Page 19 of Forbidden Cowboy
He slides a piece of my hair behind my ear. “Yes, darlin’.”
“Last night was a one-time thing. Nothing’s changed between us. You’re hiding us inside the town hall to work on the kissing booth so no one sees us working together.”
“Only until we talk.”
“Talk about what? How it’s not that simple?”
“How to make it simple.”
I shove him with both hands. He takes a step back. His eyebrows etch together.
“You’re too late. You’re twelve years too late. We can’t just pick up where we left off. You have a life. I have a life. It’s more complicated now than the day we kissed in the kissing booth.”
“I’m seeing clearer now than in my entire life. I’ve missed you. I’ve missed us. I didn’t realize how much until—”
“Until you got into my pants.” I smooth my hands over my grey eyelet top and distressed boyfriend jeans.
His lips form a thin line, and he takes another step back. “You know that’s not true.”
I do.
“I don’t know you at all. The guy I once knew has grown into a man I don’t recognize.”
He takes a single step forward, and my body presses flush against his. “Hope, Fox, I am going to marry you.”
My mouth gapes open. “What are you talking about?”
“You’re the only woman I’ve ever loved. The only real friend I’ve ever had. One night with you and I wake up feeling like the weight of the world has lifted from my shoulders. You bring out the best in me. You always have. Come hell or high water, I’m going to make you my wife.”
“You sound like you’ve fallen off your rocker.” I scan our surrounding for bystanders.
“And if you think I’m scared to be seen with you, you have another thing coming. I made arrangements to work with you behind closed doors out of respect for your feelings on the situation.”
“I was done hiding twelve years ago, but you didn’t give me a second to tell you.” I yank open my Jeep door and haul myself into the seat. “I’ll see you Friday behind town hall promptly after lunch to hide from the town.”
Chapter Seven
HOPE
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“GOOD MORNING, FOX Lodge staff.” Jade taps the stylus on the side of her iPad. It’s a nervous gesture only family would recognize.
“Is she trying to smile?” Josie passes me a mug of steaming black coffee, just the way I like it. I cradle my morning pick-me-up with a satisfied sigh before I bring the hot liquid to my lips for a taste. I need it after my restless sleep. Thanks to a red hot sexy cowboy whose kisses send a gal into a night of lustful dreams she never wants to wake from.
“She thinks her smile softens the harsh tone of her voice,” my sister Natalie says. She and Josie share a wicked sense of humor. Closer in age, the two had been inseparable growing up and were magnets for trouble.
“Be nice.” I tsk my sister.
The floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace crackles behind us while it burns faux fire. Few guests are awake at the early to stroll into the large lobby where our meetings are held. And those who do can sit in the twig chairs scattered around the lobby.
“I love morning meetings when Hannah’s busy and Jade steps in to oversee the session.” Josie juggles her coffee and phone to zoom her camera on Jade’s crooked smile. She snaps a picture with a devious chuckle.
“How are ya’ll doing?” Jade lifts her arms in the air. Her smile strains as her gaze roams the employees. “Are we ready to have a fabulous Fox Friday!”
“Yes!” I shout alongside the staff. They shower my sister with positive vibes, regardless of how uncomfortable she appears.
Josie stifles a laugh that stretches out into an injured animal sound. “Why does she make this look so painful? She’s a natural fighter.”