Page 63 of Harvest Heat

Rhys took a sip of the dark, rich coffee, and his eyes widened. “That’s incredible. I’ve only had espresso Romano a few times, and this is the best.”

Caleb felt warm all over from Rhys’s praise. “I learned how to make it from an Italian friend in Boston.”

“It’s really good.”

Caleb studied him as he drank some more. Eventually, Rhys looked up at him. “What?”

He debated how to answer. “This isn’t easy to say.”

“Just tell me. I can’t stand not knowing.” Rhys was rubbing his hands on his thighs, and Caleb knew he couldn’t keep him in suspense.

“What are we doing?”

“Doing? What do you mean?”

Caleb exhaled. Was he really ready for this discussion? “When we’re done working on the festival. Are you still going to come over? Are we ever going to tell your friends about us?”

“Um… I don’t know.”

Caleb hadn’t expected a clear yes, but he was still disappointed. “Do you want to stop seeing each other?”

Rhys kept his gaze on his cup. “No.”

“Okay, so are we just fuck buddies?”

He winced. “I don’t think… I’m not sure I know how to do that.”

“Then I think it’s time we at least told people we’re working together. I can’t keep pretending I barely know you.”

“I know. That makes sense.”

Caleb waited a few moments for him to say more. “But?”

“But I like us having a secret. I like being with you without anyone else having an opinion or giving me advice.”

Was that really all it was? “I get that, but I don’t like lying to people. I mean, yeah, I see why it’s kind of fun to have a secret, but I’m not comfortable with it anymore.”

“Do you want us to stop?” Rhys looked panicked, and Caleb pressed a finger to his lips.

“I don’t want to stop seeing you. I didn’t mean to start something with someone from town. You know that. We knew what we were getting into, but I like you.”

“I like you too. I don’t know what will happen when everybody knows, but I know it will change things. I don’t want everyone’s opinion about being with you.”

Caleb sighed. “I know, and I really don’t want to be the focus of town gossip, but I also can’t keep lying. Can we at least tell people about our drink entry?”

Rhys closed his eyes for a moment, then looked at Caleb again. “Yes. I’ll tell Tessa in the morning. We won’t need to tell anyone else.”

Caleb could easily believe that. “So everyone will know by the time we go to Jonah’s party.”

Rhys snorted. “Everyone will know by midmorning.”

“That fast?”

“Yes.” He picked up his now empty cup and stood. “I should get going.”

Caleb wished he didn’t have to leave. What would it be like to spend the day together? He hoped he’d eventually find out.

After sitting his cup in the sink, Rhys toyed with the hem of his sweater. “Are you sure it’s okay if I wear this home?”