Page 18 of Forbidden Cowboy
“It’s not that simple.” I throw his words back at him. Nothing has changed between us just because we had sex. Our families still loathe one another. This public interlude is the most a Wilde and Fox have ever been seen together. Besides, I doubt he’s ready to stand up to his family. No matter what happened between us yesterday, he’s a family guy through and through. It’s one of the things I’ve always loved about him. Even if I hadn’t known it was love back in the day.
“You’re funny.” His sarcastic stoic tone plunks a grin on my lips.
“I get it from my mama, who your family still has it in for. Something about a cow.”
I catch Wyatt’s wary expression as he circles us, eyeing the situation.
“Wyatt, when can you drop off the wood at the rear of the town hall?” Levi still doesn’t look at him.
“Friday.”
“Perfect. It’s a mutual place where Foxes and Wildes are both welcome. We’ll build the booth in the back shop where no one will see us.”
There it is. Hide me away from the town. And then what does he think is going to happen? Another play date on the worktable? I don’t think so. I’m so angry I can’t put out a word.
“See you Friday, Miss. Fox. Sharp after lunch.” Levi nods his Stetson before walking away and leaving me more confused than I was this morning. And how on this grassy earth am I supposed to work with Levi now?
“Are you okay with the change of location, Hope?” Wyatt steps into my sight.
“Yes, it’s fine.”
“You alright?”
I force a smile. “Of course. The kissing booth has a sentiment toward the Wilde family. Something about their great—”
“Great-great grandparents sharing a kiss before tying the knot.”
My smile is genuine. “I guess everyone in town knows the story.”
“The Wilde and Fox history is common knowledge.”
“Right. Thanks again, Wyatt. And pop into the ranch on Friday night. Hannah’s planned a campfire scavenger hunt.”
“Sounds like a good time.”
“Always a good time at the Fox Lodge.”
“That’s what the tourists tell me.” Our all-inclusive ranch resort brings bounds of tourists to town.
Wyatt waves me goodbye.
My jeep is parked in the shade under a row of oak trees. It’s lunch hour, but it’s already booming busy, and my vehicle is wedged between two pickups.
When I reach the side of my truck, someone spins me around and pins my back against the metal frame.
Familiar moves.
Familiar hands.
Familiar scent.
Levi’s eyes bore me with a storm of emotions. Our mouths collide like lightning and thunder. He threads his fingers through my hair. His arms circle my waist, pulling me flushagainst him. The kiss is hard, hot, and heavy, just like our rocky relationship. When we part, we’re panting and breathless.
I press my hand against his chest to put distance between us. He lifts my hand and kisses my knuckles.
“Are you trying to get caught kissing a Fox?” I try to wiggle out of my trapped position between Levi and the truck. Levi doesn’t budge. The truck isn’t forgiving, either.
“Levi?”