“Always.” Her earnest tone sobers my brief amusement.
“Listen,” I start. “I owe you an apology.”
She holds up a palm. “It’s okay. There’s no need. We parted on good terms at the park. I’m not upset.”
“Well, I pushed too far—moments after telling you our flirting was harmless. This entire friendship deal was my idea, but I’ve been fucking it up ever since. That’s going to change, though. You won’t have to worry about me stealing liberties. Getting that close was a mistake. It won’t happen again.”
“Because we won’t be hanging out anymore?”
A pit forms in my chest, and I rub at the ache. “That would certainly ensure it.”
Her crooked smile looks tense with the effort to force it in place. “Gabby won’t appreciate this plan.”
“She’ll get over it,” I mumble.
Audria dips her head, but I still catch her wince. “On that note, I should probably go.”
The ache spreads to my gut, twisting in a painful knot. I’m only making this situation worse. Big fucking surprise. “At least stay until she gets back.”
“For her sake?”
“And mine.”
She shuffles her feet, avoiding my gaze. “Why didn’t you call or text?”
“I didn’t want to make things more awkward.” The truth slips free without hesitation. “I’ve already caused enough damage.”
“And if we hadn’t bumped into each other today?”
“We would’ve eventually,” I finish.
“How sweet.” Her voice suggests a very different description.
Pressure builds at my temples. “I never claimed to be good at this shit.”
A slim brow quirks at me. “Holding a conversation?”
I roll my eyes at the barb. “Making amends.”
Audria huffs. “I already told you there’s nothing to feel bad about, from that night at least.”
“Were you uncomfortable sitting next to me during the movie?”
I almost left as the opening credits rolled, but that dick move would’ve been unforgivable. Passion and lust teetered on a tightrope as I sat beside my ultimate temptation. The heated moments in that famous chick-flick provided more fuel to the raging inferno. It took considerable effort to keep my muscles still. My neck still has a damn cramp from tensing.
When I glance at her, she seems to be contemplating. Whatever it is, she must solve it as she grants me a shy grin. “Yes, but that’s only because I couldn’t quit dissecting our almost-kiss.”
Her honesty gives me pause, and I nearly stumble into the wall. Was she actually replaying those seconds where we balanced over the line? What would’ve happened if Jamie popped up a minute later? It’s best not to wonder. But maybe…
I take the plunge. How could I make this worse? “Did it offend you when I got that close? You know, since I said numerous times it wouldn’t be like that with us.”
“Quite the opposite,” she murmurs, erasing a noticeable foot separating us.
Fuck. Is she messing with me? One glance at her heavy-lidded gaze renews my confidence. “Maybe we can—”
“Are you two done yet? I walked so super slow, but I don’t wanna wait any longer.” Gabby stands beside us, appearing from her hiding spot around the corner, if I had to guess.
I chomp on the curse waiting at my lips. It would be fucking swell if we weren’t constantly interrupted. I imagine the possibilities while tamping down my boiling frustrations. “Hey, peanut.”
She gazes at Audria. “Did you agree yet? Uncle Ree will be very disappointed if you don’t go with him.”
This kid has bigger balls than Gavin. I swipe a hand over my mouth to mask a chuckle. Audria’s shoulders shake with her own silent laughter. Gabby’s eyes slide from me to her and back again. She won’t tolerate our lackluster responses much longer.
I dare to smirk at Audria. “So, will you do me the honor of attending the harvest festival as my…date?”
Her mouth curls to mirror mine. “It doesn’t seem like I have much choice.”
“Don’t make it sound like I’m forcing you.”
“It’s not you twisting my arm.” She laughs. “This pint-sized cutie is fully responsible for that.”
My niece squeaks behind pressed lips. “Is that a yes?”
“How about maybe?”
Gabby shakes her head. “Not good enough.”
Audria peers up to catch my stare. “Then I suppose we’re going on a date.”
From its cradle on the dash, my phone beeps with an alert that my final destination is approaching on the left. A vibrant spread of activity appears just beyond my windshield moments later. Mixtures of orange, red, yellow, and brown dot the expansive space. Sections of booths and carnival rides blend into the skyline. If I had to guess, the sprawling land is at least ten acres. A large portion of that appears to be some sort of maze.
I turn into a grassy lot with the flick of my blinker. According to tradition, one of the local farmers has donated his hayfield for the festival. Located on the outskirts of Bampton Valley, it provided a scenic drive I puttered along the road to appreciate. That’s precisely why the clock glares one o’clock rather than noon, not that anyone but Gabby will notice my tardiness. I chose to come alone—no date decoy in sight. Maybe I’m taking a risk, but it’s not a huge one.
The makeshift entrance is impossible to miss. An oversized archway decorated with gnarled cornstalks and giant balloons stands ready to greet the attendees with a warm welcome. As September skirts to an end, the weather has dropped to pleasant degrees that allow for chunky sweaters and knit scarves. With a predicted high of sixty-three, I couldn’t wish for a better afternoon to spend outdoors. I cross underneath the towering embellishments and stumble to a stop. An explosion of autumn wonderment instantly envelops me.
I draw in a deep breath, savoring the scent of fresh funnel cakes and memories in the making. The sense of community clings to every colorful display and entertainment stand arranged around the wide area. The creative layout reminds me of an annual fall event my family used to attend at a friend’s repurposed equestrian facility, but that was on a much smaller scale.
A streak of bright
