“I miss you too. I’ll let you know how it goes.”
After we say our goodbyes, I pour a glass of wine and flip through channels for a little longer before heading to bed with the sound of a deep laugh and a smooth voice to lull me to sleep.
two
Jackson
Leaning on my pool stick, my gaze scans the bar. It’s filled with old-looking rich guys. Not just a few, but dozens of them. Which is not the type of fun I’m looking for.
To be fair, my fun isn’t a roll-in-the-sack with a stranger, anyway. I prefer to know someone before we get naked together.
“What’s with all the old men in here with sticks up their asses?” Hunter laughs as he follows my gaze.
“I know. I’m not looking for a sugar daddy.”
A man walks by with a full three-piece suit and pauses at our pool table.
“Are you real cowboys?” he asks, and I have to hide my smile. The awe in his voice is the same as any buckle bunny, and while I’m sure he’s a fabulous guy, he’s not my type.
My type left me hanging at the park three days ago. So much for finding a connection in alternate places.
Tipping my hat, I grin. “Yes, sir. Just here unwinding after a rodeo.”
“Heavens! A rodeo!” The man’s cheeks flush red and he can’t seem to decide where to look. Which is kind of adorable.
“Yep. As real as the horses we rode in on.” Hunter grabs his belt, drawing attention to his championship belt buckle. It’s beena long time since he was at the top of the standings with his former team-roping partner, Alec. But a buckle earned is still reason to brag, no matter how long ago it was.
The suited man’s eyes light up. “Would you care to join me for a drink?” he asks Hunter directly, but motions to me. “Both of you are welcome.”
“That’s mighty kind of you, sir, but I think we’ll finish our pool game. Thank you for the offer.”
The man nods and glances behind him where several other gentlemen wearing suits sit at a table. The group watches our new friend like they sent their best Romeo over to pick up the cowboys.
“If you change your mind, please join us.”
“We’ll keep that in mind.”
After the man leaves, Hunter leans close and whispers. “Shit. What is that about? Think he’s just wanting a walk on the wild side? Who wears a suit to a bar?”
With a laugh, I line up to take my shot and resume our pool game. “I don’t know, but that’s strange. He’s into you, though. That buckle still works for you.”
My combo shot sinks a ball and Hunter huffs. “Lucky shot. And I don’t need a belt buckle to get laid.”
“I never said you did.”
Another ball goes in, and I grin at Hunter.
“Lucky in pool, but not in love, Jack?”
“That’s a low burn, friend.”
Hunter shrugs and I miss my next shot.
“Truth isn’t it? Didn’t that guy stand you up this week?”
Hunter lines up his shot and sinks a ball as I grab my beer.
“Yeah. But really, is it a ghosted date when he doesn’t even know who I am? I only half expected him to be back.”