“Holy crap.” I almost trip over my fumbling feet as the entirety of the open area is put on display. The exterior is deceiving, and maybe that’s intentional so we feel the full impact of the reveal. I’m impressed, and surprised, as my gaze struggles to absorb the scene.
It’s one huge room with an enormous rectangular bar in the center. Natural light streams in and streaks across the concrete floor. Clumps of people gather in every direction. About half of the three-dozen stools are occupied. A twangy song croons from the speakers hanging overhead. Several brave souls bust moves on the dance floor.
I wrinkle my nose as a foul whiff wafts toward me. Bea wasn’t joking about the smell. Even with several industrial fans blowing, a stale stench permeates the air.
She bends close to talk over the music. “So, what’s your verdict?”
“It’s really big.” I’m still marveling over that.
Her chin tips to the ceiling. “Good to know size matters. That bodes in our favor.”
“You’re nutty.”
She winks at me. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“Whatever floats your boat.” I smile.
“Drinks will do the trick. This way.” She nods toward a row of open doors along the rear wall.
I can almost feel the subtle breeze blowing from the opposite side. Bea snags my wrist and weaves through the throng like a seasoned pro. This reminds me of many afternoons trailing Vannah with Presley and Clea in tow. I sniff at the sudden sting attacking my nose. It’s silly to get sentimental over such a small coincidence, but I miss my girls. This little outing is just what I need to regain that sense of belonging. We’re about to cross into sunny patio territory when a booming voice stops me short.
“Could it be? No way.” The masculine tone rips through the crowd. An exaggerated whoop trails his moment of disbelief. “Sure is. Look, everyone! It’s my gal pal, Rachel Green.”
I swivel on my heel, checking for the source but having more than a sneaking suspicion who it belongs to. Sure enough, Gavin strides straight for me with a huge smile to match his exuberant welcome.
He jerks to a halt in front of us, his jubilant expression bouncing from me to Bea. A sizzle seems to crackle between them as Gavin gives her a once-over. His perusal is so thorough that I feel violated on her behalf. She, however, preens under his scrutiny with a blush that any makeup artist would kill for. Interesting.
After far too long of a delay, I finally process what he said. “Did you just refer to me as Rachel Green?”
With what appears to take all his willpower, Gavin looks away from the woman beside me. I’m pretty sure he’s still ogling her decently from the fringe. “I’m a big fan of Friends, and that episode in particular.”
I gasp. “Really? Maybe we can be besties.”
He takes a bow. “Loyal confidant at your service.”
“So, are you busy bird-doggin’ the ladies?” I spout my best Rachel impression.
“Yes!” He holds up his hand for a high five. “That’s what I’m talking about. This is why we’re meant to be buddies.”
I clap our palms together. “Absolutely. I couldn’t agree more.”
“To answer your question, we’re just chillaxing after five full weekdays of farming festivities. The excitement never quits.”
Do I secretly check over his shoulder for a certain someone? Maybe. But no one else needs to be aware of that minor detail. I give myself an internal scolding, focusing on the two within earshot. “Well, you know what’s better than five?”
“Seven, seven, SEVEN!” Gavin moans the last one, catching several scandalized stares.
Bea folds over, giggling so hard that her body trembles. “Nicely executed, Crap Bag.”
He smirks at her. “Does that make you Princess Consuela Banana Hammock?”
That kicks off an epic exchange of our favorite lines. We take turns sharing the best moments until my stomach muscles ache from laughing. Tears blur my vision as our surroundings morph into a cloud of amusement. The apples of my cheeks are sore, but that doesn’t stop me. The stress of today and this week melts away with each blurted favorite. I’m still caught in a Friends quote battle when Reeve appears in my periphery.
The volume of my grin sobers slightly at the sight of him. This expression is more demure—flirty and automatic. I catch myself almost immediately, wiping the dopey grin off my face. The swarm of flutters in my belly, on the other hand, are more difficult to tame.
“Ah, I can’t compete with that.” Gavin chuckles beside me.
I blink out of my Reeve stupor. “Huh?”
“You’ve got that look. I get it. He’s totally dreamy.”
I scoff and shove his chest. “We’re just friends, if that.”
He suddenly sniffs the air. “Do you smell smoke?”
I inhale a deep breath. Nothing but pungent musk and fried food greets me. “No?”
Gavin’s nostrils flare with an audible intake. “Really? Something’s gotta be on fire.”
“I think you’re the one smoking something,” I mutter.
“Oh, you know what? It’s probably just your blazing loins.”
“Dammit,” I spit. In my defense, I was distracted and didn’t catch the reference. “Well played, Joey.”
“Don’t be too sour. You’re a worthy opponent, and totally smitten.”
“I’m not vying for his attention,” I protest.
Gavin grunts. “For now, maybe. Reeve will charm your shorts off, whether he means to or not. It’s a natural talent.”
A curl attacks my upper lip. “I’m in a long line of tally marks, then? How lovely.”
“Don’t be jelly, sweets. It’s not like he gives any of them that.” He motions toward the man in mention.
I follow his line of sight, not that it’s necessary. What I find has me nearly swallowing my tongue. Reeve bores holes into me, incinerating my pitiful defenses. His beast-mode RDF scares off anyone who might dare to interrupt his trajectory. A fevered burn scorches along my skin, leaving me helpless against the onslaught. I shiver despite the overwhelming heat blanketing me. That look peels away my layers, exposing me for the taking. I’m fully clothed, but I might as well be buck naked.
“Oh,” I mumble.
“Precisely,
