It takes valiant effort not to chuckle at her comedic reaction. She blinks and shakes off the disbelief. When she glances at me, I smother my smile. After he reads our total, I pass him my card, remembering to tack on two sodas at the last second. Audria squeaks with an attempted protest.
I smirk at her. “You honestly believe I’d let you pay? That’s more humorous than Ray’s jokes.”
“It’s not like I’m your girlfriend,” she sasses.
I roll my eyes at the blatant reminder. “I’m well aware, babe. I’m not interested, and it doesn’t matter. This is still my treat.”
“You’re always spoiling me.” Audria pouts at me while I place a palm at the base of her spine, leading her back to our table.
“Feel free to return the favor whenever it pleases you.”
She plops down onto the chair and flaps her arms. “How? You won’t let me pay for anything.”
“There are plenty of other… creative ways to coddle me.” I have little doubt that the heat in my eyes strikes a match to her simmering lust. Does that make me sound like a cocky dick? Maybe, but I recognize the way she looks at me. Am I laying it on too thick? I’ll let her be the judge.
“Oh.” She chokes on her sip of Diet Coke. “I see. Well, I’ll keep that in mind.”
“See that you do.” I chuckle at the flush racing up her neck. One day soon, I’m going to trace that fiery blaze with my tongue.
Audria tugs at the front of her dress. “Um, so, that Ray dude is hilarious. Is it an act?”
I take a swig of my drink. “I can’t say for sure, but he tends to be pretty straightforward and serious.”
She nods. “That charade’s reserved for newbies.”
“Maybe. Or he’s using the opportunity to flirt with a pretty girl. I don’t blame him one bit.”
“You’re sweet,” she murmurs.
“I’d choose a different descriptor, but I’m not picky.” I wag my brows at her.
“Ugh, so shameless.”
I snap my fingers. “That’s more like it.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Audria rolls her eyes and hitches a thumb at Ray’s van. “He’s a one-man operation?”
“With his truck, yes. I’ve never seen anyone with him.”
“That’s a ton of work. Look at all these people. It’s not even five o’clock yet.”
She’s right. In the last ten minutes, the number of eager customers has tripled. Soon enough, the line will extend around the block and out of sight. No surprise there.
“It doesn’t seem to bother him,” I note.
“He definitely has the charisma to entertain,” she adds.
Ray barks out our order number. Audria moves to get up, and I halt her progress with an outstretched palm. “I’ve got it.”
She rests her chin on a closed fist. “You’re pulling out all the stops today.”
“I’m attempting to properly woo you,” I reveal, standing to collect our trays from the window.
“Is that so?” She watches me as I get our meal situated on the table.
“Yeah, babe. You might want to buckle in for a swoony ride.”
She fans her face. “I don’t know how much more I can handle.”
“I’ve barely begun.” We have plenty of country adventures left to experience.
She traps her bottom lip between her straight teeth. “Oh, Lord. I’m in trouble.”
“That’s what I like to hear. Then I can rescue you.” I slather my top bun with ketchup and mustard, but something far more appetizing sits within reach.
Audria hums. “Playing hero?”
“For you? Absolutely.”
She takes a big bite and moans around the meaty mouthful. I chuckle at her hearty approach. This girl isn’t afraid to dig in.
“How’s your cheesy private?”
“So good.” The words are muffled as she finishes chewing.
After that, we chow down in silence, content to savor our burgers until we’ve consumed every piece. I wipe any traces of stray sauce off my mouth while Audria sucks the juice off her pickle spear. Does this woman understand the extent of her sexual appeal? Good Christ.
“Oh, I’m stuffed.” She pats her stomach. “Thank you for introducing me to this wonder.”
“That’s what I’m here for.”
“Give yourself more credit.” Audria links our fingers together. “You also provide scrumptious eye candy.”
I align her palm against mine. “Are you admitting I’m hot?”
She sighs long and slow. “Extremely, and yes. All of the above.”
A shadow casts across the sidewalk, accompanied by an all-too-familiar titter. “Well, look at this adorable display of affection.”
Audria subtly tugs her hand out from under mine. Dottie’s eyes track the movement like a starving hawk. This woman never misses a crumb. I dip my chin and release a slew of silent expletives.
“Are you two finally on an official date?” One glance at Dorothy Mayberry shows a bright-red pantsuit meant to draw attention wherever she goes. She looks like a damn stop sign. Maybe that’s the point.
I pause as a jumble of excuses pile on my tongue. Audria and I didn’t discuss how to frame our relationship if anyone asks. Mostly because no one is ballsy—or rude—enough to interrogate us outright. Leave it to Mrs. Mayberry to abandon decorum and assumptions to the chumps. I recall something specific about not wanting labels. That’s turning out to be an idiotic rule.
My cause for concern vanishes as Audria beats me to the draw. “Hello, Dorothy. It’s a pleasure to see you again. Reeve and I are just friends, remember?”
Her words shouldn’t sting, but a dull ache attacks my chest regardless. I bob my head in agreement. For good measure, I tack on a lame, “Totally innocent.”
“Is that so?” I can tell she doesn’t believe our claims.
Audria and I blurt a synchronized, “Yep.”
Dottie’s painted lips curl to Cheshire standards. “Then why did I hear you were canoodling in the spooky castle?”
I scoff. “Please. As if anyone can see for shit in that place.”
She clucks her tongue. “Such language.”
“Your accusations are deserving of it.” Even if they’re correct. Dottie’s just searching for gossip to spread. I won’t
