Page 77 of Bull Riders Don't Swoon

“He looks better than I thought he would. It went well.”

“That’s wonderful, babe. If you’re up to it, I thought we could swing by The Thirsty Cow. I hear they have blueberry cobbler today, and I think it’s the best way to celebrate.”

Chuckling, I press a kiss to his lips and step back.

“I think that sounds perfect.”

twenty-four

Jamieson

“Iwish I knew what it is about blueberries that makes me crave them so much.”

Honestly. What is it about this little round berry that makes it so tasty? Is the blue part? Is there research on this?

“You just like blueberries. It’s totally okay to like something so much it’s all you can think about.”

My fork pauses at my lips, and I raise a playful eyebrow. “Oh? And what do you like so much that it’s all you can think about?”

Griff shakes his head with a smile and sips his coffee. “Don’t fish for compliments, Jamie.”

We share a secret glance, one that carries more weight than it ever used to. Griff and I have always been able to communicate without words. But now there’s a whole other level to his expressions, and it blows my mind that I understand him without a single word exchanged.

Those soft blue eyes and shy lowering of his chin, a lick of his lips. I read you loud and clear, Griff, and I’m going to make up for so much lost time with you. I promise.

“I can see you two mooning at each other from across the room.” The barista, Diamond, sets another plate of blueberry goodness infront of me. “Compliments of me because I have tea to spill and needed a reason to come and sit for a minute.”

He wedges himself on the seat next to Griff and beams a smile at us both. Diamond owns The Thirsty Cow and is the most colourful and over-the-top person I’ve ever met. I wouldn’t call him a close friend, but we’ve gotten to know him well the past year because when we’re home, we come here far too often.

He makes some of the best damn blueberry creations around and always finds time to ask us about our lives. Which would normally feel like small talk, but Diamond carries himself with a genuine warmth. He cares about his patrons, and I love that about him.

“You don’t need to bring me free food to gossip. It’s appreciated, but unnecessary.”

Diamond snort laughs and crosses his long, toned legs. Both Griff and I ogle them before glancing at each other with a shared look. The man has amazing legs, and those little jean shorts show them off well.

“Eyes up here, boys.” Diamond gestures to his face. “Listen, you need to know this.”

“Okay.” Griff shifts sideways to face him. “What’s going on?”

“Your super hot friend, the one with the ranch. Hunter, right?”

“Yeah, he’s the one who owns the ranch. I don’t know if he’s hot, though?” I say between bites of free dessert. “If you’re into the silent, broody type, I suppose he is. What about him?”

Diamond tsks and shakes his head. “Silent and broody is hot all day long in my books and extra when there are two of them!”

“Two Hunters?” Griff’s eyebrows scrunch and Diamond huffs in exasperation.

“No. Hunter was here for almost two hours last night with another man who fans the flames, if you know what I mean.”

Diamond raises one perfectly manicured eyebrow with a smirk.

“He fans your flames or Hunter’s?” I’m sort of confused about what he’s trying to tell us.

“Hunter was here with another tall, dark, and handsome. They sat here for two hours and had multiple coffees. Hunter had a slice of lemon cheesecake, and mystery man had deep-dish apple pie.” He points to the cozy corner with two giant overstuffed chairs. “Although I shouldn’t say he’s a mystery man. I’ve seen him here with Riley before, and one of my employees mentioned a new lawyer in town. I’m betting it’s him. They sat there and there was a lot of talk.Heatedtalk. It seemed big, so I wanted to mention it. I’ve never seen Hunter with another man who’s not any of you before.”

Griff shrugs. “He hasn’t said anything about being involved with anyone. Especially Gabe, if that’s who it is. Maybe he doesn’t want us to know yet.”

Diamond snort laughs and pats Griff’s shoulder. “That’s cute. If he wants a secret, he shouldn’t have come here then. The man should know that I keep track of everyone’s business.” Diamond wags a finger between us. “Like you two. I wasn’t sure if Jamieson was just too thick or you were too shy. But there was always something.”

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