“Staying away from you has been very challenging,” she admits.
I smirk. “You didn’t have to wait so long.”
Her sigh twists a knot in my gut. “I’ve been pretty upset. You really hurt me, Reeve. I needed time to think about what the future holds and how to move forward, with or without you. I felt a lot of frustration and uncertainty.”
That’s a mixed bag. I choose to focus on the positive. “Past tense?”
She teeters her hand. “It’s in progress.”
“That’s better than I deserve. I jumped to conclusions. We should’ve discussed options together, as a couple.”
“You think?” Snark tinges Audria’s tone, but her smile is soft around the edges.
To stop myself from reaching for her, I yank at the roots of my hair. “I’m a mess without you, and that’s not including the disaster my room at the bunkhouse has turned into. The guys complained enough that Harry is on my ass. Imagine how bad it must be for a group of slobs to tell the boss I’m slacking on cleaning.”
She snorts. “I’m guessing disastrous.”
“Please put me out of my misery, babe. This separation is damn near draining my will to stand. If I stooped to my knees and begged for a second chance, would it suit you?”
Audria laughs when I begin lowering into a crouch. “Oh, I’m babe again?”
I take a chance and swipe a thumb along her silky jaw. “You always have been. I’m just an asshole. I have months of groveling ahead as retribution.”
“There’s more? I can’t imagine what else you’re capable of.”
My heart soars when she leans into my touch.
“It’s all about the anticipation,” I croon.
Her lashes flutter. “I believe a wise woman told you that.”
“She sure did.” A rumble rises from me. “I love you, Audria. I want the real deal, an actual relationship without an end date, all the bells and whistles. I’m all in.”
Her bottom lip quivers. “Really?”
“Without a doubt, babe. These feelings have been sprouting and growing and thriving for longer than I was willing to admit. I used them as an excuse to push you away. Out of utter stupidity, I believed you’d stay in Bam for the wrong reasons. I didn’t want to trap you somewhere you didn’t want to be. Assuming I had the power to do so was a grave mistake. It’s your choice to decide where to live and the reasons why. I hope you can still see me as a worthy one.”
“Oh, farmer.” She sags into me. “You’re the only one.”
I press my lips to her forehead. “Yeah?”
Audria loops her arms around my waist. “What if I don’t leave?”
The possibility makes me smile. “Don’t give a man false hope, city girl.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it.” She lays her head on my chest. “I can see staying in Bam.”
A cringe squints my eyes. “Is there a but attached?”
“Always.” She laughs. “Moving permanently depends on securing a job. I need an income to pay rent and all that other fun adulting stuff.”
“I hear Buck is hiring,” I offer.
She swats my arm. “I’m not gonna work at the Salt Lick.”
“Why? You can serve me all day, babe.”
Her huff vibrates into me. “That sounds lovely and all, but I went to school to teach. Working with kids is my passion.”
“Does it count if a lot of the patrons act like children?”
She taps her chin. “I’ll consider it as an option.”
I chuckle. “You’ll have plenty of better options. I doubt the school wants to lose you. Gabby will put in a good word with the principal.”
“That’ll make sticking around much easier.” Audria wags her brows.
I pick her up, spinning us around in a circle. “I love you, babe.”
“You’re making a scene,” she squeaks.
I bury my nose in her neck, reveling in the scent of sugary flowers and sheer salvation. “I don’t care. Let ’em talk. I want the entire town to know you’re mine.”
Audria cups my cheek, brushing our lips together. “I love you, Reeve Colton.”
“Damn, there are no sweeter words.”
She bites her lip. “I might have a few to test that theory.”
“And I will gladly volunteer to participate in this study.”
Before I can suggest how we celebrate, Bea and a woman I recognize from Audria’s Zoom chats materialize out of seemingly nowhere.
“Well, this is super cute.” The redhead sticks out her hand. “I’m Vannah. It’s so great to meet you. Audria just goes on and on. It seems like I’ve known you my entire life.”
“Vannah,” Audria hisses between clenched teeth.
Her friend just laughs. “She pretends to be shy, but we all know that’s not the case.”
I get the impression this chick is the female equivalent of Gavin. Getting them in a room together could be quite comical. That amusing thought gives me an idea. “Do you ladies have plans this evening?”
“We’re pregaming at Bea’s house.” Vannah lifts a basketful of chips and other snacks.
Audria chomps on the edge of her fingernail. “It’s girls’ night. We’re going to the Salt Lick later.”
“Oh, no.” Vannah shakes her head. “You’re officially uninvited, at least until this is all sorted.”
Audria parks a fist on her hip. “You can’t phase me out.”
“I’m pretty sure I just did.”
“Rude.”
“You’re welcome.” Vannah taps Audria on the nose.
Audria swats at her hand. “You drove to Iowa so we could hang out.”
“No, no. I came as moral support. Me stepping aside while you two make up doggy style is better than a pitcher of shandy. Trust me,” she whispers close to Audria’s ear.
Audria recoils from her friend. “Filter much?”
“Not recently. I find my point gets across faster without all the glitter and glam.”
I chuckle at their humorous camaraderie. “If you’re going to the Salt Lick, Gavin should be there around ten.”
A glimmer of interest sparks in Vannah’s eye. “Oh, who’s Gavin?”
“He’s no one,” Bea blurts. “I mean, he’s a total player, not the relationship type. It’s best to look elsewhere if you’re interested in meeting someone.”
“I see.” Vannah studies Bea for a long moment. “That’s good to know.”
“Yep, happy to help.” Bea’s smile wobbles at the corners.
“And
