Page 6 of Cowboys Can't Kiss

That’s a lie. I hoped like fucking hell he’d be back. As soon as he sat at the picnic table mumbling to himself, I was intrigued. With his light brown hair, cute-as-a-button nose, and those lips! The most kissable lips I’ve ever seen. The man still carried himself with a confidence I appreciated, even if he seemed a little down.

Hunter scoffs as he takes a shot and sinks another ball. He shoots a finger gun my way and I roll my eyes.

“I call extreme bullshit. You moped about him not being there for the next three days. You’re such a bleeding heart, man.”

His next shot misses and a flash of disappointment crosses his face as he curses.

“I didn’t mope.” Lining up my cue, I take the shot, sinking a ball and moving around the table. “I lamented the loss of a cute man who doesn’t even know what I look like. I can search for him, but how would he find me?”

“It’s easier to not look for relationships. I don’t know how many times I keep telling you a cum and go is better. Especially when you travel so much for rodeo.”

“Strong relationships can last through that, Hunter.”

My last ball sinks and Hunter scowls. He hates it when he loses.

“Eight ball, off your green stripe and side pocket.”

Just as I’m making my shot, Hunter whistles and says, “Hot damn. Now that’s an ass.”

His distraction doesn’t work and my shot goes in as planned. Hunter doesn’t even notice. He’s staring at the man who just entered the bar. Wearing a very well-fitted pair of dress pants anda button-up, he’s also very overdressed for a honky-tonk place like this.

“Maybe he’s with the group of old rich dudes.”

After ordering at the bar, he turns around and leans his elbows against it as he surveys the room.

“Holy shit,” I breathe. Hunter raises an eyebrow.

“You okay there? He’s hot, but you look like you might throw up.”

That cute little nose and lips. It’s my guy. Park guy who didn’t show up for our date. He still grabs my attention more than anyone I’ve ever met. A slender hand runs through his short hair as his gaze lands on me and Hunter before skipping past us.

“It’stheguy. That’s the guy from the fucking park, Hunter.”

“No shit?” Hunter rakes his gaze over the man again, and I fight the urge to shove him and shout,‘mine!’“Good taste, Jack. What are you going to do?”

“I…I don’t know. What should I do?”

Hunter snorts and takes a swallow of beer. “You’re asking me? I don’t even like to know their names, buddy. You’re the tender heart of the bunch.”

My hands are so sweaty I need to wipe them on my pants.

“Okay. I’m going to introduce myself.”

Hunter smacks my back with a little too much force. “If you need a wingman, give me the signal.”

Without another word, he picks up his beer and joins the group of older dudes who invited us over. Knowing Hunter, he’s just looking for free beer and a chance to talk about how great a cowboy he once was. Well, still is. He’s my partner, after all.

“Okay, Jackson. Manifest what you want,” I mutter as I weave through the crowd towards the gorgeous man. “Manifest.”

He’s still waiting at the bar when I arrive and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. What if I screw this up? He might not like what I say. Of course, I need to actually say something first. Where the hell did my manifesting go?

He turns from the bar, drink in hand, and almost spills it on me.

“Sorry, excuse me.”

Oh my god, how cute is he close up!?

Like an idiot, I don’t move. I don’t even speak. What the hell is wrong with me?

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