“I said I like Italian. I didn’t say it was food.”
I bite back a laugh as my gaze takes in Diamond in his usual daisy dukes, cowboy boots, and today, a tight-fitting T-shirt I want to rip off his body.
“Well…lucky you can have both. The man and the food. Come for dinner tonight?”
“I work until 8 P.M.”
“Then we’ll have a late dinner.”
Diamond steps into my space and places his hand on my chest. “I didn’t think you’d be the jealous type. It’s a huge turn on.”
“Yeah? I kind of went a little caveman there. Sorry.”
“No, no. Don’t apologize. Hell, you could have thrown me over your shoulder and walked me out of here, and I wouldn’t mind one bit.”
“I’ll make a note.”
We stand there behind the counter in each other’s space for several beats. The man flirting with him is long gone, and I kind of want to beat my chest about that. Instead, I bend closer and kiss him senseless.
When we break apart, Diamond’s fingers go to his lips. “Wow,” he breathes.
“I’ll see you tonight, beautiful.”
If I could throw him over my shoulder now, like he said, I would. But real life needs attention. I didn’t even order what I came in for, but Diamond calls out as my hand hits the door.
“I’m sure you came here for this.” He struts my way with a takeout cup in his hand. Every eye in the place is on us. He stops in front of me, and I take the offered cup with a slow smile.
“I did, but I’m leaving with something better.”
His sapphire-blue eyes sparkle with a playfulness I crave. Something I didn’t know I was actually missing until I met him. “Damn right. Have a good day, cowboy.” He spins on his heel and returns to work while I bring the coffee to my lips.
Banana.
He catches my smile behind the cup and winks.
Today will be a good day.
Somehow, I get to the rodeo facility, still on a high from kissing Diamond and probably looking like a kid who just got laid for the first time. Jamieson is coaching a group of young bull riders with Griff. I give them a wave before stopping in the office to find Warren and Hunter.
“You’re back! Just in time. How the fuck do I open that billing program for the students you set up?” Hunter slides a pair of glasses off his face, and Warren snickers from the sofa.
“I bought you Post-it notes to just write what you need me to know, remember?”
Hunter stands and motions for me to take the desk chair. “I was trying to be helpful. Didn’t want you coming back to work with a mountain of shit to do.”
“No offence, Hunter, but it’s less work if you just leave me a note.”
Warren outright laughs, and Hunter shoots him a glare. “Don’t laugh at your elders. One day, this could be you.”
“Oh, before I forget, Warren. I have cash for you. I really appreciate you helping move my things.” I flip open my wallet and hand him the crisp bills from the bank machine. “I’ll have a proper house party later.”
“Thank you, Rhett!” He takes the money, folding and stuffing it in his pocket.
“Don’t you have a wallet or something?” Hunter asks. “How do young people carry cash these days?”
“We use cards and our phones, Dad. Nobody carries cash. That’s so old school.”
Hunter freezes. “You called me Dad,” he whispers.
