Reeve wraps an arm around my shoulders for a completely innocent side hug. “Hey, city girl. Good call on your latest choice. This is one of Bam’s most beloved events.”
“So I’ve gathered. This town doesn’t lack for funtivities.”
“Especially in the summer,” he informs. “If we’re all preoccupied with these random festivities, scandal has less chance to brew. We can thank the planning committee for that.”
“You would’ve attended either way, then?”
“Probably not. The films suitable for a wide audience aren’t my preferred taste.”
“I suppose porn would cause quite the stir.”
He coughs into a fist. “Damn, Audria. Diving straight in, huh?”
“Why waste precious moments with idle chatter?”
“To be polite?”
I lower my chin to hide a smile. “Okay, fine. What are your five favorite movies? The ones you’ll watch over and over again until they’re little more than background static.”
“Guess I asked for that.” Reeve scrubs his jaw. “Ah, let me think. Die Hard, Star Wars, American Psycho, Scarface, and anything from Marvel.”
“That’s a wide spectrum.” I squint up at him, shielding my eyes from the setting sun.
He leans closer, offering me some much-appreciated shade. “Tell me yours.”
I hold up a hand, ticking the titles off each finger. “Pretty Woman, Old School, Tangled, Dirty Dancing, and Step Up.”
A dimple pops in his cheek when he smiles. “Oh, I see now. You have ulterior motives.”
I wiggle my brows at him. “I’d never waste an opportunity to watch one of my favorites. Will this be torture for you?”
“Maybe not that extreme. Having you nearby makes it more bearable.”
I feel a flush race up my neck. “Watch what you say, farmer. A girl might get the wrong idea hearing you talk that way.”
Reeve gestures pointedly to our friends. “Is it better if I include them in that sentiment?”
I greet them with a collective wave. I’ve done a fantastic job ignoring them until this point. Bea and Gavin are too tied up to notice. Sondra wears a smirk that would give Reeve’s a decent challenge. Owen and Will seem to be competing for her attention, but failing miserably.
I return my gaze to Reeve. “Is it horrible that I forgot they were here?”
His eyes spark with something resembling desire. But that’s most likely me projecting my emotions on him. “Now who’s giving the wrong impression?”
I shake my head with a smile. “Honestly? It’s impossible not to flirt with you. I’m finding it increasingly more difficult.”
He chuckles. “I’m not complaining.”
“But it complicates things.”
“Only if we let it. Think of this more as the harmless variety.”
“I suppose.” I’m clearly off my game and thinking way too much. Flirting just for the sake of flirting occupied much of my free time in college. Reeve seems breezy and relaxed. I need to improve my nonchalance.
“The spectators will shut down any suspicious activity. They’ll keep us honest.”
I lift a brow at that. “Dottie will have plenty to chat about.”
“I’ll control myself, city girl. That’s why we have our chaperones, right?” He nods at our friends again.
Bea appears to be five seconds away from leaping into Gavin’s lap. The other three have engaged in a lively discussion with extravagant hand movements.
“Maybe we’ll have to switch roles.”
“Sounds great to me.” Reeve slaps his palms together and motions to the spread by our feet. “Let’s get settled in.”
“Oh, you saved seats.” I send a pointed look to Sondra. “How thoughtful.”
He pats the empty spot beside him. “How else would I make sure you sit next to me? I don’t want you across the lawn. That defeats the purpose.”
“I bet you don’t,” Sondra murmurs.
I send her a snarky side-eye for that comment. “Well, thanks. We brought the concessions.”
“That’ll pair perfectly with soda.” He bumps the cooler with his foot. “There might be a few beers in there too. I wasn’t sure if you’re a midweek drinker.”
I offer my best demure grin and reach for a grapefruit shandy. “An exception can be made. It is my summer vacation after all.”
He takes a swig from his drink. “Ah, yes. When does school start?”
I don’t bother masking my groan. “You know that’s the worst possible question to ask a teacher?”
He grunts. “And the one all parents are desperate to answer.”
“I have three weeks of freedom remaining,” I provide begrudgingly. “But I’m actually looking forward to the year. This is the kickoff to my career with my own classroom. Second grade is a good age for kids.”
Reeve tips his head, a crease forming between his brows. His expression clears a moment later, replaced by a cocky grin. “You’ll do great. The best teacher Bampton Elementary has ever hired.”
I sidle up against him, rubbing his back. “Thanks, buddy.”
He goes rigid under my touch. I still my hand and almost recoil. Does this cross our extremely blurry lines? Damn, I need a freaking rulebook. A distraction will work in the interim.
I glance at his sneakers. “What’s your opinion on cowboy boots?”
“Everyone should own a pair.” The statement rolls off his tongue like an indisputable fact. His expression holds no hint of reluctance or deliberation either. All I find is his comforting smile, which adds to my festering infatuation. Why must he be so damn attractive?
I tuck a lock of hair behind my ear. “Never have I ever.”
“Oh, are we playing?” That sinful grin tilts higher.
The heat coiling inside me cranks hotter. “I was just stating a fact.”
“Next time we’re at the Salt Lick, it’s on.”
“That game is definitely more entertaining
