A dimple dents his cheek as he graces me with a full smile. The oxygen meant for my brain fizzles into a puff of smoke. As if this fella needs more ammunition to reel in the ladies.
“You’re not from here.”
I slap on a grin of my own to cover the undeniable scent of lust wafting off me. “Why is that so obvious?”
“Any lifer could sniff you out in an instant,” he drawls. “We don’t get a lot of visitors in our small section of paradise.”
“No?”
“Not that look like you.”
I almost recoil. “That’s not very gentlemanly. Do you make a habit of being rude to women in the entryway of the supermarket?”
My word vomit erases any progress I managed to make, not that he doesn’t deserve it. But the stranger surprises me with a raspy chuckle.
“Nah, you’re proving to be a special case.”
“Should I be offended?”
“Not in the slightest, darling. I meant that as a compliment. You’re so… shiny.”
I glance down at my outfit, noticing an obvious lack of sparkle. “Like a new toy?”
He scrubs a hand over his mouth, hiding a smirk. “Not sure I’m bold enough to cross that line just yet.”
“I’m not following.”
He smooths a thumb over the bill of his hat. “You have a certain something that we don’t see too often. We usually get truckers, farmers, and the occasional business suit eager to make deals. Crops of ladies looking to let loose pass through every now and then, but that’s fairly rare.”
I drop my gaze, taking a sudden interest in the checkered floor. “Well, all right.”
“So, what brings you to Bam?”
“Bam?”
He motions around us. “The great Bampton Valley.”
I track his gesture, still regaining my footing after receiving the heat of his focus aiming at me. “It definitely has some luster to enjoy.”
“Only some? You wound me, woman.” He clutches his chest, showing off the outline of an impressive pec.
“I take it you’re a lifer?”
“Born and raised.”
“Well.” I offer him an outstretched hand. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Audria.”
His loud whistle turns more than a few heads. “I should’ve known the fancy lady has a name to match. Reeve Colton, at your service.”
I raise a brow at that. “It’s a pleasure.”
A low sound rumbles from the depths of him. “I would hope so after you rammed into me.”
“Oh, please. It was a light tap at worst.”
Reeve rubs his side. “I’ll have a bruise tomorrow, no doubt.”
Is he screwing with me? Do I want him to be? “Aww, big man has an ouchie? Can I get you an ice pack?”
He licks his bottom lip, biting the plump center and sucking it between his teeth. “Couldn’t hurt.”
“I’ll get right on that.” Something he said earlier niggles at the back of my mind. Call me shameless, but I can’t stop my urge to ask. “So, you think I’m fancy?”
His dimple makes a reappearance. “As if you need me to confirm that. But while we’re returning to unanswered questions, what brings you to town?”
“I got hired to teach at the elementary school—just temporarily,” I add.
Reeve’s eyes widen as he shudders. “During the summer? Those poor kids.”
“Well, they offered me a position with their kindergarten readiness program prior to the academic year. I figured why not make a few extra bucks? This way, I get to start my contract early.”
His chuckle is deep and rich. “Kindergarten readiness? That sounds like a fancy term for babysitting.”
I swat his arm. “It’s more than that. Parents take their children’s education very seriously.”
Reeve sniffs, looking like he smells a pile of crap. “Of course, my mistake. You’ll have an absolute blast wrangling a room full of rowdy rascals wanting to play outside.” He acts as though I’m setting myself up for torture.
“It’s only a few hours a day,” I grumble.
“And those will be draining as fuck. I’ll get a stool permanently reserved for you at the Salt Lick, with a cold beer waiting too.”
“Is that a bar?”
“The best—and cheapest—in town. You’ll need a boost after dealing with those young minds on a daily basis.”
I squint at him as the thought of a frosty shandy teases my tastebuds. “Maybe I’ll take you up on that.”
“There’s no maybe about it, darling. But I’ll let you keep that chin tipped high until proven otherwise.”
A zip races down my spine at the term of endearment. I assume he uses it quite often. “Thank you?”
Reeve nods and crosses his arms. I do my best not to stare at his biceps straining the seams that attempt to conceal him. My efforts prove futile when he laughs. “So, what happens after you’ve prepared these delightful tykes for kindergarten?”
“I’ll be teaching second grade.”
“Ah, you’re covering for Hollie.”
“I believe so.”
“She’s still pregnant but ready to pop. Her husband works with me.”
“Small world,” I murmur.
“Very. You’ll get used to it.”
“That’s probably true, since I’m sticking around for a while. I’m taking over Hollie’s class in the fall and winter. Another teacher going on leave needs a sub for spring until summer break starts. That provides me with a full-time gig for the entire school year.”
“And then?”
I shrug. “I’ll move back home most likely. It’s impossible to say what schools will have openings by then. I’m here for now.”
Reeve studies me long enough that the impulse to fidget slithers under my skin. “Where are you from?”
“Minneapolis.”
“That could be a worse hike, considering how far some come from. You won’t have to spend an entire day driving back home for a visit.”
I hum in agreement. “Five hours is plenty.”
“Not much for travel?”
“That depends. On a plane heading for a tropical beach? Absolutely. Taking a road trip alone? Not my favorite.”
“That’s fair, especially when the scenery falls flat and repetitive.” Reeve tacks on a grin.
Is it weird that we’re talking like good friends catching up? In the grocery store, no less, rather than somewhere more private? I barely have to think
