Page 22 of Forbidden Cowboy
“I am going to marry you, Miss Fox. But I also know there are many things we have to discuss. There’s a lot of ground to cover, and I don’t want to wait another twelve years. Today, we show the town a Fox and a Wilde can work together.”
This is a huge step. Most people take going out for dinner and a movie for granted, but it’s never been that simple for us. It’s not a pleasure we’ve been able to enjoy.
I want to jump up and down and scream for the world to see. I want to wrap my arms around Levi’s neck and kiss him silly. But I understand his method—one step at a time.
“If you’re not afraid to work out here with me, then I’m not afraid.”
I smirk. “You’re a little afraid.”
“I’m fucking terrified.”
I laugh, loving his blunt honesty. “I’m terrified, too.”
“But I’m more terrified of being without you. I’ve hidden behind my work long enough and am ready to stop hiding. For you. For us.”
“Fine.” I sigh dramatically, and all the while, I feel the biggest, goofiest grin on my face. “You’ve twisted my arm. I’ll do it. What’s the worst that can happen?”
“You mean besides our families killing each other.”
“Yes, besides that. And the sheriff says he’s not to be called here, or we’ll end up in a cell for the night.”
“Jail together for the night doesn’t seem like a bad idea.” He steps close. “I want to kiss you.”
“I want you to kiss me.”
“Then we’re on the same page?”
I nod, knowing he won’t do it, and at the same time, wanting it so badly my body aches.
“What in tarnation is going on here?” Mayor Thomas barks. “What is this mess?”
“The reconstruction of a local fair attraction.”
Thomas yanks off his sunglasses and pushes up the front of his straw hat. His beady round eyes give us a death stare. “Tourists don’t want to see this mess.”
“Who cares what the hell tourists want—”
I cut Levi off. “Thomas, this is an opportunity to advertise. Consider erecting the famous kissing booth for the end-of-the-month fair. Go get some of your fancy banners and signs and hang them around to advertise the upcoming fair and give people insight into the work the town puts into it.”
His snarl turns upside down. “Oh, that’s a good idea.”
“It’s a great idea.” I exchange a look with Levi.
“I’ll go get some. But no more things on the property. You’re wrecking the grass.”
You-hoo!” Wilma and Faye’s all-terrain club car tires barrel over the sidewalk. It’s unlike any club car I’ve ever seen. Painted brown like a bull, it’s complete with a mouth on the hood, eyes on the side, and a pair of bull balls hanging off the back.
Wilma yanks the wheel to steer away from a pile of wood. Tire marks dig ruts into the ground. The tires skid to a stop in front of us.
“Ladies!” Thomas sounds like he’s going to have a heart attack right here on the spot. “No club cars on the grass! It is bad enough Rita hosted the yard sale here last month.”
“And they raised good money for the youth center,” I remind him.
Thomas points to the parking lot. “Off the grass!”
“We won’t be but a second.” Faye grips the frame of the cart as she scoots out.
Wilma meets her sister at the back of the club car. They open the plastic storage bin. “We need something from the lovely couple.”