Page 30 of Harvest Heat

He loved watching their little noses twitch and petting their soft fur, but he also enjoyed this part of the farm because it tended to be the least busy. From his spot, he could see most of the other animals and not have to interact with any people other than the occasional kid who said something to him about the rabbits. He’d been enjoying sitting right there since he was a kid.

The rabbits had changed, of course, but there were always at least three of them. This year, there was a tiny, fluffy black one, a few larger gray ones, and a white one with long, floppy ears.

Rhys heard footsteps on the path behind him, but he kept his focus on the gray bunny who was eating the treat Rhys had dropped in front of him.

“They’re cute, aren’t they?” It was Caleb. He sat down beside Rhys, making his pulse speed up. He was so close Rhys could smell whatever alluring cologne he always wore, but Rhys kept his eyes focused on the rabbits.

“Yeah, they’re cute.”

“Have you ever had a rabbit of your own?”

“No. I don’t know if I’d want to. I’ve heard too many sad stories from people whose pet rabbits didn’t last long, but I do like playing with them when I come here.”

Caleb held out his hand, and Rhys gave him one of the treats. A shiver ran through him as their fingers brushed.

Rhys could feel Caleb looking at him, but he kept his gaze down. He didn’t want Caleb to see how affected he’d been by that simple touch. It was ridiculous. He had to get over this intense attraction. He was going to have to work with Caleb behind a counter in one of their coffee shops for who knew how long until they got their drink perfected. He needed to get it together.

Caleb’s interested too. He almost kissed you last night.

No, that was in my imagination. Rhys shook my head to clear his thoughts.

“Are you all right?” Caleb asked. “You’ve been very quiet today.”

Rhys shrugged. “I’m quiet most days.”

Caleb didn’t say anything else. He fed the treat Rhys had given him to the black bunny, then started picking grass to feed the others like the kids who were near them.

“You can have more of these,” Rhys said. He tilted the cup toward Caleb so he could reach in and get a treat for himself.

He took another one, and then they sat beside each other in silence for several minutes. It felt comfortable instead of awkward. Rhys didn’t get the sense that Caleb was waiting for him to speak. Instead, it felt like he was just as content as Rhys to sit and feed the rabbits.

Jonah called their names from the path, ending the quiet moment. “We finally got through the doughnut line,” he said as he approached them. “I brought yours to you since the tables are crowded, and there are a lot of bees.”

“Yikes.” Rhys shuddered.

“Are you allergic?” Caleb asked.

“No, they just make me nervous.” He sighed. “That probably sounds stupid.”

“No it doesn’t. Who wants bees flying in your face while you try to enjoy a doughnut?”

“Exactly,” Rhys said.

Jonah handed them a box with four doughnuts in it. “I’m going to go check out the farm stand again. I think I might get some caramel to take home.”

Caleb smiled. “Good idea.”

Jonah left them, and Rhys turned to Caleb. “Do you want to eat these now or keep feeding the bunnies?”

Caleb glanced down at the doughnuts, then gave Rhys a sheepish look. “I really want to try these.”

Rhys smiled. “Of course you do.”

“I have a sweet tooth, so what?”

“The doughnuts are incredible. Just because I don’t like overly sweet coffee doesn’t mean I don’t like baked goods.”

“That’s good to know.” Caleb held his gaze, and Rhys’s pulse sped up. Were Caleb’s eyes darker, or was that his imagination?