Page 84 of Cowboys Can't Kiss

As the session winds down, the one person I want to see the most steps in front of me at the signing table.

“Do you sign body parts? They ran out of glossy photos for me to buy just to get in here.”

Riley grins at me, and I slide my chair away from the table to meet him in front.

“Will a kiss be enough to make it worth your while? I’m all out of photos.”

“Perfectly acceptable substitution, yes.”

Thankfully, there aren’t any kids left in the area because our kiss quickly turns into something very X-rated. The burning inside me to get this man home is fierce.

Riley comes up for air first and pats my chest with his hand.

“Wow, cowboy. You sure know how to make a man feel good.” His cheeks glow and he radiates a pure happiness I’ve not seen from him since we met. Yes, he’s laughed and been happy, but right now… he’s next level and the most gorgeous thing I’ve ever seen.

“I can make you feel even better.”

Riley’s gaze drifts to my mouth, and he licks his lips. “Yeah? Does that mean you’ve fulfilled your cowboy duties for the night?”

“The banquet I must attend is tomorrow. Tonight, the party is optional, and I opt to spend it with you. Alone.”

Riley swallows with a soft sigh.

“Lord, I was hoping you’d say that. Ever since you did your show and pointed at me from the ring, I’ve been…” Riley trails off with a soft laugh. The people securing the area for the night shuffle around us and he glances at the exit. “I’ve been anxious, maybe. It’s weird. There’s no word I know to describe what I’m feeling right now, Jack. It’s all so new to me and you make me feel like I’m floating one minute and burning up the next.”

Riley closes his eyes and exhales slowly, all while keeping his hands anchored to me. One on my hip and the other flat on my chest… over my heart. When he opens his eyes and meets my gaze again, I draw him closer.

“Baby, I get it. It’s okay.” Pressing a soft kiss to his mouth, I bring my lips to his ear. “It’s hard to understand big feelings, but I promise you that you’re not alone, Riley. It’s like you’re a part of me I need to breathe.”

“Will you take me home now?”

“Of course.”

Grabbing my hat and thanking the few lingering staff, I take Riley’s hand and lead him out of the tent, where we almost run into Gabe.

“Oh, there you are. I’m going to the big party thing, if you don’t mind?”

Riley shakes his head. “No. Why would I?”

“No reason. Just wanted to make sure you found Jackson and have a way home. Jamieson, I think, he found me and invited me along with the group, so I’m doing that.”

“Jamieson likes to sing sea shanties when he’s drunk, FYI,” I add with a laugh. “But they’re good people and it’s a fun event.”

Jamieson rounds the corner with Griff beside him and throws an arm around Gabe.

“You disappeared! Ready to party? There’s even a mechanical bull! I can teach you!”

Riley raises an eyebrow when Gabe laughs and agrees, just as Hunter ambles up to the group.

“Come on. There’s anUberwaiting. You know how hard it was to find a ride to fit all of us? Don’t waste it goofing off here,” Hunter barks as he motions to follow him, and Gabe looks positively pissed.

“Is he always an asshole?” Gabe quips.

Jamieson laughs. “Yeah, but he’s our asshole, so we just let him do his thing.”

“Have fun, Gabe. Seems like you might have your hands full,” Riley chirps, but Gabe just shrugs and follows my friends. “I’m a lawyer. I’m used to assholes.”

Riley grabs my hand again and pulls me towards the lot where my truck is parked.

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