
Plenty of attractive women live in Bampton Valley and the surrounding areas. I’m very well acquainted with most of them, seeing as we were raised in close proximity. Sometimes living in a city of less than three thousand people has pitfalls—not deep enough to make me leave, but the level of excitement can be lackluster. Stumbling upon unique opportunities is rare. When a stranger elbows me while trying to free a grocery cart, it’s safe to assume I perk up and take notice. That has to be what’s hooking me to this chick. And now, all the residents of Bam will have the knowledge of our minor crash.
I might as well give them something to squawk about. I take a purposeful step toward Audria. At this distance, I tower over her much-smaller frame. “We’ve overstayed our welcome.”
She blanches and casts a look behind us. “Loitering?”
“Nothing that serious.” But I immediately reconsider. Depending on whose attention we’ve snagged, the flock could be vicious. “Have you heard of the rumor mill?”
Her pout twists to one side. “Hasn’t everyone?”
“But have you experienced it in a tight-knit community?”
Audria gives the buzzing store another cursory glance, her gaze taking on a wary glint. “No.”
“Then I’ll be the first to warn you. Bam has an intense fascination with spreading dirt, especially when it comes to outsiders.”
She shudders. “That sounds worse than high school.”
“Much,” I amend.
“Should I worry about my squeaky-clean image being tarnished?”
I sober at her flippant comment. “Is that a dig at me?”
“How would I know? You’re only the second person I’ve met since arriving three hours ago.”
“Who was the first?” Better yet, why should I care?
“Does it matter? We can agree that I’m the innocent party in this charade.”
“Hardly. The only reason people are gathering is because you paint a very intriguing picture.”
A furrow dents the smooth skin between her brows. “Thank you?”
“You’re welcome. And don’t overreact. This will be old news in a week.”
“If you say so,” Audria mumbles.
“I appreciate that blind trust. Do you need to get groceries before we eat?” When I wave toward the aisles, our audience of curious gawkers scatters. Damn vultures.
Her smile reappears at the mention of lunch. “If you’re about to feed me, shopping can wait.”
“I wasn’t aware that sentence fit in a woman’s vocabulary.”
“Burn,” she hoots. “Priorities vary. Maybe I’m different from those you’re familiar with.”