Page 48 of Cowboys Can't Kiss

The rest of the rodeo happens while I sit in a fog. One thing I never asked Jackson about was what happens after his event? Is he here or does he leave right away? Other than staying with the horses at the campground most nights, I don’t know what happens in between.

“Are you going to the Silverado tonight? All the rodeo guys go there after.”

Two women behind me speak to each other and I boldly turn to ask them about it.

“Where’s the Silverado?”

Pink, glossy lips smile at me. “About four blocks from here.” She points over the trees dotting the edge of the rodeo grounds. “If you go that way, you can’t miss it.”

“And the cowboys all go there?”

The friend leans forward like she needs to share a secret.

“Yep! And they never leave alone, if you know what I mean.”

Touching a finger to my nose, I nod. “I know. Thanks for the tip.”

Turning forward, I watch the rest of the rodeo, but I’m already planning how to surprise Jackson at the Silverado.

When the rodeo ended, I bolted from my seat to get to my car before I got stuck in the mass of people leaving. Turns out I had nothing to worry about because a lot of the rodeo goers stayed for a music performance after.

Once I found a hotel and checked in, I risked messaging Jackson to see how he was.

Riley:I hope you had a great showing today.

Jackson:We did! A little slow, but still good. Did you know I’m already guaranteed to win the overall points competition? That’s why I got theinvite to this one.

Riley:I didn’t know that! Congrats! Sounds like something to celebrate. Will you be going out tonight?

Holding my breath, I wait for his answer while I perch on the edge of the hotel bed.

Jackson:I promised Jamieson I’d celebrate and I can’t go back on my word.

Riley:Aww, that’s nice. So you’ll go with everyone?

Jackson:Yeah! A few of the barrel racers are staying near us and they said they’d check on the horses. So there’s no backing out. I’ll go for a while and then come back.

Riley:I think you deserve to celebrate for once. You might enjoy it.

Jackson:Maybe. How was the event you had today? The butterfly ceremony, right?

Why do my insides warm that he remembered that?

Riley:It was great. Went off without a hitch, and it’s another happily married couple.

Jackson:Aww. I bet they appreciated all your hard work, too.

My heart races. I want to run to him and tell him I’ll celebrate with him, but I don’t.

Riley:I’ll let you go. Have fun tonight. I hope you meet someone special.

Jackson:Thanks, Rye. I already have. I’ll talk to you soon.

Was that a comment meant for me? Or did he actually meet someone already after I specifically told him to?

Tossing the phone on the bed, I cradle my head in my hands.

I’m telling him how I feel, even if he’s met someone else. I drove all this way to do that, so I’m doing it. Even if I might have missed my chance because I spent too much time being stubborn.

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