Page 61 of Cowboys Can't Kiss

So I do. I tell him how determined I was to watch Jackson in the ring and how I wanted to be romantic and surprise him at the bar that I was confident he would be in.

“But I wasn’t counting on some drunk asshole recognizing me and harassing me. You know the type. Just give me a freebie, baby, and I’ll leave you alone. I was stupid. If Jackson hadn’t seen me…”

I trail off as Gabe’s angry growl sounds over the line.

“If the bar has a security camera, I can track him down, Rye. Just say the word.”

“No. It’s a reminder that I need to be more careful about the people I let into my life. This kind of confrontation is rare but not nonexistent.”

“How did Jackson take it?”

“Perfect, Gabe. He was amazing. He took a punch and threw one back, then grabbed me and we ran. And then I finally kissed him.”

“Ah, see. I can hear how your voice changed, Riley. You don’t regret it, do you?”

Not in a million years could I ever regret a moment of last night with Jackson. Even if he woke up this morning and said he couldn’t do it. I’d hold the memory of last night in my heart forever.

“No. To be the object of Jackson’s affection is…unreal. But I never thought about him jumping into a fight like that. What if he got hurt because of me?”

“He throws himself on top of moving cattle. I don’t think he’s afraid of getting hurt, Riley. What other excuses do you have? Tell me. I’ll rip them all apart for you with a smile on my face.”

“He told me he was nervous, that he’d not measure up with my experience. He’s incredibly sweet, Gabe, and I really fucking like him. So much, but…”

“Riley, listen to me. Don’t go there. He likes you. He shared his fears with you, and without sharing intimate details, I know you set him at ease. Stop with the what-ifs and excuses and just enjoy having a man who loves every part of you. Unconditionally, it sounds like.”

“Why am I like this?” I laugh without humour. “I think I want to believe he’s the one so badly that I’m missing something important.”

“The only thing you’re missing is allowing yourself to believe it’s real, Riley. We’ve been over this. Chase had a great story. You didn’t miss anything, he was just good at acting. Jackson lives in the public eye and the whole town can vouch for him. There isn’t a single reason to believe you’re missing something.”

My phone beeps with an incoming call.

“Thanks for being a great friend, Gabe. I mean it, but I’ve got a call coming that I need to take. I’ll talk to you later.”

Gabe chuckles. “I know you’re dumping me for the hot cowboy. We’ll chat later.”

Without looking at the display, I accept the call with a smile.

“Hi. Sorry. I was just chatting with Gabe, and before I lose my nerve, I wanted to tell you I know I’m a lot sometimes, and I’m sorry for what happened at the bar. Just be patient with me.”

Silence. “Uh, is this Riley Benton?”

Shit. That’s not Jackson.

“I’m sorry. Yes, it is. I didn’t look at the display. How can I help you?”

“This is Dr. Morgan at the Kissing Ridge General Hospital. Your Aunt Agnes has you listed as next of kin, and we need you to come as soon as possible.”

My guts drop to the floor. “Is she okay? What happened?”

“She’s stable, but I’d like to speak to you in person.”

“I’ll be there in 15 minutes.”

“I’ll still be here. Just ask reception to direct you to the surgical waiting area.”

“Thank you. I’m on my way.”

Oh god. Aunt Agnes, what have you done?

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