“You missed a spot.” I mirror the area on my cheek.
Audria only manages to smear more across her otherwise flawless skin. The sloppy action makes me grin. I lean over and wipe her cheek. The hitch in her breath swirls around me like a siren song. She tips her face into my touch, only a slight shift of movement. Her exhale skates across my cheek, and I’m powerless to quiet the rumble rising from my chest. The hard length in my jeans has no hope of deflating soon.
I straighten in my seat, coughing to cover the tension in my gut. “All clean.”
She blushes a rosy hue. “You’re quite the charmer, a real slick shooter.”
“Straight from the hip,” I murmur.
“For the most part,” she jests.
“We’ll see what you think once the rumors spiral.”
“Eh, I prefer going straight to the source.” She glances around, a slow shrug lifting her shoulders. “But you know what? I might end up enjoying living in a small town.”
I scoff. “How could you not?”
“I’m a lot out of my comfort zone.”
My own confession bubbles up from some unknown place deep inside of me. The words wait to escape, but the opportunity is stolen from me.
Shadows in the shape of a gigantic cockblock fall across our table. “Well, look what the corn cobs dragged in.”
I don’t bother turning to confront our intruder. “At least I don’t smell like manure. You’re gonna scare all these nice folks away. Go home and shower.”
“Nice try, but you’re not getting rid of me that easily.” Gavin plops into the vacant spot across from me. He gives his shirt a deep whiff, pulling away with a grimace. “Even so, that’s no way to greet your best friend.”
“I’m beginning to rethink that title.”
That morning, Gavin Keets was the closest thing I had to a brother. Now? I’m not so sure. His position in my life depends on his motivations for showing up unannounced.
My full stomach gurgles at the potential clusterfuck he could cause. “Shouldn’t you be at the mill?”
He snorts and flicks his wrist in dismissal. “Overtime is overrated. Jenny said you were walking through town with a girl. I had to see it for myself.”
I roll my eyes. “As if this deserves breaking-news status.”
“When the woman in question isn’t from Bam? Hell yes, it is. I couldn’t haul my ass down here fast enough. You brought a date to the Pit.”
Audria chokes beside me.
“It’s not a date. I’m just introducing her to the best Bampton Valley has to offer. There’s no harm or salacious implications in showing her where to find good food.”
Gavin reclines in his seat, getting too comfortable. “Tell that to the masses. You’re going to cause quite a ruckus with this monumental scandal.”
“Don’t start with the dramatics, Keets. We already left Valley Market in an uproar.”
“And I had to find out from my sister.” He jabs a thumb at me while looking at Audria. “Brass balls on this one.”
“I met Audria an hour ago. You’re hardly the last to know, not that there’s anything to share.”
He ignores me, choosing to address the beauty beside me. I don’t blame him. “I can see why my friend is bending his rules for you.”
Up until this point, Audria was quietly spectating on our exchange. Her brown gaze swings from me to Gavin and back again. She narrows her eyes, searing us with her laser focus. “Um, what’s that supposed to mean?”
Gavin smirks at the obvious concern marring her features. “Don’t fret, sweets. Reeve isn’t the type to tolerate relationships of the romantic variety. Physical or platonic—take your pick.”
“You’re such an asshole,” I grumble.
“Don’t be salty. I’m not the playboy in this scenario.”
“Is that really necessary?” I see this going sour fast. All those years I spent defending this punk are in question. They seem like wasted effort if he’s about to toss me under the bus.
Audria shifts on her chair, the creak of metal effectively shutting my mouth. “Should I leave you two alone? This doesn’t really involve me.”
Gavin scoots forward, resting an elbow on the table. “You’re the only reason I made this trip.”
Her eyebrows take an upward leap. “Should I be honored?”
He claps a palm over his mouth, trapping a bark of laughter. “Snark is a valuable trait. I’m Gavin, by the way. Our friend has lost his manners, among other vital faculties.”
“Audria. It’s nice to meet you.” Her words are kind, but her tone is ripe with suspicion.
“I apologize for being a dick. It’s a natural reflex when it comes to Reeve. We’re very close—practically family. The grind gets boring without throwing in a few wrenches.”
“Or punches,” I provide.
“It makes sense.” She still appears wary but makes no move to leave.
“Speaking of besties, where’s your entourage?”
She pouts her bottom lip. “Nowhere near here. I’m on my own.”
“Ah, got it.” He glances at me, reading my expression faster than a flip book. “And this guy happened to swoop in at the optimal moment, rescuing you from eternal loneliness.”
“I actually hit him while trying to get a grocery cart from the corral.”
“Those damn things are sticky,” Gavin sympathizes.
“Then she made a corn joke.”
He holds up a hand. “And the rest was history. That means you’re sunk, and she’s initiated.”
“We’re just friends,” I amend.
“In that case.” He wags his brows at her. “Are you single?”
He’s only asking to fuck with me, and his method is proven. I grind my molars until my jaw spasms.
Audria giggles. “This took an interesting turn.”
“I’m glad you see it that way,” Gavin drawls. His gaze dips before returning to her face. “No bib? Bold move for a rookie.”
She gestures to her top, drawing attention to her generous breasts. “And yet I’m spotless.”
The rumble he emits raises my hackles. “Classy lady.”
“That’s hilarious. Dainty refinement isn’t my specialty.” She huffs. “I grew up with three older brothers. Our family values include chugging beer and belching contests.”
“Now you’re boasting for my benefit, party girl. Where have you been hiding?”
“Minneapolis.” Audria points to the ceiling, as if her home is due north.
Gavin scratches his jaw, adding a nod. “You’re a long way from home.”
“That’s what I said,” she supplies.
“Our little community might not seem like much to a big-city girl such as yourself, but don’t underestimate us—especially when it comes to farming, grub, and hospitality. Give us a chance, and we’ll prove our worth.”
She hums while her eyes burn into mine. “I’ll admit to being a tad hesitant about the small-town situation when I first took the job. But I wouldn’t dare sell anyone short. The company I’ve found so far has proven to be a perk.”