“I’m being serious.” The edge to her tone has me straightening in my seat.
“So am I,” I mutter, not sure why she has to ruin my imaginary fun.
“Tell me what to wear,” Audria clips.
Is it too forward of me to suggest nothing? Probably a bit early for that. I settle for something cleaner. “Whatever you don’t mind getting dirty.”
She’s quiet for a moment, which leaves me to ponder if her mind is heading for the gutter. “Should I be concerned?”
“Not unless you’re allergic to farm animals.”
Audria makes a squeak of outrage. “How would I know that? I’ve never been exposed to them.”
“It’s usually not the animals so much as the hay and dust. Do you have other allergies?”
“No.” She stretches that single word until it’s floppy on the ends.
“I’m sure you’re fine. If nothing else, this will be a good test for you.” I chuckle when she lets loose another sharp note.
“Okay, great. I’ll see you soon.”
“Don’t forget your party pants,” I remind.
“Those are precious and cannot get stained.” At least she still has her sense of humor.
“Good call. I’ll be there in a bit.”
After a sarcastically sweet farewell, Audria hangs up. Based on that conversation, she’s in for quite a spectacle. My smile lifts higher as I picture her reaction. This will be a great day indeed.
I waste the next half hour running a few small errands. Although, contrary to product description, the bouquet on my passenger seat is rather large. What kind of message will I send with this monstrosity of romance?
Bernese took my request for a basic bunch of flowers and super-sized it. That’s probably due to this being the one and only order I’ve ever sent in. Lesson learned. I’m not a grand-gesture guy. Hell, I barely make mediocre ones. But after freaking Audria out with all that allergies nonsense, I felt an olive branch of sorts was required. I would hate for her to pull the plug before we even get started.
Even after months of knowing her, I have yet to see where she lives. I’ll rectify that today. After a few blocks on Oak Lane, I pull into her driveway. The house is a modest size that’s similar to the rest in this charming neighborhood. I’m sure it has more than enough square footage for one person, especially a girl accustomed to being crammed in a big city.
Without additional scrutiny, I hop out of my truck with my peace offering in hand. Balancing the jumbo mason jar with more than a dozen blooms is no easy feat. At least she won’t have to fuss with putting them in water.
I maneuver up the porch steps with relative ease, not spilling a drop or petal. The door opens before I can knock. Audria stands in her entryway with a wide smile just for me. Perhaps she’s already forgiven me. It’s then I notice she’s wearing overalls and a pink bandana threaded into her blond hair. I guess my farm-animal tip provided a decent clue as to where we’re heading. She’s the model of country-girl perfection, and the sight is all mine.
Her eyes dart to the flowers before returning to my gaze. “Hey, farmer.”
“I could say the same to you. Seems you fit the role more than me.”
She glances down at her outfit. “Is this stupid? Or too cliché? I was trying to pass for cute at the very least.”
“You look great.” I pass the bouquet to her. “A tiny gift for you.”
“Wow.” She buries her nose in a section of roses. “These are beautiful.”
“I figured it’s the least I could do.”
Audria sets the vase on a nearby hutch. “What’re you apologizing for now?”
If she doesn’t know, I won’t be the one to bring it up. “I’m sure we’ll think of something.”
“That’s reassuring,” she deadpans.
I paste on my most suave grin and wave a hand at the front of her home. “How do you like this place?”
Audria’s smile is warm enough to bake a pie. “I love it. Do you want to come in for a tour?”
A glance at my watch shows the minutes ticking by. “How about after?”
“Already planning a nightcap?”
“If I play my cards right and all goes well.” I offer a signature wink. Why not lay it on thick, right?
“You’re off to an impressive start.” She hesitates on her stoop, giving me a weak wiggle of her brows.
What’s with this demure attitude? I lean in and slip a finger under her chin. “Don’t be shy with me. We’ve settled the score. This is all on the table now.”
To clear up any confusion, I seal my lips over hers. She melts into my embrace, slinging an arm over my shoulder. I swipe my tongue along her bottom lip for a chaste taste. When she opens for me, I break apart from the temptation begging for my surrender.
“Best not to get carried away, though. We have a big day planned.”
“Oh, really?” A single eyebrow arches with her query.
I hook a thumb in my belt loop. “Get used to it, babe.”
Audria giggles and shakes her head. “I’m babe now?”
“Damn straight. Might as well test out some options while we’re doing this.”
“I see,” she muses. “And what should I call you?”
“Anything you’d like. I’m fairly partial to farmer, though.”
She taps her chin with a shiny nail. “I’ll give it some thought while taking your opinion into consideration.”
“That’s very kind of you.”
“Speaking of, are we still keeping the location of these dates a secret?”
I nod. “We might as well maintain our streak of surprise. A little added mystery goes a long way, or so I’ve heard.”
Audria flashes me a saucy grin. “Wise words. I suppose that’s doable.”
“It’s adorable that you think you have a choice.”
Her amusement spreads, and she gives me a light shove. “Don’t get bossy.”
I dip down until my mouth hovers near her ear. “You might want to amend that statement. I think you’ll appreciate me being in charge during certain intimate situations.”
Her inhale hitches. “Okay, I rescind my demand.”
A sound resembling a growl
