“You’re my favorite,” she whimpers. Her body trembles in the fading clutches of release.
I ghost my nose along the slope of hers. “I’d sure hope so, babe. This is forever.”
“I’m glad you agree that I’m never leaving, and not just because my legs are numb.” Audria’s chest rises and falls against mine. “What time is it?”
I kiss her, stealing the breath she tries so hard to take. “Does it really matter?”
She shakes her head, latches onto my bottom lip, and gives a slight bite. “Not even a little.”
I squint while my eyes adjust to the bright fluorescent bulbs highlighting our zigzagging trek across the Salt Lick. Reeve tugs me behind him as we wade through the thick Friday-night throng. For such a small town, it still surprises me how crowded this place gets. Not that I’m complaining. It’s comforting to be surrounded by others celebrating whatever joy brings a smile to their faces.
“Sorry we’re late,” Reeve announces to our group gathered around a large booth. “Properly reacquainting our bodies cannot be rushed. Getting our alignment in sync again is vital to the process. It’s all-consuming, really. We had to make sure we did it right. Several times.”
I swat his chest. “You’re shameless.”
He stoops to nip at my earlobe. “And you love me.”
“I do.” Heat blazes up my neck at his very public display. A girl could get used to this.
“Too much information,” Vannah deadpans. Her stony expression only takes a second to crack, her grin spreading far and wide. “Just joking. Practice makes the orgasms even better. How else would lover boy find your G-spot in one thrust? I expect to hear all of the dirty details later.”
“You need to get laid.” I laugh.
“Thanks for noticing.” She scours the room with a predatory glare. “I’m going hunting later. First, we need drinks.”
As if hearing the summons, a server pops by our table. We order a shandy pitcher, Coors for the men, and a round of shots for everyone. Vannah insists on adding that last part to our tab.
“We’re partying like college,” she reminds.
“I’m too old for this,” I complain.
Reeve snorts, lifting his glass in a collective cheers. “Don’t complain about your age to me, babe.”
I nearly hack up a lung after slamming the liquid fire. “Gah, I don’t recall vodka tasting so horrible. It’s like rubbing alcohol.”
Vannah licks her ruby-stained lips. “I taught you better than that. You’re out of shape.”
Bea shrugs. “It tastes great to me.”
“And this is why we’re instant besties,” Vannah coos.
I scoff and turn to Reeve. “I’m totally being replaced.”
“You’ll always be first on my list.” He smacks a loud kiss to my lips.
“Whoa, whoa. I won’t let this city priss storm into my town and steal you away,” Gavin booms, shaking his fist. “No offense, gal pal.”
I roll my eyes at his theatrics. “Yeah, sure. None taken.”
He bats his lashes at me in his ridiculous way. “I’m totally messing with you. Please take him off my hands. He’s been so extra lately.”
“I’ll remember this when you call, begging for a ride home,” Reeve drawls.
Gavin hoots. “See? Now he’s got jokes. You’re finally making an honest man out of our guy.”
I join in the laughter, the liquor already buzzing in my blood. “I wouldn’t go that far. He’s still a little crooked where it counts.”
“Dirty, gal pal. I love it.” He holds up a hand for me to slap. “Dottie dearest will be so pleased to discover she was right all along.”
I reflexively swing a glance around for the gossip queen. “We probably should’ve listened to her last summer. It would’ve saved some tears.”
“You cried while we were apart?” Reeve appears devastated by this news.
How could I not? The urge to confirm his suspicions tweaks my larynx. Instead, I smooth the furrow between his brows. “It’s all resolved. We don’t have to rehash any of that.”
Vannah, of course, has no such reservations. She huffs and points at me with her beer. “By the bucketful. Your girl gets all up in her feels. Have you watched Friends with her yet? Grab the tissues. Who cries during a sitcom?”
Gavin raises a palm. “Guilty.”
She hitches her thumb at him while addressing me. “He’s just like Tyler.”
“Told you.” I giggle. “My brother is very secure about displaying his emotions.”
Gavin puffs out his chest. “I really have to meet this dude one day.”
“We’ll plan a trip to Minneapolis. I can show you guys the city,” I offer with a smile.
Reeve wraps his arms around me from behind, resting his chin on my shoulder. “Sounds like a great trip, babe.”
“Then it’ll be my turn to get creative with never-ever dates.”
“Even better.” He nuzzles into my neck.
“Before I get pregnant from watching this Hallmark special, will you do me a favor?” Vannah asks Reeve.
“That depends,” he replies.
She smacks her forehead. “You’ve spent too much time with Audria. It’s almost like there are two of her.”
“That’s not a bad thing.” I’m pretty sure when he burrows into the crook of my shoulder again, it’s purely for Vannah to gag over.
As if proving my point, she swats at the air between us. “Dear Lord, go easy on the swoon. You’re gonna tap out before getting her down the aisle.”
Reeve shakes his head with a grunt. “Not possible. She refills my cup every morning before sunrise.”
“All right, Romeo. Just promise not to propose on Valentine’s Day.” She squeezes her palms together in a pleading gesture.
He squints at her. “When is that again?”
Vannah turns to Gavin. “Is he serious with this shit?”
He takes a swig from his bottle. “I’m afraid so. I take zero responsibility for his stupidity.”
Vannah pats Reeve’s arm. “In that case, we’re all set. Go nuts with your crazy self.”
He tugs at the brim of his hat, his familiar smirk showcasing a dimple. “Glad we came to an agreement.”
“Funny you should mention that,” Gavin cuts in. “Did Reeve tell you his alternate plan?”
“I don’t think so?” I glance between them.
The man himself
