Page 50 of Cowboys Can't Kiss

Jesus Christ.

Clearing my throat, I attempt a smile at the friend and hold out my hand for a proper introduction.

“Hi. I’m Jackson.”

The man takes my hand with a smile. “Blake. Nice to meet you.”

“I’m, uh, not really like my friend. Thought I should put that out there in case you were hoping for…” I wave my hand toward Hunter and Sam still canoodling and being far more intimate in a bar than I’d be comfortable with. “That.”

Blake smiles, and I like the way he laughs.

“The only thing straight about Sam is his method of just going for what he wants. Sometimes I envy that.”

Blake moves over and I squeeze into the seat next to him.

“I understand completely. I need time to work up to asking someone out and I don’t kiss people right away.”

Blake swirls his drink with a sigh.

“So, no chance with you tonight, then?”

His words take me off guard. I’m not stupid. I know what he and Sam are after, but his question leaves me reaching for words.

“To be honest, no. And it’s not because you’re not attractive or anything like that.”

Blake turns towards me, and his soul-filled eyes remind me of Riley so much it pains my heart. “You’re a proper gentleman, Jackson. I feel like you’re not a regular at the bar scene.”

Sam and Hunter have finally come up for air and join the conversation.

“My friend is a true romantic. This is the first time he’s been to the bar with us all season.” Hunter reaches for his beer while Sam remains cozy as a cat by the fire on this lap with Hunter’s palm firmly on his ass.

“That’s really sweet.” Blake gazes longingly at me and I stare into my ginger ale. “I’m disappointed, but it’s good to know you’re comfortable with that. Not a lot of men wouldn’t admit they don’t like casual sex.”

“It’s not that I don’t like it. I’ve had it. It’s just…” I trail off, wondering why I’m considering pouring my heart out to a complete stranger while my best friend makes out with another stranger across from me.

Sam leans forward. “There’s someone else, isn’t there?”

My eyes snap to his and he shrugs. “You’re an easy guy to read.” He lifts his drink and settles back against Hunter.

“My friend has a heart of gold, but he’s been friend-zoned. It’s killing him.”

Blake sighs again. “You’re pining for someone who doesn’t want you that way?” He brings a hand to his chest. “God, Jackson. That’s something out of a romance book. Is he still your friend too?” I press my lips together and both he and Sam gasp.

“We aren’t here to talk about me.”

“Okay then.” Hunter places his beer on the table and nudges Sam. “Let’s dance, sweetheart.”

Without another word, they leave me with Blake, and my tongue grows thick. I don’t want to make small talk with him or cockblock him. I should just go.

“I had an impossible crush on my straight friend for years. I know how you feel to not have him return the attraction.”

“How did you deal with that?”

Blake shrugs and draws a finger through the condensation on his glass. “I avoided him for a long time after I told him how I felt. I knew he wasn’t into me that way. But I wished for it so hard because I loved him.”

“Are you still friends?”

Blake genuinely smiles and nods.

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