Page 60 of Cowboys Can't Kiss

“The only thing I’ll say is that he’s everything I hoped he would be, and it’s going to be a very long three days.”

Hunter groans and leans his head against the window.

“You and your damn romance.”

My smile is so wide it hurts my face.

“Me and my damn romance found the man of my dreams. Get some sleep or I won’t find a place to stop so you can get condoms.”

With a mutter, he pulls his hat down over his eyes and leaves me to the hum of the tires and the low country music on the radio.

And thoughts of Riley.

seventeen

Riley

Through the grace of caffeine, I made it home safely.

As soon as I parked in my space in the covered parking, I immediately messaged Jackson to let him know I was home safely. His reply came as soon as I stepped out of the elevator towards my condo.

He sent a heart emoji and a promise to call as soon as he was done settling the horses. With a yawn, I let myself into my condo and headed straight for the shower. After sleeping late at the hotel, I jammed all my things into my suitcase and left without showering, choosing to hit a takeout window and head straight home.

I don’t smell like sex, but my suitcase sure does. Jackson left his boxers behind and maybe it’s obsessive, but I wrapped them in my dirty laundry and brought them home to wash. Never being one to handwash delicates, I dropped them in with my lace boy-shorts and favourite T-shirt on a gentle cycle in the washing machine.

I don’t know why, really, but seeing his underwear mixed up with mine in a washing machine at my home causes all kinds of weird emotions.

“Get a grip, Riley. It’s underwear, not a wedding ring.”

Closing the lid of the washer, I turn on the shower and walk in. Of course, my mind can’t stop replaying everything that happenedin the last twenty-four hours. I know I made the right decision about letting Jackson in, but I’m a little overwhelmed.

Sure, I knew he was a romantic. He’s shown me plenty of times since we’ve met, but I wasn’t prepared for how much. Or how vulnerable he felt with me because of my escort background. I’d never fully considered that might be an issue for him.

My body shivers, remembering how he reacted when he saw it was me being cornered in the bar. Shock followed immediately by a softness, then pure rage as he took on the brute who felt I owed him something because he paid for my services in the past.

I’ve never been rescued because I always—always—took care of myself. Now that I’m home, the possible what-if scenarios race through my mind because I’ve become complacent. I left the city and no longer looked over my shoulder or told people where I was going and who I was with. No more emergency call plans and check-ins. I’d let all the personal safety go because here in Kissing Ridge, I felt safe. It’s my home.

But what if Jackson hadn’t seen me?

Shutting off the shower, I towel myself dry and for the first time in twenty-four hours, I no longer feel confident about being involved with Jackson. If he’d been hurt because of me, I’d never forgive myself.

Slipping into my most comfortable pyjamas, even though it’s barely 3 P.M., I call my best friend.

“Hey, doll.” Gabe’s voice answers with the sound of traffic in the background. “I hope you’re calling to tell me all the good things. How did it go?”

“You sound chipper. Did you finally get out of the office at a decent time?”

“I did. But before you deflect and ask about me, what happened?”

“Everything, Gabe. Fucking everything.” My voice wavers and I clear my throat. “I went there and found him. I watched him at the rodeo first, then overheard a few women talking about where the cowboys go after.”

“Did he know you were there?”

“The smart thing to do would have been to give him a heads up on that. He didn’t know until he saw me being harassed in the bar by a former client.”

Gabe growls and I know he’s clenched a fist as he listens.

“Jesus, Riley. Are you okay? Do I need to get involved? Tell me the whole damn story right now.”

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