I boop him in return. Two can play at this game. “That’s an interesting theory, but it doesn’t change my answer.”
Gavin groans. “Please, Audria. This town is so dull. I need to live vicariously through you. Consider my well-being.”
“Fine,” I huff. Dropping a little nugget won’t hurt anyone. “For your information, we haven’t had sex. I’m not sure he’s interested.”
Especially when I continue slamming barriers down. I wouldn’t be surprised if he cuts his losses and roams greener pastures. A mental scolding pipes up from the nosebleed section. Worst fuck buddy ever.
His smile drips with hidden knowledge. “Don’t fool yourself, gal pal. Reeve wants to jump your bones.”
“Of that, I have little doubt.” I cross my legs in an effort to stem any pesky heat from rising.
“What’s holding you back?”
“Nothing. He hasn’t made a move.”
“Have you?”
I gnaw on my lip. “I guess not.”
“Well, what’re you waiting for?”
A retort gains momentum on my tongue, but I shut it down. Gavin brings up a very fair point. Why should Reeve be the one to deliver us to the orgasm station? Always taking pride in being a modern woman, I can be bold and forward. A tingle drifts along my inner thighs just considering the options. This could be my way of indulging him, like he mentioned the Wednesday before. Let’s be honest—that will not be a hardship in the least.
As if he hasn’t made his point clear enough, Gavin adds another scoop. “Take him to Pound Town, gal pal.”
I dip my chin, certain my blush resembles an overly ripe strawberry. “I’ll consider it.”
He pumps a fist in early celebration. “Yeah, you most certainly will.”
In the pause that follows, I survey the best sight this state has to offer. In my humble opinion, of course. Beyond the centralized hub of downtown Bampton Valley, Mother Nature boasts her talents, showing off just how stunning the countryside can be. I’ve gotten accustomed to the unobstructed view of lush trees and sprawling acres. The blue sky surrenders to pink-and-orange hues, making the backdrop all the more breathtaking.
We’re traveling in the opposite direction from the trip to Thayer Dairy. “And where are you taking me on this fabulous Friday evening?”
“To the party,” Gavin supplies without hesitation.
I roll my eyes at his automated response. “I meant more specifically.”
“Would it really matter if I told you? I’m not sure you’ve installed an internal compass to navigate the outskirts.”
“Ah, we’re going to the sticks.”
“Sweet baby Jesus, you’re such a city slicker.”
“Hey.” I shove his arm. “Be nice.”
“It’s adorable. Don’t get me wrong.” At my frown, he continues blabbing. “Seriously, I mean no offense. Having you in Bam has been epic—a real slam dunk. You’re exactly what this town was missing.”
I exhale in an exaggerated fashion. “Okay, that’s a bit over the top.”
“I don’t know that you realize that’s kinda my style.”
“Oh, I’m well aware. I’ve greatly appreciated the entertainment on this trip.”
He gives a head bow. “Always at your service.”
The sun has nearly set as Gavin turns left onto a dirt path leading up a hill. When we crest the top, an open field spreads far and wide. The remaining light illuminates numerous vehicles, which form a circle around a massive bonfire. A prickle of awareness narrows my focus, drawing my gaze to a certain truck. It comes as no surprise when I see Reeve leaning against the driver’s side. His blue eyes hold a fiery edge that makes me shiver.
Gavin leans over to whisper, “Is that the look of a man who’s not interested?”
I nudge him back to his side. “Oh, zip it.”
He makes a shooing motion. “I will once you two consummate what’s painfully overdue.”
With a parting grin, I hop out of the cab. Reeve meets me at the halfway point between our vehicles.
His knuckle brushes along my temple, and I tilt into the soft touch.
“Hey, babe.”
Why does that endearment make my knees wobble with every utterance? “Hi, farmer.”
He dusts my lips with his, a chaste kiss that’s over before it truly begins. “Miss me?”
“Very much. I was stuck with Gavin for almost thirty minutes.”
“The travesty.” The boom in his voice makes me smile wider.
“Work was busy?”
Reeve nods. “Hellishly so, but that’s over now. Can I get you a drink?”
“That sounds lovely.” My tastebuds sing in preparation.
I follow him to a stack of coolers set along the edge of an enlarged firepit. At least thirty people stand nearby in small clumps, relaxing after a long week.
“For you.” He passes me a can with an unfamiliar label. The design is beautiful, which already has me liking the brand.
I pop the top and take a trial sip. A tart bite of yum hits my tongue. I immediately treat myself to a bigger gulp. “What’s this magic concoction, and why haven’t we been properly introduced until now?”
He chuckles richly. “Sippin’ Pretty. It’s a raspberry sour. Kate told me you’d like it.”
The woman at the liquor store has become privy to my fruity preferences.
“Solid choice, farmer. I’ve never had it.”
“That’s always my goal.”
“You’re getting really good at finding things I haven’t done.”
“What about this?” He gestures to the festivities surrounding us.
“Partying in an otherwise-empty field? I can’t say that I have.”
He holds up a palm for a high five. “Another win for me. It may not seem all that exciting, but it’s a bit of a staple for these parts.”
“I can dig it. There’s no beating this scenery.”
Watching the moon and sun trade spots is better from this vantage point than any skyscraper. The kaleidoscope of colors is more vibrant out here, swaddled by nothing but fresh air.
“Would you have preferred a barn dance?”
I don’t remove my gaze from the exchange of power in front of me. “I’ve never done that either.”
He seems to tuck that scrap in his back pocket. “Next time.”
“I’m already looking forward to it.” Fluttering my lashes, I shift to lock gazes with him. I find myself inching closer to
