Page 69 of Harvest Heat

“I hate this part,” Rhys said. “It’s so awkward.”

“True, but I’d rather be out here singing than be Jonah standing up there.”

Rhys smiled. Jonah did look uncomfortable. His mother had dragged him to stand in front of the crowd by the cake. “True. I can’t stand everyone looking at me like that. Honestly, I don’t like big parties at all.”

Caleb stepped closer. “Maybe we can get out of here after cake.”

Rhys nodded. “I’d like that.”

“Me too. I’m glad you told everyone about the festival. It’s good not to have to hide that anymore.”

“We’re still hiding the rest, though.”

“We are, but we can talk about that later.”

Caleb started to reach for his hand, then pulled back. Rhys could feel the tension rolling off him. He almost reached for Caleb himself, but he didn’t have the nerve.

Jonah’s face was bright red by the time everyone finished singing Happy Birthday. His mom served him the first slice of cake, and he scurried away. Rhys and Caleb made their way over to speak to him again. They were about to leave when Agnes cornered them.

“Look at you two! I didn’t know you were coming together.”

“Oh, we’re not. We didn’t,” Rhys said. “We just happened to be leaving at the same time.”

“Don’t try to fool me. I’ve seen how you two look at each other, and I hear you’re working together on your drink after all. I knew that was the best idea. I’m glad you came around to it.”

“Really, we’re not. We’re just working together. We…” The room swam in front of him. Rhys couldn’t seem to find any more words.

Caleb placed a hand on his back, and Rhys leaned into the touch. “Thank you for suggesting we work together.”

Agnes beamed. “I knew it was the right thing.”

Rhys was able to breathe now. Caleb was handling things. It was just Agnes. She was always like this.

“It’s been great,” Caleb said. “I admire how precise Rhys is, and his knowledge of coffee varieties is extensive. We’re working with a couple of ideas. It’s going to be hard to choose between them.”

“Oooh, tell me all about them.”

“Nope, that’s a secret. We’ll reveal our drink at the festival.”

Rhys fought the urge to kiss Caleb for knowing exactly what to say.

Agnes patted each of them on the arm. “You boys go have a good evening.” She winked as they walked off through the crowd.

Rhys thought they were safe, but then Mrs. Murphy, his second-grade teacher, spotted them. “Oh, don’t you two look good together,” she said.

“Oh, we’re not⁠—”

“It’s okay, dear. You don’t have to explain anything to me.” She hurried off, calling to one of her knitting club friends.

“Let’s get out of here quick,” Caleb said.

Rhys nodded, but at the door, they were stopped by one of his regulars, Sylvia Rattray, the best real estate agent in town and Jonah’s aunt. “I’m so excited for both of you. I know the drink you create will be a winner, and Caleb, you couldn’t find anyone better than our Rhys.”

Rhys grabbed Caleb’s arm to steady himself. At that point, he was praying he could make it out of there without throwing up. His stomach was churning, and his throat felt like it was closing up. Was everyone going to assume they were in a relationship just because they were working on a drink together? He might as well have just told the whole town he was sleeping with Caleb. They were going to assume it anyway if he didn’t stop seeing Caleb so much.

“That’s great,” Caleb said. “We’re just working together for the festival, but I admire Rhys’s work. Frost + Foam is a fantastic shop.”

“It sure is. You’re both geniuses.”