Page 8 of Cowboys Can't Kiss

He pulls into my driveway and drops me off as close to the house as possible.

“Change your outdoor light, Jackson. It’s been out for weeks.”

“Iknow. I’ll get to it. See you in the morning.” Before I close the door, I hold up the business card. “Thanks for this, Hunter. If it works out, you’re my best man.”

He rolls his eyes, just as I expected. But I know he’s rooting for me. He’d be there.

“Get out of here with that nonsense.”

After he waits with his lights shining on my door so I can see, he pulls away after I’ve entered my house safely.

After hanging my hat on its peg and leaving my boots on the mat, I absently walk through my home until I reach the bedroom. Tossing the business card on my dresser, I change into a pair of lounge pants and crawl under the covers. Too much time passes as I lie awake thinking about the beautiful man tonight who I couldn’t even speak to properly.

My yoga teacher talks about manifesting a lot. It always helps to put my mind in the right place before rodeos.

Maybe if I try harder and use this Wild Romance guy, I can make it work. I could find the cute park guy again.

Although, I should manifest a good sleep first.

three

Riley

“Oh, Riley, what a beautiful idea!”

My client wipes a tear from her eye and her fiancée raises a hand to her cheek, wiping more tears.

“When you mentioned you had a butterfly tattoo, I did some research. Your wedding timing is perfect to release monarchs after the ceremony. I can order as many as you wish.” I pass another piece of paper to the couple. “If you’d like, we could print cards like this for the guests. It could state your purpose for the butterflies and invite them to be a part of the wish. Or you could keep it private for the two of you.”

Melody smiles at Jana. “What do you think, babe? Send our love out on the wings of butterflies or too cheesy?”

Jana kisses the back of Melody’s hand, and I swoon. Butterflies for the win. The way these two are looking at each other right now makes my insides liquify. It’s beautiful.

“I think it’s wonderful, Mel.” Jana reaches over to squeeze my hand. “This is perfect, Riley.”

There’s nothing I love more than planning romantic moments or dates, or like this, a meaningful gesture to take place at their wedding. Is it extra or over the top? Sure, a little. But that’s what they hired me for. To coordinate a romantic wedding. What’smore romantic than sending butterflies out into the world to spread your love on their wings?

“I’ll get you to sign the contract if you want the butterflies, and I’ll order them right away. We can work out the information card over email.”

“That’s perfect.” Melody beams as she stands. “We’re off to have our dresses fitted again.” She pats her stomach. “Jana’s cooking might mean I need to let it out.”

Jana again kisses the back of Melody’s hand. “You’re perfect. Stop that. A few extra pounds doesn’t change who you are. I loveyou, not the size you wear, Mel.”

“Oh my goodness, you two!” I fan my hand near my face. “Get out of my office before you make me cry. You’re too sweet.”

The two women leave smiling, and I get to work on their contract changes to add the butterfly purchase. After making a note to order the monarchs once I receive the updated contract, I turn to my emails and open the request for a romance consultation.

Jackson Sutherland is a forty-year-old cowboy looking for help to improve his dating game. Says he’s always tongue-tied around men and wants help so he can ask them on dates without looking like a goober.

Alone in my office, I bark a laugh.Goober. That’s funny. I continue reading his consult request, which is an automated form for them to fill out to give me insight into their experiences and specific requests.

Damn.

Jackson sounds perfect as he is, except for the cowboy part. He prefers intimate dates over large group gatherings, doesn’t like todrink much, and volunteers at the senior home in the winter. He recently ended a business partnership, and one day hopes to start another, but his partner left a sour taste in his mouth. Jackson also loves dogs, but never had one because of his schedule and someday wants to date an animal lover. He also likes to unwind with yoga and considers himself a homebody.

I’d ask him out based on this questionnaire, but… cowboy. Which is a shame. Using their belt buckles and form-fittingWranglersto get people in the sack, they’re all the same. Sure, Jackson might be different, but I’m doubtful.

He sounds great on paper, but I know how it turns out.

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