Page 80 of Cowboys Can't Kiss

We sway in a circle, and he pecks my lips with a kiss.

“Yes, you do. You stuck with me when I told you I don’t date cowboys. You came when I needed you without even hesitating and you don’t give up. Not to mention all your help with Aunt Agnes and renovating. You’re so…generous and kind. It inspires me to be better.”

I swallow the lump in my throat.

“That’s just me being me.”

“I know, and it’s what I love about you.”

It’s still so new to hear those words from Riley that I can’t stop the smile forming.

“I love hearing you say that.”

Riley kisses me again and I back him up against the kitchen counter as his fingers slide into my hair and a leg wraps around my waist.

“God, Riley…you drive me wild. How do you always make me forget what I’m doing?” I murmur between kisses and Riley smiles against my lips.

“Talent?”

We both laugh and make out like we have all the time in the world. Until a throat clears behind us and I remember my parents are here.

“Sorry, son. I just came to see if you needed help with the tea, but I see everything is under control here.” He chuckles when I groan and hide my face in Riley’s shoulder. “If you two want to get home,we don’t mind. We’ll catch up again after the rodeo tomorrow. Riley, you’re going to sit with us, right?”

My dad walks over to the kettle, not at all bothered to catch us making out like school kids and talks like it’s not awkward at all.

“Yes, of course, Mr. Sutherland. I can’t wait.”

Dad pulls two mugs from the cupboard and tilts his head towards the door. “Call me Dean and Jackson will show you to our seats before his event. Get out of here, you two.”

“But Mom—”

“She’ll be fine, Jack. Unless you want her to start telling stories about you as a toddler, you might want to split.”

Riley perks up. “Oh? I bet he was a darling. Maybe we should stay.”

“No. We’re leaving.” I tug Riley towards the door. “Thanks Dad. Say goodnight to Mom and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Riley looks disappointed, but I press a kiss to his mouth.

“I’ll make it up to you.”

Before he can say anything else, I push him out the door.

twenty-three

Riley

It’s so wonderful to see my aunt looking less frail.

She’s only a few days post surgery, but she’s more herself. With her improvement, a large slice of my stress slides away.

“Is Jackson picking you up today?”

She’s moved out of bed with my help to sit at the table for her supper that should be here soon. She’s stronger than I thought she’d be and seeing her already adjusting to her new walker, even with a casted arm, further eases the worry I’ve carried since her fall.

“No, Gabe will. Jackson is already at the rodeo grounds. They do this big meet and greet thing and because he’s a hometown competitor, he takes part in anything they ask.”

“That sounds like the boy I know. He really is a wonderful man, Riley.”

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