Page 20 of Cowboys Can't Kiss

“Um…yes?”

He shakes his head as we wipe our boots at the door and head into his kitchen. Hunter reaches into the fridge and pours me a glass of cold water from the pitcher.

“Anyone in their right mind would pass on that. But he said yes?”

Swallowing the cold water, I lean a hip against the cupboard.

“He did. Sort of. I asked if he could make that our first date and he’s checking his schedule. I also told him I could use a friend. So it’s in his court now.”

Hunter drinks and swallows and cocks his head. “He must like you to agree to attend a fucking gardening seminar.” He setshis glass down and rummages in the fridge. “Did you invite him because of Cameron? I thought the business was over, anyway?”

“We had our final meeting with the lawyer last week. It’s over, but I still want to go to this.” But also… part of me wants to show Cameron if he would’ve just been more flexible, our partnership would’ve worked. I’m committed to the project, and I’ll continue on my own in another capacity.

Our business may have died, but my love of hydroponics is still alive and well.

Pulling out my phone, I check my texts again for anything from Riley and this time, Wild Romance pops up in my email inbox.

Good day, Jackson.

I checked my schedule and I can be free this weekend to attend the garden show with you.

My only request is that we keep this a platonic date. We go as friends and if you’re okay with that, I’ll see you on Saturday.

Sincerely,

Riley Benton

Wild Romance

My lips tilt in a goofy smile. He agreed to go out with me, but he already put me in the friend zone. Which I won’t lie, it stings. But I’m astute enough to know there’s a reason he did that. One I hope to fix.

As far as this goes, it’s a win for me. I’ll take the friend date.

“Hey, Hunter?” He turns from the stove where he’s fixing us omelets for lunch. “He said yes, but as friends only.”

“Okay. So what does that mean? You can’t kiss?”

“I don’t know too many friends who kiss, do you?”

Hunter sets our plates on the table and throws me a put-out look.

“So it’s a date, but not an actual date. I fail to see how this will benefit you if he already friend zoned you.”

Hunter shoves a forkful of food in his mouth, and I consider his words.

“It means I get a chance. He didn’t say no right away.” While chewing my food, I point my fork at Hunter. “I don’t expect you to understand, but there’s something there with Riley. I can feel it. He just needs to let it happen.”

“If you start spewing off shit about soulmates and fairy tales, I will legit kick your ass as soon as you leave this table.”

I throw my head back with a laugh. “One day, some guy is gonna swoop in and thaw your icy heart, man. When that day comes, I will gloat so hard.”

Hunter snorts. “Whatever.”

Hunter has already emptied his plate and I’m still staring at my food. Pushing back from the table, I hitdialon my phone and go outside. I can’t eat until I talk to Riley. I want his verbal confirmation about the whole thing. Maybe I’m old-fashioned, but I don’t want to arrange a date over email.

“Wild Romance, this is Riley. How can I make your dreams come true?”

Kiss me and go out with me for real.

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