Page 90 of Cowboys Can't Kiss

Griff shoves a battered ball cap on his head and brushes past me with a muttered goodbye and I’m left wondering if I should have pressed harder to talk to him.

After carrying in all the paint and locking up behind me, I rush to the grocery store for what I need to cook Jackson dinner. I quickly find what I need and as I head to the checkout, a bouquet that reminds me of Jackson catches my eye. There’s nothing more romantic than a well-chosen flower, so I add it to my purchase and head home.

I’m not much of a cook and I order in a lot because it’s easier. But Jackson mentioned he loves to stay in more than go out, and one thing he’s very open about is his homebody ways and a desire to have quiet evenings with the one he loves. I know he enjoys healthier food too, so after a lot of thought, I went with a simple stir fry and sticky rice. All the vegetables are organic—I know he’ll approve of that—and the beef is from a local butcher downtown.

After starting the rice in the cooker, I play an instrumental music list on my phone. It’s one I enjoy when I just want to relax and unwind. Which is how it feels as I chop vegetables while the sounds of pianos and harps fill the room.

Jackson told me he’d be right over as soon as he and Hunter did whatever it is they do when returning from a rodeo. I suppose if I’m making him part of my life, I’ll learn what he does eventually, but right now I just want to feel his arms around me and his lipson mine. To have him next to me while we share about our days and cook dinner together. I never thought such mundane things would bloom such an ache in my chest.

I guess that’s love for you. Always surprising.

The beeps sound on my door’s keypad and I look up from my chopping to watch Jackson walk through the front door. His black hair, still wet from a shower, sticks up as his smile lights up his entire face.

“Hey, Rye.”

“Hey, handsome.”

Brushing my hands off on the tea towel, I meet him as he kicks off his shoes at the door and reaches for me.

“Smells good in here.” His hands grip my waist as he pulls me closer. “Looks good, too.”

“Kiss me first, compliment me later.”

His deep laugh rolls as his lips meet mine and I melt into him. “Fuck, I’ve missed you,” I murmur as our lips dance and taste. Jackson’s hands slide up my sides to cup my face.

“Missed you more,” he murmurs across my lips.

Laughing, I push at his chest.

“I refuse to be that kind of couple. It’s not a competition.”

“You’re right. We both win.” Jackson follows me into the kitchen and surveys my mass of vegetables and tray of beef. He picks up a slice of pepper and I smack at his hand.

“Want to help me finish? It’s beef stir fry. The rice should be done soon.”

Jackson leans his hip on the counter as he crunches on his pepper slice. His gaze is a caress on my skin and my breath quickens under his attention.

“Barefoot, cooking dinner, soft music, and your beautiful face are the best things to come home to, Rye. Tell me what you want me to do.”

Cue my heart melting.

“Um, ah, you could start the beef. There’s a recipe here with the sauce,” I point to my iPad on a stand. “I’ll finish chopping the vegetables.”

Jackson nods and moves to the stove while I fan my face. Jesus Almighty, is his kink having me cook for him? Because I will gladly stay home every night and learn to cook if he looks at me like that every time.

“How’s your aunt?”

Jackson adds oil to the wok and works on the garlic cloves.

“Wonderful. She’s really looking forward to the makeover of her place. We picked paint colours today.”

Jackson dumps the minced garlic in a bowl and begins adding the liquid ingredients I laid out to the same bowl. Pausing, I notice he’s not measuring. He’s free pouring and mixing.

“You’ve made this before, haven’t you?”

He grins and bumps my shoulder.

“It’s one of my favourite meals. It’s a lot of preparation to chop it all, but it’s so easy to make. And healthy. You picked well.”

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