Page 38 of Cowboys Can't Kiss

Before the doors close, I catch Riley at his door watching me, and like a loser, I give him a thumbs-up. But he laughs as he turns away into his apartment.

I’ll take it.

“Jack!”

Jamieson bellows across the campsite as he runs over to me, and I brace myself for his incoming affection.

“Careful, J, you’re—oof.”

Jamieson reaches me and pulls me into a firm hug before letting go.

“You’re a rock star. Did you hear? You’re already guaranteed to win this season with points after tonight. Do you know how amazing that is?”

“I don’t want to assume anything yet. I still have two more events on this circuit before Kissing Ridge’s big rodeo. Anything can happen.”

Jamieson shakes his head while he throws an arm around me and guides me to a camp chair. After he plops in one and I do the same, hecontinues.

“Nuh-uh. Brody Coutts just got injured. He was your closest competitor. You can lose every event and still take the title. Not that you’ll lose because this is the best season of your life, but it’s locked up, man.”

“What? Is Brody okay?”

Pulling out my phone, I scroll to my contacts and find Brody. He’s a younger steer wrestler and has heaps of promise. I watched him when he was still on the college circuit and he was incredible. I’d hate for his injury to be something serious.

“Yeah, I think it’s a torn biceps, though. He’ll need some intense healing if he wants a future.”

My fingers rapidly type a message and hit send. Then I switch to the standings and see the ticker across the top that Brody really is out, and it’s projected I’ll win the season. Running a hand down my face, I sit back with a sigh.

“Shit. I want to be happy, but Brody is a good guy. This sucks for him.”

Jamieson nods. “I guess that makes sense. I’m sorry. I didn’t think about Brody. When I saw you were going to take the title, I just got excited.”

“It’s okay. I understand and Iamexcited. It’s just a lot to digest right now.”

My phone vibrates with a text from Brody, confirming that he tore his biceps and is out for the rest of the season. He congratulates me and teases me about not getting too comfortable at the top because he’ll be back next year to knock me down. Hearing him remain upbeat while he must be devastated makes me feel a little better.

“So, still staying behind tonight then, gramps?”

Laughing, I reach over and swat at Jamieson.

“Yeah. Maybe after the next one we can go out. I just want some quiet time tonight.”

“I’ll hold you to that Jackson. You need to go out sometimes. You’re a big deal, and it’s okay to celebrate.” Jamieson rises from the chair and claps my shoulder. “Maybe one day you’ll tell us about whoever it is you text all the time that makes you smile.”

My cheeks heat as Jamieson laughs.

“I may be slow sometimes, Jack, but I notice when my friend smiles at his phone more than the friends in front of him. Don’t stay up too late.”

He saunters off to the trailer he shares with Griff, and I lean my head back with a sigh. I’ve only been away for ten days with two rodeos done. There are still ten more days and three rodeos to go before I’m back home.

Before I can have another friend-only date with Riley.

Riley makes it super hard to stick to the only friends part. A condition I’m now very suspicious of only being created out of fear.

“Yo! Jackson!”

Hunter calls, and I turn to find him ready to leave for the bar with Jamieson and Griff for the night.

“It might be a late night. Don’t worry if I don’t come back. I’ll text you.”

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