Page 87 of Cowboys Can't Kiss

“I’m sorry!”

Pulling out gently, I try not to make a mess of the condom with my shaking hands. I can’t catch my breath and Riley swoops in.He removes the condom with a tender touch and ties it off before dropping it on the floor.

“Jack? What happened? Are you okay?”

He lies next to me, eyes brimming with concern, and I want to tell him I think I unlocked a new erogenous zone or something. Or maybe it’s just him who makes my toes cramp and body turn to goo.

But instead, I say, “Did you know Hawaiian pizza isn’t from Hawaii?”

Riley has the decency to not look shocked and before I can apologize, he nods. “Yeah. I do. A Greek Canadian, wasn’t it? At his restaurant in Ontario. It’s a Canadian creation.”

“Yeah.”

Riley smooths his palm over my cheek, and I swallow hard.

“Did you know I’ve never been in actual love before?” He brushes his thumb over my lip. “It’s true. I thought I was once, but I was wrong. I didn’t know true love until I met you.” He kisses me and stares into my soul. “I don’t mind that I make you nervous sometimes and you blurt your facts. You’re you, Jackson. I’ll never be mad about it if you can’t find the right words because I can feel it and you show me. Every day since I’ve met you, you show me how you feel.”

Ugh. That makes me all kinds of mushy, and I pull him in for a soft kiss.

“I wish I didn’t have to go away so soon after this, Rye. I’ll miss you.”

“I’ll miss you too. But you have video calling.” He bites his lip. “And I have a whole drawer of lingerie to show you.”

“I knew it!” I kiss him hard and wonder again if the universe knew what it was doing when Riley crossed my path. “I’ll never say no to that.”

“Wanna clean up and have a snack?”

Riley rolls off the bed, and I do too, gingerly testing my toes against the carpet. I don’t think I’ve had my toes hurt like that before.

“That sounds perfect.”

Riley leaves to turn on the shower, and I pinch my arm.

“Ouch.” Rubbing the spot, I grin and follow the sound of running water.

twenty-five

Riley

“Are you sure you’re okay with taking care of the new client on your own?”

The new assistant I hired has been a quick study. In the past week, she’s proved herself invaluable and I’m grateful for Gabe kicking me in the ass to hire the help.

“Of course I am, Riley. I won’t sign anything without you. It’s purely information gathering. We can do the proposal together and you can meet them at the second appointment.” Hailey pats me on the shoulder. “I’ve got this. Go see your aunt before your hot date.”

My cheeks heat when she winks, and I don’t know why. It’s not like she can read my mind and know Jackson and I have been flirting over video the whole week he’s been gone because he didn’t want to do phone sex. I swear he couldn’t get any sweeter when he finally stammered out facts about Korean beef when I angled the phone so he could see the dark grey lace shorts I was wearing.

At first, I thought maybe Jackson was old-fashioned and phone sex wasn’t something he liked because he felt awkward. But when he told me he prefers a physical connection and sometimes needs it to be satisfied, I wasn’t even disappointed. It just means I havemany more steamy nights ahead of modelling lingerie in person for him.

The best thing I ever found online was the website for bespoke lingerie for men by a designer in northern Quebec. He does stunning work and has photos on his website with his husband in a plaid and lace piece that makes me drool.

“Okay, well, you have my number if you need anything. Lock up and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Will do, Riley. Don’t rush in. I can handle it.”

After leaving the office with a smile, I drive to the hospital, where my aunt is still recovering. She’s been doing so damn well in the rehab wing there. Jackson’s friends will finish the work at her house next week and she’ll be back home before we know it.

There’s a silver lining to her fall, which she’s latched onto. Just like Aunt Agnes always does. She gets her main floor updated and painted, which I swear to god is more exciting to her than going home to sleep in her own bed.

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