Page 14 of Ride a Cowboy

Macie’s mouth fell open as she fought to get air into her lungs. She tugged her hand loose, took a couple steps back, and let the counter behind her hold her up. She felt numb and light-headed and…well, still horny as fuck.

“Couldn’t help but overhear.” Her dad pushed Chas to the side and claimed the vacant stool next to Hank.

“Bad timing. Go away,” Macie whispered, her eyes still locked on Hank’s. To his credit, Hank didn’t seem to give a shit that her dad had been eavesdropping. God only knew when her father started listening in. Knowing him, he’d honed in on every word they’d said since Macie showed her hand and called Coop “Hank.” Jesus. That was only completely mortifying.

“I will, Mace. In a minute.” Dad turned to Hank, who released her gaze and faced her father.

“TJ,” Hank said. “I’m dating your daughter.” Hank never minced words. Macie loved that about him. She also hated it.

“Yeah. I got that part. When did that start?”

Knowing her dad, he was probably more pissed that he’d missed the news than the fact the two of them had gone out. After all, the man had been trying to set her up in hopes of seeing her married for years. Kept talking about wanting grandkids.

“Last night.”

Dad nodded, pleased. Now, instead of being the last to know, he was the first. And he knew it.

“You haven’t done much dating since Sharon passed.”

“Haven’t dated anybody since then,” Hank corrected.

Her father knew that too. Everyone in town did.

“Yeah. And you thought you’d jump back in with Macie? Gotta admit, I admire your gumption.”

Macie crossed her arms. “Seriously, Dad? Just once in a while could you try not to embarrass me?”

“Not a drop of fun in that. So, you’re gonna keep dating her?”

“I am. You okay with that?”

Her temper piqued. “My dad doesn’t get a say in this, Coop.”

“Hank,” he corrected.

She threw her hands up. “I’m going to kill both of you.”

“You’re a bit older than her,” Dad pointed out.

Hank nodded. “Eleven years by my count. Does that matter?”

Dad shook his head. “Nope. Not at all.”

Several people nearby chuckled, enlightening her to the fact they’d drawn quite an audience.

“This is ridiculous,” she said, leaning closer and trying to clue them in with her hushed whispers that every idiot in the place was listening. “What’s next? A barter? Discussion of dowries? You gonna give him two chickens and a cow to make me his wife, Dad?”

Her father laughed loudly. “Would you be alright with just the two chickens?”

Hank grinned, but didn’t pile on. At least he seemed to notice her current state of annoyance and was taking heed. Smart on his part.

“TJ—” he started.

Dad raised his hand, letting Hank off the hook. “I’m okay with you two dating, Coop. Not that my daughter needs my seal of approval. She’s got an independent streak a mile wide and a mind of her own. Knowing her, my endorsement just screwed your chances. But, even so…”

They both fell silent, and Macie was struck by the feeling that there was some sort of unspoken conversation happening between her dad and her new…

Oh, what the hell…boyfriend.

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