Page 15 of Cowboys Can't Kiss

Once out in the evening air, we walk in silence until he points to a hot dog cart vendor.

“Want one? I’ve fucking famished.”

“No thanks. But go ahead. I don’t know how you can eat that stuff.”

Hunter orders a hot dog as long as his arm and smothers it with every condiment the cart guy offers. My stomach turns looking at it.

“You don’t know what you’re missing,” he mumbles around a mouthful.

“Indigestion. That’s what I’m missing and I’m okay with it.”

Instead of walking, we step to the side so Hunter can eat the monstrosity without spilling it all over himself. When he’s finished, he wipes his hands with the napkin, grimaces, and orders a ginger ale from the vendor.

“That was not my smartest decision.” Hunter sips on the ginger ale and I stifle a laugh.

“I’ll agree with that.”

five

Riley

“He told you food facts? And you’re still interested? How good-looking is this guy, Riley?”

“Listen, it’s useful trivia. And he’s got Greek-god-level looks. I bet his abs are as chiselled as his cheekbones.”

My best friend laughs over the phone.

“So he’s hot and nerdy? God, could you imagine him at one of my stuffy law dinners?”

Gabe laughs, and I’d normally join him, but I don’t like laughing at Jack. He seemed genuinely nervous and was super sweet. Maybe he had an awful experience with love and that’s why he seems so awkward. He certainly has good enough looks to snag anyone he wants.

“Well, maybe I’ll ask him out if he doesn’t ask first. He’s not nerdy. He’s just…I don’t know. He’s kind of charming just the way he is.” I’m not lying. He is. I know it’s my job to organize romantic events and coach people when they ask for help with romance, but sometimes it’s better to keep people in their natural state. Let them lean into that awkward part and embrace it.

Jack definitely charmed me with his carrot facts and his… realness. Maybe I set the bar too low, but it was refreshing. I’m used to men assuming things about me based on my looks and profession. So this was a pleasant change. While he called me pretty, he was sincere, and it didn’t give me ick vibes.

Gabe clears his throat, and I sit up, instantly on guard as the tone of our conversation changes. Even over the phone, the shift in his energy is like we’re sitting in the same room.

“Riley…this isn’t just a personal call. I need to discuss Chase’s case.”

My blood pressure spikes just at the sound of his name.

“What is it?” I snap out, irritated that Chase’s name had to come up while I was daydreaming about Jack.

“His lawyers want to call you to the stand.”

“No. Absolutely not. I told you I’m not helping him.”

Gabe’s heavy breath passes through the phone, and my free hand curls into a fist.

“Riley, I can’t stop it. If they subpoena you, then you have to show up.”

“What the fuck do they think I can do to help his lying ass? Nothing, Gabe!”

“Actually, thereissomething.”

Gabe’s voice softens, and I flop back on the sofa with a sigh.

“Gabe, just tell me.”

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