Page 24 of My Cowboy Kiss
Marshall shakes his head. “Your cock is going to have issues with a new face.”
The rooster I rescued doesn’t like it when I bring home new rescues. He likes to follow me around and acts like he’s a guard dog.
“It’s going to get chaotic when he sees the kitten.”
“They’ll find their way around each other.”
Captain climbs up to my shoulder and sits purring in my ear.
“Everything okay with the wife?” I ask. “You getting divorced?”
His expression tightens. “It’s a long story.”
“We’ve got time as we ride.” Marshall and I were close at The Gentle Home for Children. He’s always tried to look out forme, and I look out for him. I’ve always been thankful we were adopted together.
“I don’t really want to discuss it.” He waits while I put Captain down and make my coffee in a to-go mug. Then we walk out together and the rooster falls in step with us as we head to the barn to saddle up.
“Okay.” He’ll talk when he’s ready. Marshall takes the time to look at something from every angle before he talks about it. He’s good at solving problems.
“But I do want to know if you and Courtney are dating now.”
“Why?”
“Because we have a bet going. It’s split half and half. Some of us think she’ll fall for you, but the others think she’s going to boot your ass back over the friendship line.”
“That won’t happen,” I say with confidence. I can’t explain why I feel so sure. I just do. Maybe because I believe even if we part ways, we’re going to find our back to each other eventually because when two people are meant to be, fate will keep putting them on the same path.
We were good together last night and there’s no denying that. But there was nothing from her indicating she wanted anything except sex moving forward. I don’t think I’ll be able to concentrate today unless I can nail down what she wants.
I finish tightening the saddle and as Marshall is checking his horse, my rooster starts eyeing him and puffing up his feathers.
“River, I swear, you better teach this bird who he needs to leave the fuck alone.”
I pick up the rooster and direct him back to the house then take out my phone to send Courtney a text:Let’s go on a date tonight.
She texts back: Are you asking to come to my place?
No. Let’s go on a real date,I respond, then start counting the seconds for her answer. Did she get the text? Why is it taking herso long to answer? I check my phone to make sure the text went through. It did.
“You ready?” Marshall swings up into the saddle and pulls the brim of his Stetson low.
“One second.”
My phone pings.Sorry. Allison came to my desk for a second. Okay.
Okay let’s go on a date?
Yes.
I stare at the word, then grin and pump my fist, exhaling with relief.
“I’m guessing I’m on the winning side of that bet,” Marshall says. “Unless you screw up and it falls apart,” he teases.
“I won’t.” This is too important.She’simportant and tonight, I’m going for it. Balls to the wall. I’ll tell her that I’m crazy for her. That I’ve always loved her—only her—and that won’t ever change.
Chapter 7
Courtney
