Page 14 of Cowboys Can't Kiss

Hunter shakes his head. “No. Now spill it. Tell me about this dude who has you sighing like that.”

So I do. Hunter listens and smiles when I talk too fast, and he laughs when I tell him about my blurted food facts.

“And you’re just going to meet him in the park again? What if he doesn’t show?”

“Well, I guess if he doesn’t, that’s the end of the story.”

“You give up too easily, Jacky. If he doesn’t show, then you hunt him down. You already know several things about him. Don’t give up if he lights a fire in you.” Hunter shoves his wallet and phone in his jeans pocket. “If you want something, chase it. It’s that simple.”

“Is it though? He might genuinely not like me. I can’t force him to.”

Joining Hunter at the door, I pat myself down to make sure I have what I need, and we exit our room.

“No, you don’t force him to. But if you keep showing up and wowing him, he’ll give in eventually.”

“Be careful, Hunter. That sounds almost like romancing someone. You don’t want to ruin your image.” I elbow him as we exit onto the street to walk the few blocks to the bar.

“Don’t forget you room with me. Sleep with one eye open if you rat me out, Jackson.”

“I’d never do that!”

Hunter side eyes me as we walk together. “I know,” he whispers, and I let it drop. One day, he’ll share more with me. Until then, he’s still the best hazer a steer wrestler could ask for.

And he always has my back.

“Jackson! Jacky, Jackmeister.” A giggle bubbles out of Jamieson as he sways into me.

“For a bull rider, you’re a lightweight with the liquor. Shouldn’t you be better at this?”

Jamieson grins at me and pokes my chest.

“Shouldn’t you be home and in bed, gramps? I’m no light wand.”

“Weight. Lightweight, J.”

His blurry eyes refocus on me. “That’s what I said.”

It’s not, but never argue with a drunk unless you’re prepared to go the distance and right now, I’m not. I’m tired and the bar scene got old fast tonight.

The boys bought me several drinks that I ended up giving away. Jamieson was also celebrating winning his event tonight, but unlike me, he celebrates hard.

“Where’s Griff? You two should head back to the hotel. It sucks driving with a hangover headache. Even when you’re the passenger.”

Jamieson has a moment of clarity and nods. “You speak the truth, gramps. Imma find Griff.”

He wobbles off and I shake my head with a grin. The guy rides bulls like he was born for it. He gets thrown around like a rag doll, sometimes has nasty spills and he bounces back like he’s rubber man. But give the big guy a few beers and he’s sloppy kissing strangers and falling asleep while standing.

Tough as nails, but zero alcohol tolerance.

“Do you want to head out of here?” Hunter appears and drains his beer next to me.

Exhaustion set in an hour ago, and I nod.

“Yeah. But you can stay if you’d like.”

It’s then we see Jamieson swaying in some kind of dance with several others, Griff hovering nearby, as they sing something that resembles a sea shanty. Hunter shakes his head.

“Nope. Time to go.”

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