Reeve hasn’t noticed me yet. The steady flow of business is occupying him rather effectively, considering my inability to focus elsewhere. I contemplate spinning on my heel and striding toward the opposite end of Main Street. At that moment, his gaze locks onto mine, and his eyes widen the slightest bit. I suck in a sharp breath at the impact. Those blue pools quench my thirst as they reel me deeper into his tide. My hand lifts of its own accord in a choppy wave. He gives me one in return.
“Totally busted,” Sondra murmurs.
I jolt from the trance Reeve has captured me in. How long have I been gawking? “What?”
Her gaze practically sparks with unspoken innuendos. “Why are you stalling?”
That’s a good question. “I’m just, uh, gonna say hi quick.”
She snorts. “You better. He looks about two seconds away from vaulting over that counter.”
I flick my gaze to Reeve, finding his RDF firmly in place. “I highly doubt that.”
“But why risk all those yummy veggies? Go on. I’ll meet you at the food corner in thirty.”
“M’kay,” I relent.
Reeve’s stare anchors mine as I erase the distance between us. He lifts a brow, and it’s all taunt, daring me to tuck tail.
I set my jaw and move forward, refusing to relent. Once I’m standing in front of him, a slow smile tilts my lips. “Hey, stranger.”
His laugh is rich and thick. “That’s a new one. I think I prefer farmer.”
I give my eyebrows the slightest wiggle. “Let’s see how this conversation goes.”
“All right.” Reeve scratches at the stubble coating his chiseled jaw. “Fancy seeing you here, city girl.”
“What can I say? The charm of Bam is rubbing off on me. I’m settling in quite nicely.”
He gives me a once-over that’s so slow I peek down to make sure no secret bits slipped from their confinement. “I can see that.”
A sting of warmth tinges my cheeks. I scan the array of colorful produce arranged in front of him. “So, you do more than corn.”
That gets another chuckle out of him. “Sure do.”
“Is this an additional duty to your management role?”
“Nah, totally separate. If I’m being entirely honest, this is my sister’s haul. I’m just filling in for her today.”
“That’s nice of you.”
“Eh, family obligation and all that.”
“I’m sure she appreciates it.”
“And I’ll appreciate the double-sausage lasagna she promised. I can’t really complain about that.”
“Sounds delicious.” My tone is all silk and smoke. I sound worse than the intro to a bad porno flick. It’s as if my subconscious is out to prove something.
“I’ll let you know how it tastes.” His rumble is far too melodic to be innocent.
Before the lines officially blur, I drop my gaze to his plump pickings. A crease forms in the center of my brow. “My thumb is the furthest shade from green, but isn’t it a bit early in the season for some of these crops?”
Reeve nods, a grin stretching his mouth. “You catch on quick. My sister has a climate-controlled greenhouse in her backyard.”
My eyes widen. “Oh, she’s legit. This is all from her garden?”
“Yeah, what started as a hobby turned into a full-time job.”
“That’s really cool,” I reply, my honesty ringing clear. “All I’m capable of growing are tomatoes.”
“If you ever want to learn, I know a guy who’s pretty talented when it comes to soil.”
It’s my turn to laugh. The idea of getting my hands dirty, with this man involved, sends an electric thrill through me. Friends can assist in getting one another filthy, right? “I might hold you to that.”
A person strolls over and grabs a sack of potatoes. Reeve shares a few pleasantries before accepting his cash. I lean a hip against the makeshift wall and watch him work. He seems very much in his element. I find it almost surprising that he doesn’t do this gig more regularly. We’re alone again moments later, severing my internalizing.
I rock on the rubber soles of my sandals. “Will you stick around for the entire afternoon?”
“Seems that way,” he mutters.
“Not very willingly?”
Reeve offers a lazy shrug. “Eh, it’s a sacrifice to my freedom. Having you stop by helps with the boredom, so thanks for that. Tell me what’s the latest. Still wrangling children?”
“Yep, but I only have one week left. They get the rest of the summer to themselves.”
“About time.” His lips twitch.
I roll my eyes. “Still managing crops like a boss?”
“You betcha. Couldn’t pull me from those stalks with a skid loader.”
I’m not entirely sure what that is, and my pride won’t stoop low enough for me to ask. “Except to fill in at Whomp.”
“Ah, insider intel. You’re in good hands with Sondra.” His low tone hints at disappointment, but that can’t be right.
“She’s great to have nearby.”
“I’m glad you’re meeting folks.” He snaps his fingers with extra enthusiasm. “Speaking of that, have you been down to the lake yet?”
The thought of a swim in this heat is decadent. “No, but I’m listening.”
One of his dimples winks at me. “Next weekend, I’m going with a small group. Invite Bea or Sondra and tag along.”
“Reminds me of a Girl Scout cookie.” I giggle.
Reeve grunts. “My niece sells those. Fucking addicting.”
My stomach gives a low grumble. “That brings back memories of my glory days in the trenches, trying to outsell my fellow troop members. I’m pretty sure those patch-covered vests are still stashed among my childhood possessions somewhere. My mom was so proud to be our leader.”
He nods along with my words. “Jamie is the exact same. She lives for Gabby’s accomplishments.”
“Your sister
