The last time I saw her was a game changer. I never would’ve guessed that one of Bam’s most prized attractions would be a source of sheer terror for her. She put on a brave façade, but the woman was petrified. Did it boost my ego to swoop in and save the day? Fuck yes. It didn’t hurt that kissing her stemmed the panic. That was a turning point for us, and we took advantage. We stayed at the festival until they closed for the night. Only a few moments existed where I wasn’t touching her in some form or another. It’s about damn time I pulled the trigger and blew up my idiotic plan to stay away from her. I should’ve known that idea would be an epic fail after initially concocting it. We officially put that scheme behind us, and the relief still floods through me.
I tap my thumb against the center console as a faster beat flows from the speakers. According to my calculations, Audria will be in Bam for nine more months. I’m bound and determined to make the most of her stay in our small town. That’s why I’m taking the lead in introducing her to all the best parts of living in Iowa farm country. The list of possibilities has been pinging against my skull since I created that ridiculous liaison title. I plan to start our explorations today.
My expectations are nonexistent. I’m not interested in a serious commitment. Audria is leaving next summer. Our arrangement is straightforward enough. This way we get to be together in some sense without getting attached. Gavin has already placed bets on how long it will take for me to crumble. I’m not concerned, but I might play along just for fun. Whoever she ends up with for the long haul will be very fortunate. For now, she’s mine. Just for a little while.
I’m well aware that she’s the total package. That woman would make better guys than me want to change their reputation. Audria is more than a pretty face. She’s a complete knockout. Don’t get me wrong. I’ll easily admit that to anyone who requires an eye exam. But it’s not just her physical appearance that attracts me. Her compassion and snappy wit keep me honest. Most importantly, I find myself in a damn good mood whenever she’s nearby. I like her company. It’s as simple as that.
Even so, I’m not the relationship sort. That’s a fact Mrs. Mayberry never fails to mention, when given the opportunity. It suits me well that Audria has similar requirements for a temporary relationship. Using that word for the deal we struck seems too serious, but we’re more than a fling. That’s why labels are messy. We’re just enjoying one another in whatever capacity we choose. I want to believe this will be more than scratching an itch or getting her out of my system, but maybe that’s exactly what will happen. Why am I so preoccupied by this shit? The entire purpose of giving in is to remove the excess strain.
All this internal debating weighs on me, settling a load of uncertainty on my shoulders. At the next deserted intersection, I do an extended stop to dial Audria’s number. I’m put out of my misery after two rings.
“Hey, farmer.” She sounds out of breath, which allows my filthy thoughts to roam free.
I cough to cover any evidence of my wayward imagination while easing off the brakes. If Officer Reirson is out on patrol, he’ll wonder why the hell I’m stalling in the middle of nowhere. That’ll raise suspicions I don’t need. “Whatcha doin’, city girl?”
“Just got out of the shower. I was about to get dressed when you called.”
I bite my fist to muffle a string of curses. That’s precisely what I didn’t need to hear. Before I can demand she send me some spank-bank material, I swerve for a diversion. “How’s your morning been?”
“Pretty low-key. I was Zooming with the ladies earlier.”
That takes some of the lustful edge off, and I smile. In my meaningless book of judgment, it says a lot about a person’s character when they can maintain significant bonds regardless of distance. Audria never fails to show. The other three still live near one another and could meet whenever they want, but they refuse to leave her isolated. Instead, all four of them schedule video chats on the weekends and gab in their jammies. This is all according to Audria. I have yet to be invited.
“How’s the gal gang doing?”
She hums a jolly tune. “Very well. Vannah is already in line for a promotion. Clea just bought tickets for a cruise. Presley’s nausea is improving, so she’s starting to like being pregnant.”
“Did you tell them I said hello?”
She snorts. “Yes, even though they have no idea who you are.”
“There’s an easy solution for that.”
Audria makes an agreeable noise. “If you’re ever at my house at eight o’clock in the morning.”
“Is that an invitation?”
“Perhaps,” she drawls.
“I’ll remember that for later. Can I pick you up in thirty minutes?”
“That depends. Where are you taking me?”
I give a low grunt. “It’s a surprise.”
“Do I get a hint?”
“Nope.”
She huffs. “Well, what should I wear?”
“Clothes,” I joke.
“So clever.”
“I know you appreciate my humor.”
“Under normal circumstances, where I’m not naked and no longer want to be.”
I’d almost forgotten about her recent shower and resulting lack of attire. She’s probably dripping wet, droplets trickling down the smooth expanse of her legs. I squint at the endless fields surrounding me, imagining a much more provocative scene. Her crooking a finger and beckoning me forward into a haze of steam. She’s bare and wanting, mine for the having. The things I want make my hands tighten on the steering wheel. Would she let me have my way with her?
She clears her throat, piercing my bubble of lust. “Reeve?”
Her soft voice wraps around my cock like the finest silk. “Yeah?”
“Did you hear me?”
I scrub the erotic
