Leave Him Loved_Harloe Rae

layers. That’s not necessary, though. Her expression is open—free and unguarded.
“But for the record, I’m willing to provide confidence boosters if your pride ever takes a hit.” She tucks a lock of glossy hair behind her red-tipped ear.
“That’s very kind of you,” I mutter.
“I figure you’d be willing to return the favor.” The smile she graces me with is more natural than the tomatoes from my mom’s garden.
A reflection from the glass doors winks off a shelf beside me. I drag my focus to the shiny flicker, and our secluded bubble for two bursts with an audible pop. I realize far too late that people are watching us. And why wouldn’t they? We’re putting ourselves on display at the entrance of a very public space.
Every face peeking at us is familiar. All of them are looking for juicy details to share in their gossip circles. By this evening, word of me making moves on the new girl will be whispered in every ear bent to listen. Just what my reputation needs.
There’s no reason for this scene to be drawing such a crowd. This isn’t out of the ordinary—my involvement, at least. The only explanation for their rapt interest is who I’m talking to. It appears I’m not the only one drawn to Audria’s presence.
Plenty of attractive women live in Bampton Valley and the surrounding areas. I’m very well acquainted with most of them, seeing as we were raised in close proximity. Sometimes living in a city of less than three thousand people has pitfalls—not deep enough to make me leave, but the level of excitement can be lackluster. Stumbling upon unique opportunities is rare. When a stranger elbows me while trying to free a grocery cart, it’s safe to assume I perk up and take notice. That has to be what’s hooking me to this chick. And now, all the residents of Bam will have the knowledge of our minor crash.
I might as well give them something to squawk about. I take a purposeful step toward Audria. At this distance, I tower over her much-smaller frame. “We’ve overstayed our welcome.”
She blanches and casts a look behind us. “Loitering?”
“Nothing that serious.” But I immediately reconsider. Depending on whose attention we’ve snagged, the flock could be vicious. “Have you heard of the rumor mill?”
Her pout twists to one side. “Hasn’t everyone?”
“But have you experienced it in a tight-knit community?”
Audria gives the buzzing store another cursory glance, her gaze taking on a wary glint. “No.”
“Then I’ll be the first to warn you. Bam has an intense fascination with spreading dirt, especially when it comes to outsiders.”
She shudders. “That sounds worse than high school.”
“Much,” I amend.
“Should I worry about my squeaky-clean image being tarnished?”
I sober at her flippant comment. “Is that a dig at me?”
“How would I know? You’re only the second person I’ve met since arriving three hours ago.”
“Who was the first?” Better yet, why should I care?
“Does it matter? We can agree that I’m the innocent party in this charade.”
“Hardly. The only reason people are gathering is because you paint a very intriguing picture.”
A furrow dents the smooth skin between her brows. “Thank you?”
“You’re welcome. And don’t overreact. This will be old news in a week.”
“If you say so,” Audria mumbles.
“I appreciate that blind trust. Do you need to get groceries before we eat?” When I wave toward the aisles, our audience of curious gawkers scatters. Damn vultures.
Her smile reappears at the mention of lunch. “If you’re about to feed me, shopping can wait.”
“I wasn’t aware that sentence fit in a woman’s vocabulary.”
“Burn,” she hoots. “Priorities vary. Maybe I’m different from those you’re familiar with.”
“Isn’t that the truth,” I utter under my breath.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
But she must have heard me. “I’m not from around here, remember?”
“That doesn’t need repeating. Same goes for stuffing our mouths full of meat. No more delays.” I gesture outside with a sweep of my arm. The motion sensor kicks on, creating an open path for us. “Ladies first.”
Audria takes the lead with extra sway in her step. Keeping my eyes off her ass is a challenge. “Is the restaurant far? I walked here.”
“Nah, just a few blocks.” I point to the general location off Main Street.
She slips on a pair of sunglasses as we leave the awning’s shade. “I can handle that.”
“You’ll discover everything is real close around these parts.”
“Yeah, the house I’m renting is about two miles that way.” She hitches her thumb toward Oak Lane.
I let loose a whistle. “Nice neighborhood.”
“It’s super cute and conveniently located.” She inhales and licks her lips. “Oh, my yum. Something smells really good.”
The telltale smokey aroma gets stronger as we cross onto Pine Lane. Saliva pools in my mouth, and I’m tempted to wipe away any signs of drool. “You’re in for a treat.”
“I have no clue where you’re taking me, but I already feel the need to thank you.”
“It only gets better. Guaranteed,” I vow. “The Grill Pit, or just the Pit if you want to blend with the locals, is one of the town’s prized staples. Only slightly outranked by our Prairie Myers connection.”
“You have my expectations set pretty damn high.”
“And they’ll still be blown to smithereens.”
A neon sign blinks B-B-Q in bold letters, marking our arrival. As if the overwhelming scent of savory pork isn’t enough. I stride past the entrance but slow my pace when her footsteps falter.
Audria pauses by the front door. “Aren’t we going in?”
“Wild horses couldn’t stop me. They set up a tent round back during the warm months. It has better seating and ambiance.” I motion her toward the alley.
“Fancy,” she coos.
With my palm notched in the dip at her spine, I guide us under the striped canvas suitable for a circus. A mix of picnic benches and long tables monopolizes the area. About half the seats are occupied with satisfied customers. I would consider this a slow afternoon by the Pit’s standards, but the hum of energy is high enough to raise the roof.
Audria’s gaze ping-pongs from floor to ceiling. “Looks like