Page 81 of Harvest Heat

“Developed like you’re working on a drink or like you’re sleeping together?”

“Both, actually.”

“And?”

He didn’t want to talk about either one, but Kate deserved to know what was going on, and she usually gave good advice. “So you know I was hesitant because this is such a small town, and we both own businesses.”

“Yes, but I told you to take the risk anyway.”

“So I did. Rhys changed his mind about working together, and after a few nights, things happened.”

“You jumped him?”

He glared at her. “He kissed me.”

“So where does that leave things, and why are you miserable?”

“He wanted us to keep things secret, even the fact that we’re working together, so we wouldn’t be the center of town gossip.”

Kate narrowed her eyes. “I don’t like that. Is he ashamed of being with you?”

Caleb shook his head. “No, it’s not like that. Everyone here knows him, and anything that happens between us is going to be under a microscope. It’s not like dating in Boston.”

“I still don’t like it.”

Caleb both loved and hated how defensive Kate was of him. “He was scared, and so was I.”

“All right. Keep talking.”

“I really like him. I… I think I’m in love with him.”

“But you haven’t told him that?”

Caleb reached out to pet Mallow. “No, we’ve only talked a little about where this is going.”

“So everything is still a secret?”

“Not completely. He told our friends we were working together on our drink last night. We were at a birthday party for Jonah. He’s the one who owns the bookstore.”

She nodded. “I remember.”

“About half the town was there, so that information spread fast, and a few people said things to us insinuating we were closer than business partners.”

“Just because you’re working together?”

Caleb sighed. “This town will gossip about anything.”

“Who are these people?”

“The mayor’s assistant, Rhys’s second-grade teacher, and one of the regulars at Frost + Foam.”

“Tell me you’re joking.”

He laughed, even though it didn’t really feel funny. “I wish I was.”

“I told you to stay in the city.”

“Kate, I love it here.”