Leave Him Loved_Harloe Rae Page 15

“A General Sam with extra pickles.”

  “You got it,” the older man confirms. His steely gaze finds Audria again. “Miss?”

  Her smile is warm and genuine. “I’ll have a Private Dan.”

  He jots that down. “Any additional toppings?”

  “Uh, just the usual?” She glances at me with a questioning gaze.

  Ray clears his throat. “Do you like cheese on your privates?”

  Her jaw slips open with a quiet slick. She gawks at him for a moment before giggling in that uncomfortable way women do. “Um, maybe?”

  Not a hint of amusement lifts his wrinkled features. “It’s a simple yes or no.”

  Audria tucks some hair behind her ear. “Well, I’ve never had to make this decision before. Give a girl a minute to compose herself.”

  “You’ve obviously never had one of my privates,” he states with a flat tone.

  She chokes. “No, I certainly haven’t.”

  “Cheese?” Ray’s expression is bored at best.

  Keeping my own in some semblance of neutral is a struggle.

  Audria nearly bends in half with laughter. She wipes beneath her eyes, exhaling a harsh breath. “Okay, I’m ready. Yes, I will take cheese on my burger.”

  “Great,” he mutters. “Glad to hear you like eating cheesy privates.”

  She gapes at him again, perhaps searching for a crack in his stern exterior. There’s not a fracture to be found. A wide smile spreads on her lips after a moment of recovery. “I’m going to gobble every morsel.”

  “Whatever blows your skirt up.” Ray shoots me a covert wink.

  Keeping tally of how often she appears like a fish out of water should be a new drinking game. At this point, she might as well leave her mouth hanging open. That’ll make it a lot easier for her to catch flies.

  It takes valiant effort not to chuckle at her comedic reaction. She blinks and shakes off the disbelief. When she glances at me, I smother my smile. After he reads our total, I pass him my card, remembering to tack on two sodas at the last second. Audria squeaks with an attempted protest.

  I smirk at her. “You honestly believe I’d let you pay? That’s more humorous than Ray’s jokes.”

  “It’s not like I’m your girlfriend,” she sasses.

  I roll my eyes at the blatant reminder. “I’m well aware, babe. I’m not interested, and it doesn’t matter. This is still my treat.”

  “You’re always spoiling me.” Audria pouts at me while I place a palm at the base of her spine, leading her back to our table.

  “Feel free to return the favor whenever it pleases you.”

  She plops down onto the chair and flaps her arms. “How? You won’t let me pay for anything.”

  “There are plenty of other… creative ways to coddle me.” I have little doubt that the heat in my eyes strikes a match to her simmering lust. Does that make me sound like a cocky dick? Maybe, but I recognize the way she looks at me. Am I laying it on too thick? I’ll let her be the judge.

  “Oh.” She chokes on her sip of Diet Coke. “I see. Well, I’ll keep that in mind.”

  “See that you do.” I chuckle at the flush racing up her neck. One day soon, I’m going to trace that fiery blaze with my tongue.

  Audria tugs at the front of her dress. “Um, so, that Ray dude is hilarious. Is it an act?”

  I take a swig of my drink. “I can’t say for sure, but he tends to be pretty straightforward and serious.”

  She nods. “That charade’s reserved for newbies.”

  “Maybe. Or he’s using the opportunity to flirt with a pretty girl. I don’t blame him one bit.”

  “You’re sweet,” she murmurs.

  “I’d choose a different descriptor, but I’m not picky.” I wag my brows at her.

  “Ugh, so shameless.”

  I snap my fingers. “That’s more like it.”

  “Yeah, yeah.” Audria rolls her eyes and hitches a thumb at Ray’s van. “He’s a one-man operation?”

  “With his truck, yes. I’ve never seen anyone with him.”

  “That’s a ton of work. Look at all these people. It’s not even five o’clock yet.”

  She’s right. In the last ten minutes, the number of eager customers has tripled. Soon enough, the line will extend around the block and out of sight. No surprise there.

  “It doesn’t seem to bother him,” I note.

  “He definitely has the charisma to entertain,” she adds.

  Ray barks out our order number. Audria moves to get up, and I halt her progress with an outstretched palm. “I’ve got it.”

  She rests her chin on a closed fist. “You’re pulling out all the stops today.”

  “I’m attempting to properly woo you,” I reveal, standing to collect our trays from the window.

  “Is that so?” She watches me as I get our meal situated on the table.

  “Yeah, babe. You might want to buckle in for a swoony ride.”

  She fans her face. “I don’t know how much more I can handle.”

  “I’ve barely begun.” We have plenty of country adventures left to experience.

  She traps her bottom lip between her straight teeth. “Oh, Lord. I’m in trouble.”

  “That’s what I like to hear. Then I can rescue you.” I slather my top bun with ketchup and mustard, but something far more appetizing sits within reach.

  Audria hums. “Playing hero?”

  “For you? Absolutely.”

  She takes a big bite and moans around the meaty mouthful. I chuckle at her hearty approach. This girl isn’t afraid to dig in.

  “How’s your cheesy private?”

  “So good.” The words are muffled as she finishes chewing.

  After that, we chow down in silence, content to savor our burgers until we’ve consumed every piece. I wipe any traces of stray sauce off my mouth while Audria sucks the juice off her pickle spear. Does this woman understand the extent of her sexual appeal? Good Christ.

  “Oh, I’m stuffed.” She pats her stomach. “Thank you for introducing me to this wonder.”

  “That’s what I’m here for.”

  “Give yourself more credit.” Audria links our fingers together. “You also provide scrumptious eye candy.”

  I align her palm against mine. “Are you admitting I’m hot?”

  She sighs long and slow. “Extremely, and yes. All of the above.”

  A shadow casts across the sidewalk, accompanied by an all-too-familiar titter. “Well, look at this adorable display of affection.”

  Audria subtly tugs her hand out from under mine. Dottie’s eyes track the movement like a starving hawk. This woman never misses a crumb. I dip my chin and release a slew of silent expletives.

  “Are you two finally on an official date?” One glance at Dorothy Mayberry shows a bright-red pantsuit meant to draw attention wherever she goes. She looks like a damn stop sign. Maybe that’s the point.

  I pause as a jumble of excuses pile on my tongue. Audria and I didn’t discuss how to frame our relationship if anyone asks. Mostly because no one is ballsy—or rude—enough to interrogate us outright. Leave it to Mrs. Mayberry to abandon decorum and assumptions to the chumps. I recall something specific about not wanting labels. That’s turning out to be an idiotic rule.

  My cause for concern vanishes as Audria beats me to the draw. “Hello, Dorothy. It’s a pleasure to see you again. Reeve and I are just friends, remember?”

  Her words shouldn’t sting, but a dull ache attacks my chest regardless. I bob my head in agreement. For good measure, I tack on a lame, “Totally innocent.”

  “Is that so?” I can tell she doesn’t believe our claims.

  Audria and I blurt a synchronized, “Yep.”

  Dottie’s painted lips curl to Cheshire standards. “Then why did I hear you were canoodling in the spooky castle?”

  I scoff. “Please. As if anyone can see for shit in that place.”

  She clucks her tongue. “Such language.”

  “Your accusations are
deserving of it.” Even if they’re correct. Dottie’s just searching for gossip to spread. I won’t make it easy for her.

  “You mean the truth?”

  “Allegedly,” I mutter.

  She fluffs her gray curls. “I find the alternative hard to believe. You can’t keep your hands off this girl, quite literally.”

  “I was thanking him for dinner,” Audria defends.

  Dottie’s eyes expand. “Oh, is that how you offer gratitude? Perhaps you’re a perfect match for one another, after all.”

  I grind my molars. “Do you need something, Mrs. Mayberry?”

  She graces us with another award-winning grin. “I just wanted to wish the happy couple my congratulations.”

  I offer a noncommittal shrug. “Sounds like you need to check those sources.”

  “Or perhaps you two need a better cover story, especially if you plan to keep this nonexistent affair under wraps.” She wiggles her bony fingers at us. “Enjoy the rest of your evening.”

  I glare at Dottie’s retreating form before piercing Audria with laser focus. “So, we’re just friends?”

  “With some added benefits?” A wince pinches her features.

  I exhale my misguided animosity. She doesn’t need to deal with a foul mood after surviving Mrs. Mayberry’s inquisition. “You realize that’s every man’s fantasy.”

  “You’re welcome.” Her tone is thick with hesitation.

  This should come as no surprise after her speech the other day. She’s pretty much offering me a buffet of casual sex. All I can eat until she leaves Bam? Who am I to say no?

  Her announcement might’ve caused me a brief lapse in judgment solely due to the intended purpose. Is she afraid of falling or warning me not to? I’m well aware of the limitations and am perfectly content to abide by them. Her meaning is evident. I can play along until we’re done. I see no reason to add mixed signals to the pot.

  Audria’s brow furrows as she quietly stares at me. “Is everything okay with this?” She motions between us.

  The question is innocent enough, and I’m quick to answer. I’m going to take a fucking hint and follow her lead. “We couldn’t be better, babe.”

  When the flash of headlights sweeps across my front window, I stride to the door and head outside. My footsteps falter as I spot the unfamiliar truck in my driveway. I almost turn tail and hurry back inside until the driver’s face comes into view. A smile crosses my lips, and I resume a lazy stroll toward the pickup.

  It seems Reeve is surprising me once again. I get in the passenger side and buckle up. Once I’m settled, I turn to my chauffeur. “What’re you doing here, Gavin?”

  He gives me a wave fit for a parade before backing onto the road. “Giving my best gal pal a ride, of course. Aren’t you happy to see me?”

  “Yeah, duh. I was just expecting someone else.” I quirk a sly brow at him.

  Mock sympathy wafts from him as he pats my shoulder. “You’re stuck with the consolation prize for now. Our boy got held up at work. He sent me to fetch you.”

  I choke on my saliva. “Like a dog fetching a newspaper?”

  Gavin scoffs, the sound suggesting my question is ludicrous. “More like his most prized possession.”

  “I’m not sure that’s any better.” Or that I believe him.

  It’s only been a bit over a week since we ate at Spangled Grub, but I feel a shift with Reeve. I thought it was so clever to use the term “friends with benefits” to describe what we’re doing. How cheap does that sound? Leaving well enough alone is proving not to be in my wheelhouse.

  Even so, I can’t seem to stop blaming Dorothy Mayberry for initiating this strain between us. That’s ridiculous and misplaced, of course. But our last date was all fine and dandy until she showed up. That’s the trouble with busy bees, I suppose. Her entire purpose is to stir up mischief. I groan internally. There I go again, unfairly shoving responsibility in her lap.

  A change of topic is mandatory. I squint at the roof, which leads me to the empty back seat. “Where’s Bea?”

  He taps a thumb on the steering wheel. “Your guess is as good as mine. Last I heard, she was busy.”

  I twist my lips at that. Come to think of it, she acted a tad distant when I asked about her plans tonight. “Interesting.”

  Gavin exhales a puff of air. “Eh, she’s probably on a date.”

  I whip my head to face him. “Doesn’t that bother you?”

  He shrugs. “Why would it?”

  “I thought you two were an item,” I hint.

  He barks a sharp laugh. “Not in the least. We hang out when it’s convenient, thanks to you. That’s all there is to it.”

  “Huh,” I murmur. “Well, that sucks.”

  “Not really.” His tone lacks interest.

  “If you say so.”

  “Don’t concern yourself with my dating life, Princess Consuela. Speaking of, how’s your relationship?” He shoots me three rapid winks.

  I rake my fingers through my hair, tugging at the roots. “Or lack thereof.”

  Gavin pins me with a bland expression. “Nice try, but you can’t bullshit me.”

  “Things are fine,” I hedge.

  “Elaborate, please.” He circles his wrist, motioning me on.

  I blow out a heavy breath. How much should I reveal? Sharing private details makes me queasy. The thought of trusting him with my darkest desires raises bile in my throat. His proposed topic for social hour isn’t happening. He’s Reeve’s best friend, after all.

  “We get along well. I’m enjoying his company,” I state dumbly.

  “Wow, that’s almost too erotic for my ears.” He claps a palm to one for visual effect.

  “Very funny.” But I find myself laughing at the sour expression on his face.

  Gavin’s upper lip curls higher. “I’m serious. You’re a filthy animal. How do you sleep at night?”

  I stick out a hand to inspect my nails, feigning boredom. “Very well, thank you for asking.”

  “It’s probably due to the added physical exertion in your daily routine. Are you guys compatible between the sheets?” He forms a loop with his finger and slides it down my extended pointer.

  I giggle, dodging out of his reach. “That’s awfully personal, you perv.”

  “Don’t be secretive. I’ve known Reeve my entire life. We have no boundaries between us.”

  “But we just met in June.”

  “Split the difference, and we’re still closer friends than most.” He boops me on the nose like I’m a toddler.

  I boop him in return. Two can play at this game. “That’s an interesting theory, but it doesn’t change my answer.”

  Gavin groans. “Please, Audria. This town is so dull. I need to live vicariously through you. Consider my well-being.”

  “Fine,” I huff. Dropping a little nugget won’t hurt anyone. “For your information, we haven’t had sex. I’m not sure he’s interested.”

  Especially when I continue slamming barriers down. I wouldn’t be surprised if he cuts his losses and roams greener pastures. A mental scolding pipes up from the nosebleed section. Worst fuck buddy ever.

  His smile drips with hidden knowledge. “Don’t fool yourself, gal pal. Reeve wants to jump your bones.”

  “Of that, I have little doubt.” I cross my legs in an effort to stem any pesky heat from rising.

  “What’s holding you back?”

  “Nothing. He hasn’t made a move.”

  “Have you?”

  I gnaw on my lip. “I guess not.”

  “Well, what’re you waiting for?”

  A retort gains momentum on my tongue, but I shut it down. Gavin brings up a very fair point. Why should Reeve be the one to deliver us to the orgasm station? Always taking pride in being a modern woman, I can be bold and forward. A tingle drifts along my inner thighs just considering the options. This could be my way of indulging him, like he mentioned the Wednesday before. Let’s be honest—that will not be a hardship in the least.<
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  As if he hasn’t made his point clear enough, Gavin adds another scoop. “Take him to Pound Town, gal pal.”

  I dip my chin, certain my blush resembles an overly ripe strawberry. “I’ll consider it.”

  He pumps a fist in early celebration. “Yeah, you most certainly will.”

  In the pause that follows, I survey the best sight this state has to offer. In my humble opinion, of course. Beyond the centralized hub of downtown Bampton Valley, Mother Nature boasts her talents, showing off just how stunning the countryside can be. I’ve gotten accustomed to the unobstructed view of lush trees and sprawling acres. The blue sky surrenders to pink-and-orange hues, making the backdrop all the more breathtaking.

  We’re traveling in the opposite direction from the trip to Thayer Dairy. “And where are you taking me on this fabulous Friday evening?”

  “To the party,” Gavin supplies without hesitation.

  I roll my eyes at his automated response. “I meant more specifically.”

  “Would it really matter if I told you? I’m not sure you’ve installed an internal compass to navigate the outskirts.”

  “Ah, we’re going to the sticks.”

  “Sweet baby Jesus, you’re such a city slicker.”

  “Hey.” I shove his arm. “Be nice.”

  “It’s adorable. Don’t get me wrong.” At my frown, he continues blabbing. “Seriously, I mean no offense. Having you in Bam has been epic—a real slam dunk. You’re exactly what this town was missing.”

  I exhale in an exaggerated fashion. “Okay, that’s a bit over the top.”

  “I don’t know that you realize that’s kinda my style.”

  “Oh, I’m well aware. I’ve greatly appreciated the entertainment on this trip.”

  He gives a head bow. “Always at your service.”

  The sun has nearly set as Gavin turns left onto a dirt path leading up a hill. When we crest the top, an open field spreads far and wide. The remaining light illuminates numerous vehicles, which form a circle around a massive bonfire. A prickle of awareness narrows my focus, drawing my gaze to a certain truck. It comes as no surprise when I see Reeve leaning against the driver’s side. His blue eyes hold a fiery edge that makes me shiver.

  Gavin leans over to whisper, “Is that the look of a man who’s not interested?”