Page 25 of Ropers Can't Tie Knots
eight
Hunter
“How’s married life, sugar?”
Diamond sets my slice of cheesecake in front of me with a sparkling smile.
“Glad to see the town still shares information better than a manure spreader at full speed.”
Diamond takes that as an invitation to sit with me for a moment. I say nothing as he grins and taps a well-manicured finger on the table.
“So it’s true. You and Hottie McLawyer tied the knot?”
“Do you call him that to his face?”
“Nah. I call him Mr. Handsome to his face.” Diamond winks, and despite my reluctance to talk about Gabe, I confirm details.
“Yes, we’re married.” When Diamond doesn’t leave, I dig into my cheesecake and shove a forkful into my mouth. “If you’re looking for anything else, you won’t get it.”
He heaves an exaggerated sigh and stands. “Fine. Be all broody about it and not talk. I’ll just ask someone else…like Mr. Handsome himself.” Diamond struts back to the coffee counter, and I shake my head.
It’s what we wanted. What I wanted. For the town to know and make sure the information that Gabe was putting down roots herespread, but it’s not like me to talk about someone the way people in love often do. I don’t wax on about how amazing he is or how we met, because there’s no story to tell.
Unless it’s considered socially acceptable to brag about how great of a fuck your husband is. Because the sex is fucking amazing. The one perk for the year so far is that, at least.
“Well, hello, Mr. Handsome!” Diamond’s voice rings out, and I look up to see Gabe enter the Thirsty Cow. He took my advice and stopped wearing a suit to the office this week. Instead, he’s dressed in jeans and a button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up. He still has the shiny-as-fuck dress shoes, but it’s a start.
I watch as Diamond shamelessly flirts with him, and Gabe laughs along with it. Diamond moves off to fix his order, and Gabe turns around. His gaze immediately lands on me, and a brilliant smile fills his face. He says something to Diamond and then strides across the café towards me.
“I didn’t think you’d be here until later. I was coming by to have an early coffee.” He leans down and kisses me quickly on the lips. My head jerks back as he pulls away. “It’s common to kiss your spouse in public,” he murmurs as he sits across from me, and I nod.
“Yeah, yes…I just wasn’t expecting it.”Understatement. It wasn’t even on my list of things to expect from this arrangement. “So, public affection is okay with you?”
Gabe leans back into the chair across from me and crosses his arms behind his head. His biceps strain against the fabric bunched there. For an office worker, he’s kept himself fit.
“Yeah, Hunter. I’m fine with it. But if you’re not, don’t force it, and I won’t make you uncomfortable.”
“No, it’s okay. I’m just…not used to it, I guess.”
There’s no ‘I guess’ about it. I’m not used to it. Full stop.
I hid from my grandfather for so long, it became second nature to keep my hands to myself where anyone could see. Kissing someone publicly was something I always wanted, but the anxiety constantly simmered below the surface.
In bars with alcohol flowing, I could drown that out easier, but here in Kissing Ridge, it felt like the judgmental eyes of my grandfather were everywhere…even with him dead.
“Here you go Mr. Handsome.” Diamond sets a mug in front of Gabe with a wink my way, and Gabe’s warm laughter draws my attention to him.
“Maybe you shouldn’t call me that anymore, Diamond. Or at least not in front of my husband.” Gabe’s foot touches mine under the table.
“It’s fine. Heishandsome, so it’s a suitable name. Just don’t get any ideas about putting the moves on him. He’s spoken for.”
Before I can second-guess what I’m doing, my hand reaches out and grabs his, bringing it to my lips for a kiss. Gabe’s lips part with a small breath, and Diamond coos before leaving us alone.
“Well, you didn’t waste time on trying out the public affection.” Gabe pulls his hand back and sips his coffee.
“You said husbands do that. Just seemed like the right time.”
Gabe huffs a small laugh. “The right time to get a bit possessive in front of the barista and town gossip. Well played, Hunter.” Gabe brushes it off and changes the subject to what we have to do in an hour, but I wonder if it’s something Gabe likes and wants more of.
