“It’s romantic. She’s your lobster.” Gavin makes two connected loops with his fingers.
I pin Reeve with a glare. “Did you binge all the episodes without me?”
“Uh, kinda. But that’s not what he’s talking about.”
“Tell me.” I poke him in the chest.
“I planned to move if you weren’t going to stay in Bam. That is, if you’d have me.” His blue gaze swirls with heat that curls my toes. But above the lust clouding my thoughts is his desire to be with me.
“Are you serious?” My voice is reed thin, emotion clogging the sound.
“She’s totally going to cry,” Vannah whisper-shouts to everyone within earshot.
“You hush,” I scold her, wiping at my face just in case.
Reeve drags me into his chest for a hug, pressing us close enough that no space separates us. “Yeah, babe. Life would suck here without you. I’d wanna be wherever you are. That’s where my home is now.”
“Oh, man.” I blow out a thick breath, fanning my face. “I don’t even know how to respond. That’s a really grand gesture.”
“And he always claimed to suck at them,” Gavin jests.
I ignore that, choosing to focus on my boyfriend. That term almost gives me pause, but a cheesy grin lifts my lips instead. “I’m looking forward to embracing this newfound journey with you, farmer.”
“Long haul, babe.” He seals that vow, sweeping his lips across mine.
“It better be. I’m not sticking around for just anyone.”
“And I wouldn’t let her stay for any average schmo. Consider yourself blessed that I approve.” Vannah winks at us.
“Yeah, what Red said.”
“Nice rhyme, bro. You could be Tyler’s twin.” Vannah flicks Gavin’s ear.
He sticks his tongue out at her, proving her point without realizing it. “I doubt he’s nearly as dashing. Right, Bea?”
“Uh, sure.” She looks anything except convinced. I’ve been meaning to address their situation—or lack thereof—again. Maybe after a few more doses of liquid courage.
“This calls for a toast and another round to commemorate this happy ending.” Vannah takes it upon herself to hand everyone in our circle a tequila shot. It’s moments like these where I believe my friend is a mind reader.
I wrinkle my nose at the proffered alcohol. “Are you trying to get me drunk, Van? If you want to take advantage of me, just ask nicely. Pouring booze down my throat will make me hug the porcelain throne before midnight.”
She quirks a brow at me. “I don’t need liquor to slip between those thighs.”
“She’s taken.” Reeve chuckles.
“Do I have to? The first one is still sloshing in my belly.” I prefer letting these potential landmines settle for at least an hour between blasts. A pleasant warmth is spreading through my veins, but that can take a horrific turn in an instant. I hold the booze up to Reeve. “How about you handle this for me?”
“I don’t want liquor dick, babe. Gavin is double fisting on my behalf.”
“Okay, you’re off the hook.” Damn, I need a drinking surrogate. “Vannah, this bad boy is all on you.”
“Quit being a wimp, gal pal.”
I glare at Gavin. “No one’s talking to you.”
“Bea is.” He jerks a thumb at her.
“That’s her choice.”
“So feisty.” He laughs.
“That’s what good sex does to a girl,” Vannah quips and downs my shot like a champion. She doesn’t even wince at the burn. “Speaking of, I need to get on the prowl. Point me in a decent direction?”
Reeve and Gavin diligently follow her request, surveying the crowd for eligible targets. I almost feel sorry for whoever they choose because my friend has a hungry gleam in her eyes.
“All right, I’m off. I’ll circle back with a success report.” She struts toward the bar with an extra swing to her hips. I give it two minutes before drooling admirers bombard her.
I allow my gaze to wander from my friend and return to our table. Reeve polishes off his beer and shoots me a wink. I give him one of my own. Across from us, Gavin wraps an arm around Bea’s shoulders. Her resulting smile can only be described as blissed out. They would make such a cute couple—if only.
Not wanting to intrude on a potential moment, I flick my stare to the opposite wall, and it snags on the stage. It’s always dark and out of commission. I bounce my attention to Reeve and nod to the shadowed area. “I’ve been meaning to ask and keep forgetting. Does anyone ever perform here? It seems like a great spot.”
He tips his head back with a laugh. “Like Jason Aldean? It’s not easy to convince any talent worth paying to play a set in Bam. We’re not easy to spot on the map, you know.”
I wave that nonsense off. “That’s crazy. This is the best town.”
“It took you a few months to arrive at that conclusion.”
“No, maybe a few weeks. But you were a big part of making me feel welcome.” A lightbulb idea flicks on in my mind. “Hey, why don’t you sing?”
His eyes flare wide. “No way.”
“Why not?”
“That’s something special for you,” he insists.
I cup his scruffy jaw. “How sweet, but I’m willing to share.”
Reeve tilts into my palm. “Is that what you really want?”
The green-eyed monster attempts to speak up, but I tamp that jealousy down. “Selfishly? No. But you’re too good to not let others listen.”
“Well, lucky for you, playing in public terrifies me. I have a slight case of stage fright with an audience involved.”
I gasp. “You’re afraid of something?”
He pretends to shudder in his boots. “Unbelievable, I know. I try not to advertise that fact. It’s bad for my image.”
I make the motion of zipping my lips. “Your secret is safe with me.”
He hums against my puckered mouth. “Why’re you so sexy?”
I feel a tendril of fire rise from the ashes in my lower belly. That slight stirring notches the temperature up several degrees. “You have to ask that since I’m officially your girlfriend. Plus, I’m new and sparkly.”
“Nah, your shine will never wear
