“You’re not going to give me more than that, huh?”
“Nope. Didn’t you say something about building anticipation?”
She walks her fingers up my chest. “It gets me very excited.”
“That’s right,” I hum against her lips. “I’ll be sure the suspense gets your motor purring.”
“I look forward to it.” She struts to the fridge, sticking her head inside. “Eggs and toast good with you?”
“Sounds delicious.” I press into her from behind.
She pushes against me without straightening. “I like you in an agreeable mood.”
I need distance, or I’ll be eating her for breakfast. I force myself to turn away, searching for a distraction. A vase with flowers on the table catches my eye. I was too preoccupied yesterday to notice much about her house. A quick glance around shows predictable findings. I would have no sliver of a doubt that a woman lives here. Splashes of bright colors and unnecessary clutter adorn every surface. It’s neat and organized, though. It smells fresh and warm, like a home should. I can definitely place her in this room, perching on the couch, watching Friends. Maybe she’ll let me stick around and join her.
As if on cue, Audria strides over and passes me a steaming mug. She winks while I take a sip. “Does it pass your quality inspection?”
I release a groan for her benefit. “Better than if I’d brewed it myself.”
She rolls her eyes before strutting back to the stove. “Such a charmer.”
I could easily see us falling into a routine. The air stalls in my lungs with a strangled choke. Alarm bells blare a deafening clang against my skull. I’m getting too invested. Jesus, there I go again. Rein it in, man.
My gut plummets in a familiar sensation. “Uh, maybe I should get going.”
“We haven’t eaten yet, and you’ve barely had any coffee. Take a seat. The food is almost ready.” Her tone is so nonchalant that I have no choice but to listen. She doesn’t seem to be in a hurry for me to leave.
A deep exhale releases the pressure in my chest. Why am I so damn erratic? I can be flippant about this too. “Yeah, all right.” I pull out a chair, set on parking my ass until she kicks me out.
Audria slides a plate in front of me. “Not too fancy, but it should hit the spot.”
“This is great.” I lift my fork and dig in. A thought occurs to me as a bite of cheesy eggs hits my tongue. That savory flavor gives me a crazy idea. “Are you Zooming with your friends today?”
“You really want to meet them?”
“Mostly so they know who’s stealing you away.”
She’s quiet for a moment, trapping her lush bottom lip between her teeth. “I suppose that’s true, in a sense.”
I wasn’t sure how she would react to that bait. Pretty damn well, I would say. Her answer tips my smile higher. “Sure is, babe. They’ll see how happy you are, freak out, and come down to rescue you. Then they’ll be stuck too.”
She giggles into her palm, trapping a mouthful of toast. “I’d love to see how they receive that message. Our call is tomorrow.”
I snap my fingers. “Well, damn. I guess that means I’ll be staying over again. Such a hardship.”
A single brow quirks at me. “I haven’t invited you.”
“But you will, babe. Or I’ll provide you with enough orgasms that you pass out from sheer bliss, whichever comes first.” I lick my lips, tasting hints of butter and temptation for what’s to come.
Her molten-chocolate gaze threatens to drown me in a pool of sugar. How can I even consider letting her go? She’s better than porn and football in the same sitting. We aren’t done. Far from it.
Audria grabs my empty dish and walks to the sink. “What’s on your agenda for this fine Saturday, farmer?”
I’m hot on her heels. “Other than you?”
She gives me a light shove. “Horny toad.”
“Don’t pretend to be offended.” My lips rain kisses along the column of her throat. “It’s your fault for making me always want more.”
“Be serious.” But she angles her neck to grant me better access.
“Absolutely nothing, babe. I’m all yours.”
Her wide eyes latch onto mine. “Still?”
I squeeze my nape. “You’ll give me a complex continuing to question that.”
Audria sucks on the inside of her cheek. “I figure you’ll get tired of me eventually.”
A bitter pill lodges in my throat. “Not yet.” Or ever.
“In that case.” She melts against me. “How about a shower? I’m feeling extra dirty.”
I tap my thumbs on the wheel as a bluesy tune kicks on. Country music never had a spot on my playlist until I moved to Bampton Valley. These days, I find myself ever so slowly becoming a fan. The catchy beat and swoony lyrics grow on a girl. This particular song has my foot tapping on the floorboard. The urge to sing along tickles my throat. Once Vannah catches wind of this revelation, I’ll never hear the end of it.
The robotic voice of my navigation app tells me to turn right on yet another dirt road. I’m not sure where Reeve is sending me, but I’ll find out in approximately three miles. From the grassy prairies and super-rural location, it’s safe to assume another outdoor activity is in my future. Best to get these out of the way before snow makes an appearance. I shiver, glimpsing the temperature displayed on my dash. The upcoming change in climate threatens with each drop in degree.
With a skyward glance, I smile at the cloudless sky. Direct sunshine bakes the ground without a hitch. It’s too early in autumn for winter to barge in. I say that every year with my fingers crossed. Reeve will have to get more creative once the weather stops cooperating. He’s not one to deliver an experience short of noteworthy and spectacular. His dedication to our never-ever dates ensure I’m thoroughly entertained. Thinking of that man gets my heart beating faster, syncing with the upbeat
