Page 7 of Cowboys Can't Kiss

Tipping my hat, I squeak, “Have an enjoyable evening.” But he’s already out of hearing range. Seriously? An enjoyable evening? What the actual fuck was that?

The man disappears across the bar, joining a small group of people, and a hand clamps down on my shoulder with a laugh.

“That was more painful than watching you break a barrier early for a no score in a big money event.”

Groaning, I shake off Hunter’s hand.

“Don’t remind me of how awful I am with this stuff. I couldn’t even say hello. No, I had to sound like Batman’s butler. Have an enjoyable evening,” I mimic with a terrible British accent. Hunter chuckles as he steers me out of the bar.

“You can’t be smooth at everything, Jacky. But I found the solution for you.” He passes me a business card and I raise an eyebrow.

“Wild Romance?” Flipping it over, my eyes scan the words and I turn to Hunter. “You think I need a romance coach?”

“No. Well, not really. I mean, you always get flustered when you want to talk to a guy. I think you’re plenty romantic already.” He stops walking and lays a hand on my arm. “Which makes me want to gag for the record. But I was chatting with the dudes in suits, and it turns out they were here tonight because this Wild Romance guy helped the man propose. It’s a bachelor party, Jack.” Hunter throws his head back and laughs. “I wish I was making this shit up.”

“Why are you laughing at a bachelor party?”

“Because the man swears this guy on the card made it possible.” Hunter taps the card in my hand. “He talked about going for what you want and some shit like that.” He starts walking again and I follow him down the sidewalk towards his truck. “Jackson, the man is probably sixty-five and marrying a thirty-year-old bombshell. He says the sex is amazing.” He looks over at me and holds up a hand. “I nipped that conversation in the bud. No way do I want to hear about an old dude banging. Like, high five brother, but keep it to yourself.”

Reading the back of the card, Hunter’s rambles fade away as I wonder if he’s right. Maybe I could make an appointment and learn how to be more… well, anything better than sounding like a stiff butler. Still doesn’t help me find the guy from the park, though.

Perhaps a few meetings with this guy will prepare me for when I meet him again. Assuming he ever returns to the park.

“…So what do you think?”

“What? Sorry, I wasn’t listening.”

Hunter sighs as we get into his truck.

“I said I’d like to leave for the next rodeo Thursday instead of Friday. We can stay at the place with a hotel and the boarding facility nearby. Then the horses can have a break and we can sleep in actual beds. You in?”

“Absolutely. I prefer beds whenever we can.” Hunter puts the truck in gear and we pass under the streetlights as we head out of downtown and farther away from the beautiful man in the bar.

Flipping the business card over, I read it again.

Wild Romance

Specializing in planning romantic events.

Make the ordinary feel extraordinary.

Riley Benton—owner/operator

Fuck it.

I’ve got nothing to lose.

Riley’s contact info is there, so I email requesting a consult and pay the fee when the window pops up.

“So, we’re winning money next weekend, I hope? It’s a big one.”

Hunter nods, smile gone and full game face in place.

“Yep. You’re breaking records this year, Jackson. I can feel it.”

And that’s why Hunter is my best friend and my hazer. A steer wrestler needs a partner with confidence in their abilities. Hunter cheerleads me like nobody else. He may tease me about my romantic tendencies, but he’s got my back in the ring.

“Here’s to our best season, Hunter.”

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