Leave Him Loved_Harloe Rae Read online

  Dorothy laughs at my response, a lacy glove covering her curling mouth. Oh, she’s trouble. “So I’ve heard. You moved to Bampton Valley about a month ago, correct? You’ve caused quite the stir ever since.”

  Why do I feel like I have a blinding spotlight over my head? I almost peek over my shoulder to see if we’re drawing attention. “Oh?”

  “Without a doubt, dear. Not many catch the eye of our local bachelor.” With that, she pins Reeve with a haughty smirk. His complexion holds a tinge of gray, resembling the fading wood of the booth surrounding him.

  Another interesting response from the usually suave fellow. I take extra care to maintain a neutral expression, concealing any semblance of surprise behind a polite grin. “We’re just friends,” I inform her.

  She titters like my grandma with a treasure trove of gossip to spread. “Sure, dear. That’s just fine. No evidence suggests otherwise.”

  I want to call bullshit, but she’s the type to take offense. Ending up on her shit list doesn’t appeal to me. I’ve only lived in Bampton Valley for a month, and the scale only continues to dip heavier in favor of this small-town community. But to be fair, my interactions with the rumor train’s ring leaders have been minimal. “I’m glad there’s no confusion.”

  “None at all. I commend your reluctance. Even cheer you on for it. Reeve already has so many admirers. I honestly don’t know how he manages his social calendar. It must be exhausting, yes?” Dorothy pins the full force of her accusation on the man whose character is being attacked.

  I take the opportunity to stab him with my own dose of undivided attention. No doubt my eyes reflect the curiosity swirling inside me. The plot of his story just got a few chapters thicker. “Does he now?”

  Reeve has the decency to appear caught red-handed under the microscope. The shade of his cheeks matches the cluster of tomatoes in front of him. His jaw clenches with unspoken retorts. His throat bobs with a heavy swallow, most likely chewing on a nice selection of choice words. I wonder what he wants to tell Mrs. Mayberry. “That’s all hearsay, Dottie.”

  She tips her nose upward, sniffing the air. “Becky, Rochelle, and Julie claim it’s the truth.”

  “And that’s who you choose to believe?” he grinds out.

  “They’ve never steered me wrong.” This woman is ruthless. She will gladly announce all of his juicy exploits without batting a mascara-coated eyelash. That’s not how I prefer to discover the most elusive secrets that make this man tick. Not that I need to uncover all there is to know about my friend.

  Dorothy claps, another grin blooming on her lips. “Well, I must be off. You two have a lovely day.”

  I guess whatever she planned to accomplish with this ambush is done. A dull tug pulls between my brows. I unhinge my jaw with the makings of a farewell, but Dorothy doesn’t give me a chance. She vanishes faster than her arrival, blending into the throng as if she’d never separated herself to begin with. I watch until her royal-blue outfit fades into the background.

  “Remind me never to get on her bad side,” I murmur absently.

  Reeve knocks on the counter, regaining my focus. “She’s all talk and little action so long as you don’t feed her flames. As a Bam lifer, Dottie takes newcomer initiation seriously.”

  “She seems to fit the stereotype.”

  “Precisely. Typical shenanigans.” He winks at me.

  “It’s comforting to know you weren’t lying about people talking.”

  A devilish smirk quirks his lips. “I won’t steer you wrong, especially about the town’s idiocies and rumor mills.”

  I return his grin. “Thanks for that. She’s brutal.”

  “Nothing I haven’t already been smeared with. That’s the type of slander most single guys get from Dottie. In her world, we should all be married by high school graduation.”

  “Talk about old-fashioned.”

  “Very.” Reeve exhales a rough breath. “Sorry you had to hear all that.”

  “Eh, it holds no weight until proven.”

  “I can assure you that won’t happen.”

  “That’s for me to decide.”

  “Good thing you’re stuck here for a while.”

  “Very true. There’s no means of escape.” I can’t stop a choppy laugh from puffing out.

  “So, the lake,” he reminds.

  I nod. “Ah, yes. How easily we get derailed.”

  “Are you in?”

  I have nothing to consider after the ease of our conversation. “I’ll absolutely be there. Just tell me where and when.”

  I blindly reach for another Coors from the cooler parked beside me. The melting pool of ice reminds me how long I’ve been sitting in my chair. Peeling my ass off this seat is probably best, but more beer comes first.

  A bubbling hiss carries across the quiet beach as I twist off the cap. The refreshing bite of frosty brew hits my tongue, and I don’t bother suppressing my groan. That’s damn good shit. Cheap too.

  Beyond earshot, a handful of my friends dip and dive in the cool water. The glare off the water’s surface would be blinding without the shelter of my hat. More importantly, that glittering haven offers a shady reprieve from the extreme humidity beating down on us. But the promise of relief doesn’t hold my attention. My eyes stray to the empty road again.

  Bumbling footsteps create a commotion to my left. I barely notice until Gavin claps my shoulder far harder than necessary. “She’ll never appear if you don’t quit watching the trail.”

  I tip the bottle to my lips, savoring a long swig. “I don’t know what you mean. I’m just enjoying the scenery.”

  He snorts. “Yeah, okay. Keep watching your pot to see if it boils. Let me know how it goes.”

  A dull prickle surfaces from the base of my neck. “Did you need something? Or are you just trying to fuck with me?”

  His whistle is a sharp jab. “Damn, brother. She’s getting to you. Tell me again why you pigeonholed yourself?”

  “Because I’m not a shallow dick.”

  “Are we sure you still have one?”

  “Yes,” I bite.

  “Need me to check?”

  I shove him off me. “Wouldn’t want to make you feel less than adequate, buddy.”

  “Oh, burn. Someone is feisty. Your lady friend better make an appearance so she can soothe the ache.”

  I pick at the edge of my beer’s label. “I doubt she’ll even show up after Dottie’s influence.”

  Gavin waves away my concern. “That old bird squawks nonsense. Audria can see through it.”

  “We’ll find out.” I glare into the distance. Am I being a sour pile of piss? Damn straight.

  “She responded to your texts, right?”

  “Because that’s a guarantee for jack shit.” I roll my eyes in his general direction.

  “You’re the master at that move.” He chuckles.

  “And you’re not helping.”

  “How about your other wingmen? Duncan and James wanna know what’s crawled up your ass. I’m thinking it’s the sand lodged in your vagina. Or should I tell them it’s female trouble?”

  “I’m fine, fuck you very much. Just let me finish this, and I’ll come swim.” I roll the Coors between my palms.

  “Maybe you should just sleep with her once and get it over with.”

  “Not gonna happen.”

  “And why not?”

  I spew a string of curses to the sky. “We agreed to no sex. As if you need a reminder.”

  Gavin grunts. “That was really stupid on your part.”

  Does it make me a hypocrite that I’m ready to agree with him? It’s only been a month since I secured my place in the friend zone with Audria. We went three weeks without crossing paths. A miracle in a town the size of Bam. That slight separation eased the fire she stokes in my veins. I almost convinced myself that her shiny appeal had worn off. That was another foolish mistake.

  The dress she wore to Whomp last weekend was enough to send my libido into overdrive. Betwe
en the flowy material and short hem, that garment was stitched to bring me to my knees. I’m beginning to see the error in my ways by suggesting we never take things further. How am I expected to resist her? More importantly, why the hell do I care so much about this chick? I probably shouldn’t have invited her to begin with. This unhealthy attachment to my so-called friend is already building into a problem.

  As if my incessant obsessing conjures her, a blue coupe pulls into the lot. Familiar blond waves and banging curves unfold from the driver’s side. The tension seeps out of me faster than a leaky inner tube.

  A burst of laughter pops the daze holding me captive. “Fuck, you have it so bad.”

  I scowl at Gavin. “Just friends.”

  “My ass.” He releases another hoot. “Pretend like I’ve known you my entire life and try again.”

  He doesn’t deserve a response. Instead, I set my sights on more appetizing options. Audria struts our way with a megawatt smile firmly in place. Her hips sway to a silent beat that matches the erratic rhythm of my pulse. A pitiful excuse for a dress clings to her slender figure. The white cover-up does little to disguise a hot-pink bikini waiting to be revealed. Sandals that resemble stilts accentuate the long pillars of her toned legs. Does she choose these outfits solely to torture me? I chomp on my clenching fist at the onslaught of steam hissing under my skin. Frothy drool most likely drips from my lips.

  I stand to greet Audria, preparing a smirk she’ll recognize as cocky confidence. Knots in my gut be damned. I can fake being unaffected with the best of them.

  “Dude, put a lid on your emotions. They’re spilling all over your sleeves.”

  I stare down at my bare chest. “I’m not wearing a shirt.”

  He smacks my pec, the sting making me wince. “Don’t be so literal.”

  “You’re the dumbass tossing around clichés.”

  “I prefer you easygoing. How many beers are left in that cooler?”

  “Getting drunk isn’t the answer.”

  “That’s one opinion.”

  I kick open the lid. “Be my guest and take your pick.”

  Gavin peeks inside, digging under the top layer. “What’s this fruity shit—”

  “Not for you.” I knock the can from his hand. “Choose something else.”

  “Someone seriously needs to get laid,” he mutters.

  “I didn’t realize I packed a mirror in there,” I retort.

  He grunts, but a wide smile soon replaces his frown. “How about that? Audria brought me a treat as well.”

  I don’t see the woman walking next to Audria until he mentions her. They’re close enough to one another that their arms brush. Both girls send us a wave as they approach.

  I swing my gaze to Gavin. “You and Bea?”

  He coughs and dips his chin. “Nothing serious. She’s fun to rile up, though.”

  “Sure,” I drawl.

  “Focus on your own troubles, man. Were you looking for a challenge? Because this doozy will keep you reeling for months.”

  The reason for that hovers just within reach. If only I had the right to grab what’s in front of me. “Don’t I know it.”

  “Hey, boys.” Bea announces herself with a grin.

  “Ladies.” I tip the brim of my hat. “You made it.”

  Before lifting my eyes, I feel Audria’s perusal like an iron brand. Her gaze wanders across my bare chest, drifting down my torso, ending at the cut of my lower abs, which disappear into the waistband of my shorts. A punch of feral desire slams into me. My muscles flex seemingly on their own under her scrutiny. She must pick up on the strain winding tighter inside me and casts her attention elsewhere.

  “Sorry if we’re a little late.” Audria cringes.

  “It’s my fault,” Bea admits. “I couldn’t decide what to wear.”

  “You chose well,” Gavin croons. He lays on the charm with his smooth timbre.

  Audria might’ve been onto something when she mentioned their flirting at the Salt Lick.

  I widen my eyes at Audria as the cheesy scene unfolds mere feet from us. She bounces her shoulders and mouths that she told me so. She certainly did.

  I chuckle and nod at the cooler. “Can I get you a drink?”

  “That depends on what you’re offering.”

  “Take a look,” I prod.

  Her gasp is fucking adorable and gets my blood pumping faster than it should. “You got shandy for me?”

  Gavin chooses that moment to pay attention to us. “Oh, I get it now. Very smooth, man.”

  I flip him off with a scowl.

  He ignores me, wisely choosing to address Audria. “And how’s my best gal pal?”

  She cuddles the Leinenkugel’s like a national treasure. “About to be even better.”

  “Yeah, baby. Take the edge off. Reeve could use some guidance in that department.”

  I smack his nape. “Isn’t there somewhere else you need to be?”

  “Ah, sure.” He drapes an arm around Bea. “Wanna get wet?”

  Audria giggles into the mouth of her beer. “Real smooth.”

  Based on how she’s batting her lashes, Bea is totally into his lewd innuendo. “I’d really like that.”

  Gavin wags his brows at her and motions toward the lake. “After you.”

  They stroll across the sand, casually knocking hips with each other in their choppy strides.

  “Well then.” Audria laughs again. “Guess those two are getting along.”

  I squint at their retreating forms. “Yeah, I haven’t quite figured out his motivations.”

  She follows my gaze. “He isn’t just messing with her, right?”

  “Nah, Gavin isn’t the type. He’s known her for too long.”

  “I’m curious about that. If they grew up together, why hasn’t anything sparked until now?”

  I shrug. “Bam politics? They’ve both been in serious, and disastrous, relationships. Getting a fresh perspective can happen in a single moment. Sometimes it only takes a new experience to provide a necessary shove.”

  “Yeah, I can understand that.” The brown of her gaze swirls with the type of intrigue I’m afraid to delve beyond. Melting chocolate with specks of toffee come to mind as I surrender to the pull. Audria tilts the beer to her lips without breaking my stare.

  Silence balloons between us as I leer worse than a stalker. She finishes her sip and smiles at me.

  I scrub the back of my neck. “This isn’t weird, right? We can be friends.”

  She scoffs. “Yeah, totally. I’m digging this agreement.”

  “Okay, good.” I bob my head to a fast beat. “That’s great.”

  “You sure?”

  “Of course. Are you?”

  She laughs. “I’m not the one who sounds doubtful.”

  I tug my hat lower. “Ah, right. I’m acting like an insecure idiot.”

  Audria has the grace to give me a light nudge. “I’ll take your bumbling as a compliment.”

  “Is it stupid to admit I’m out of my element?”

  “Don’t you have many platonic relationships with girls?”

  “I do,” I hedge. “But it’s different with you.”

  She cocks her head to the side. “And why might that be?”

  “You’re not from Bam,” I state as if the explanation is so simple.

  “Which is why we’re taking time to hang out,” she supplies.

  “Yes, exactly.” Regardless of my aloof attitude, I’m confident this is the best choice. Even if I want to strip her completely buck and do wicked things together, those desires are in the vault.

  “Super,” she chirps. “I look forward to our friendship blossoming.”

  “Same here,” I agree.

  Audria tips her face toward the ground to hide a grin. I can practically hear the alarm bells rattling my skull. This conversation is not doing me any favors. If anything, it’s proving how warped my thoughts are where this chick is involved.

  I search for a distraction and spot the pe
rfect excuse discarded by my chair. “Sunscreen?” I hold up the bottle.

  “Yes, please.” She ditches her dress with a swift whip of fabric. The sight of her tan skin and ample curves on open display has my internal thermostat rising to dangerous levels. From the tightening in my groin, I’m about to pitch a tent in her honor. This reaction is extreme, even for someone stranded in a sexual drought.

  Audria wiggles her fingers. “Are you going to give it to me or what?”

  My eyes nearly cross as I toss the sunscreen to her. “Uh, sure. That would make sense.”

  With practiced grace, she smooths the creamy lotion over every visible inch. Coconut rum and tropical wet dreams scent the air. I can almost picture us on a secluded island, all alone, without a soul to stop us. Audria swivels this way and that, checking her flawless application. Her entire body glistens brighter than a damn homing beacon.

  Just when I think I’ve survived the greatest torment meant for man, she lifts her gaze to mine. “Can you do my hard-to-reach places?”

  Christ Almighty. She’s testing my resolve. I can guarantee it’s not ironclad. A few more moments of this temptation, and I’m going to crumble. Decent intentions or not, she’s hotter than a Southern summer and triple the strength.

  “I’d love to.” My voice betrays me, dropping to an octave that puts Johnny Cash to shame.

  Audria spins and sweeps her hair over one shoulder, granting me a full-access pass to the smooth expanse of her bare back. All that separates me from her naked body is a single string I can snap with my teeth. What would happen if that tiny knot got untied? It’s in my best interest not to consider that possibility.

  I squeeze a blob into my palm, the wet sputter earning a laugh from the peanut gallery. The tension seeps out of my taut form, ever so slightly. It’s good to know she finds fart noises entertaining.

  After slathering on a thick layer, I massage it in. Audria turns to putty under my hands, going limp the longer I rub her muscles. These small indulgences are all I get with this woman. It’s pure agony on my balls, but necessary. Her lax posture sways into me just as I smear the final patch of moisture.

  With a gentle nudge, I guide her to stand upright. “All done.”