Page 61 of Head Over Spurs

“Can’t complain,” he answered neutrally, still working to settle himself after Jules’s tempting offer to get off in the bathroom stall.

“I was talking to your girl?—”

He straightened in surprise. “Talking to who?”

“Jules? At least, I assumed pretty quickly that she was with you. I tried to buy her a drink, but as soon as I introduced myself and mentioned I was passing through town while between rodeos, she got all excited to ask if I knew you.”

Well, fuck. He clearly just made a total ass of himself getting jealous like that. Riley glanced over to the alcove where he had left her.

It was fine. He meant what he said—about wanting to move forward together. Even if the thing that prompted his speech was a misunderstanding.

“Right,” he cleared his throat as he watched her appear around the corner and approach them. She slowed her stride down long enough to blow him a kiss but continued past the bar to rejoin Maddie and Cooper.

Did that kiss just mean something?

Keeping his sights on Jules, he asked his friend, “How is the season going?”

Knox began to reply enthusiastically, but all Riley could focus on was the sensuous way Jules licked the salt off her handand threw back a shot while maintaining eye contact with him. She was either doubling down with the games, or he wasn’t the only one aroused by their little moment.

He hoped it was the latter.

27

JULES

The phraseweak in the kneeswas a foreign concept to Jules before Riley came along. It had taken significant effort to stride by him as confidently as she had moments ago. Even now, she shifted in her seat beside Maddie as her hand unconsciously drifted up to the place on her neck where he’d left his mark. The action was seemingly primal on the surface. Normally, she would have been appalled. But with him, it didn’t feel territorial—it felt like a reminder just for her. Proof that he really did know the intricacies of her pleasure. That he took the time to truly see her.

“What did he need to talk to you about?” Maddie asked, stacking the empty shot glasses they’d just deposited on the table.

“Oh, just wanted to ask about Knox. You know, because they’re friends.” Hehadcalled Knox his friend.

I didn’t come here tonight to watch you flirt with my friends. Those were his exact words.

“Right…” Maddie replied, her voice hinting that she didn’t buy it.

“Alright, Mads. If you were single,” Cooper started, flashing aknowing look towards Jules. He was saving her. Keeping their secret just as Riley had promised he would.

“I’m not single, Coop.”

“But if you were, and I approached you saying it’s my birthday and asked if you were my present?—”

“Cooper,” they cut him off in unison.

“No. Just, no.” Jules shook her head.

“How do you get so many girls if you think that is a viable pick-up line?” Maddie scowled.

“I’m charming,” he replied with a shrug. “It’s all about the delivery.”

“Well, you certainly have a way about you,” Jules agreed, reaching out and pinching his cheek.

“Growing up around Brett and Grey, I thought having brothers was bad. But I’m starting to think that sisters might be worse,” he mumbled.

“Maybe. But this sister is exhausted from all that dancing.” Maddie turned to Jules. “Still spending the night?”

“Absolutely, I’m ready to go when you are.”

Maddie looked to Cooper. “Coming with us or are you going to see if Riley can be your ride home?”

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