Page 39 of Every Single Vow
Ryder makes eye contact with me briefly before he idles up next to Cooper. Silence hangs, causing Cooper to lift a brow. “Do we understand one another?”
Ryder slips out his pocketknife, flipping open the blade before he starts to examine the shiny metal.
Joseph jerks his gaze from Ryder back to Cooper before he sputters, “understood.”
“Good. Now get lost,” Cooper grunts while Joseph scurries away, spewing profanities under his breath.
My eyes remain on Cooper, my stomach flipping at how he just stood up for me. How he’s always stood up for me.His wife.I’ve never seen him that angry. This…hot.
With easy movements he reaches out, pulling me into his chest. One hand bands around my waist, while the other winds around the back of my neck. “You good?” He asks, his voice hoarse.
I nod, not being able to form words at how embarrassingly turned on I am.
“Good.” He leans in, his voice a low warning. “I’m going to kiss you now.” Then before I can blink, his lips crash to mine right there in front of God and everyone.
He sticks to the rules. Not even a touch of his tongue. But it doesn’t matter. My toes curl as he pulls back slightly just to nip at my bottom lip before pressing a kiss there again.
When I open my eyes, he’s grinning. My cheeks flame, and my knees go weak. Then I see the crowd formed, everyone still staring at us. The feeling of bliss immediately gets wiped away. Because for a split second, I had stupidly convinced myself that kiss wasn’t just for show.
Chapter twenty-four
Cooper
The sun is barely above the ridges as I make my way to the barn with Dale on my heels. It’s early, and even though the last thing I want to do is divulge in the news from Tim yesterday, I know I need to get Ryder in on it before it grows into something serious. Like us having to give up a chunk of the ranch against our will. I’d rather talk with him first before we break it to dad.
Ryder is already in the small tack room, a cup of coffee in his hand while Clyde shows him his new pistol.
“Morning.” I wave a hand. “When Clint Eastwood is finished, I need a word, Ryder.”
“Don’t think I won’t fire a bullet in your ass,” Clyde grumbles, but I can hear the smile in his voice.
Ryder’s heavy footsteps follow as I head to my office. It’s not much, but it gets the job done.
“How’s married life?” He asks, planting his ass on an old file cabinet.
I think back to yesterday when I selfishly took the opportunity to kiss her after Joseph nearly got himself smacked to the pavement. Did I use the situation to get my lips on her? Yes. I’m obsessed with the woman. Sue me.
“Well it’s barely been seventy-two hours, but so far so good.” I drop down in the leather chair, and face my brother.
His dark hair is shaggier than usual, but he has the same permanent scowl. He’s not madatme, but it seems like he’s always mad at theworld.He rarely spends time with us unless it’s for work, and he seems to be most comfortable holed up in his cabin.Alone.We couldn’t be more opposite, but he’s the most honest, hardworking man I know. And if I needed him at three in the morning, you bet your ass he’d be there.
“And the kid?” He lifts a brow.
“Thekidhas a name. Arizona. And she’s settling.” I tip my hat up, running a hand over my hair.
“What’s got you riled? Other than the woman you’ve followed around like a sad puppy since you were twelve thinks you married her for show?” He crosses his arms, a smirk forming beneath his beard.
“Sad puppy?” I scoff. “We all know I’m more of a golden retriever.”
He snorts. “More like a poodle.”
I flip him off before I turn my expression serious. “I ran into Tim at the Mayson Jar.”
“And?” He presses.
“Said he heard a rumor from the RRC that they might possibly be looking near the ranch for land.”
“Fuck…,” he curses. “Possibly?”
