Diamond takes the bouquet and says nothing for a moment before pulling me into the kitchen with him.
“You got the house? For real?” His words carry the same excitement I feel.
“Yeah. I just made it official today. It’s moving fast, so the seller can move, and I…I’m…I just wanted to thank you.”
Diamond glances at the flowers before setting them aside. “I appreciate that, cowboy. You didn’t have to do that, but you’re very welcome. I’ll always help you when you need it, and I’m so fucking excited for you!”
Fuck, he’s so damn beautiful like this. He really is happy about this for no other reason than that his friend is happy. Diamond isn’t like the others.
“You convinced me, you know. With your video for the barn.”
Diamond never looks shy, but for a moment now he does. He glances away quickly before reaching for my hand and squeezing. “I wasn’t sure if I should send it, but I know if it were for me and my horse, that’s what I’d do. You said you wanted my honesty…so I sent it.”
“Are you free tonight?”
He cocks his head, and his tongue comes out to wet his lips. “I could be. Depends on what you’re asking?”
“I don’t actually know,” I admit softly. “I just know I’ve been thinking of you, and I’d like to spend time with you. We should celebrate.”
“Okay.” He clears his throat. “I’m here until 8 P.M. tonight.”
“I’ll probably be at the training facility. Come by when you’re finished here?”
“Yeah. I can do that.”
We stand there for a few moments, and it’s like we’re stuck in a bubble of time where it’s just the two of us. I want to kiss him, but maybe it’s the wrong signal or the wrong place? Would he think it means more than just a kiss if I kiss him?
“Rhett.”
“Yeah?”
He stretches up on his toes and presses a kiss to my cheek. “Thank you for the flowers, and I’ll see you tonight. Hunter is waiting for you.”
“Right. Yeah. Thank you. I’ll…I should find him.”
Diamond grins. “He’s easy to spot.”
Turning, I bump into the fridge before I make it out the door and make a beeline to where Hunter is.
“Hey, sorry I’m late.”
Flopping on the sofa next to Hunter, I reach across to offer my hand to the man with him. “You must be Alec. I’m Rhett. Nice to meet you.”
“Likewise. I’ve heard great things. Looks like we’ll be working together a lot this week.”
“I’m not much of a roper, but I—”
“Hold the fucking phone,” Hunter interrupts and shifts to face me. “Did you just bring flowers to Diamond? What have I missed?”
“Uh…you haven’t missed anything.”
“Jesus, Hunter.” Alec laughs. “You’re already acting like a dad with your friends. You’ve had the kid for what? Three weeks?”
Hunter scowls at Alec. “Put a cork in it and let me be.” He turns back to me. “Rhett…I know I’ve been busy with other shit and not been around much. But what the fuck? Are you dating? Fucking? What’s with the flowers?”
“He helped me out. I was saying thank you. By the way, I got the house, and I’ll be moved out in two weeks.”
Hunter smiles, genuinely happy for my news. “Congrats! That’s fantastic, and you know you don’t have to rush, even though Warren is itching to get into your room. But seriously, what—”
