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“I know I’ve already said it, but I’m really glad you’re here and are giving us a real shot. I promise to take advantage of every day we have together.”
“I imagine you will.” This time, I pull his mouth to mine and kiss him, letting all my unspoken words tell him just how badly I missed him.
Riley’s touch and kisses are what strawberry Starbursts are made of—so damn addicting—and you know if you don’t stop, you’ll end up devouring the entire bag of candy.
“Fuck, Zoey…” We’re both panting as he rests his forehead against mine. “We better go before I rip off those things you call shorts.”
Chuckling, I nod in agreement. I dramatically push him away and grab the boots, trying them on. They’re a little loose, but they’ll work. In fact, they actually look really cute with my denim shorts and tank top.
“How do I look?” I stand in front of him, spinning around. “Like a true Texan?”
Riley shakes his head and laughs. “Not quite, sweetheart. Gotta get that accent down. A hat. And get you on a horse first.”
My eyes widen. “A horse?”
He takes my hand and leads me out of the room. I don’t bother grabbing my phone because tonight, all of my attention will be on my husband.
Considering how much I drank in Vegas with Riley, I decide to take it easy. An hour later, we’re at the bar and sticking to beer only. We both know what happens when too much liquor is involved.
The Honky Tonk is exactly what I imagined. People in cowboy boots, taking shots and being loud and obnoxious. Old license plates on the walls complement the rustic décor, and it smells like a barn. A clean one, at least.
And surprisingly, I don’t hate it. In fact, I haven’t laughed this much in weeks.
“So wife… I think we should have our first dance,” Riley says, swiveling our barstools so my legs are between his.
“We danced all night in Vegas,” I say. “In fact, I’m pretty sure you went to second base at the third club.”
Riley brushes his hand over his facial hair and grins. “You noticed that, did ya?”
I snort, shaking my head. “I doubt they play slow songs here.”
He arches a brow as if I just challenged him. “Wait here, my bride.” Riley flashes me a wink, then walks over to a jukebox I hadn’t realized was there.
Moments later, “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri starts playing. An oldie but a goodie that I like a lot. He walks back over, all proper, and holds out his hand to me. “May I have this dance?”
“How could I ever deny you?” I place my hand in his, and he leads me to the center of the room.
“Where’d you learn to dance anyway?” I ask after a few moments.
“Bishops don’t learn to dance; it’s embedded into our DNA,” he says firmly.
“Really? Interesting because I’m pretty sure at the final club, you were stepping on my feet.”
He gives me a cocky grin. “I was also shit-faced. You’re really gonna use that against my dancing skills?” Riley spins me around before I can answer, and when he brings our bodies back together, I have a permanent smile on my face.
“Of course not. You’re damn good.”
“You’re way too good for my ego,” he teases. “Could you say it a little louder so the rest of the bar can hear?”
I laugh, my head falling back as he smirks at me. “So you’re a Christina Perri fan too? What other things are you going to surprise me with?”
“Well, the fourth movie was my favorite.”
I narrow my eyes at him, trying to determine if he’s being serious or not. “No way. Are you a Twilight fan?”
“What are you trying to say? I’m not cultured enough to love vampire smut?”
Now I’m rolling my eyes at his lousy attempt to feign offense. “Funny. Almost had me there.”
He laughs again, bringing his lips to me for a soft kiss. “Rowan, my little sister. She binged all the books in the series, then made me take her to the theater for an anniversary movie marathon. I really had no choice.”
“Aww…big brother duty.”
“And older cousin. All of the girls were obsessed.” He dramatically rolls his eyes.
“So then I guess the true test of our relationship lies on one question…” I say in all seriousness. He furrows his brows, waiting. “Team Jacob or Team Edward?”
“You really expect me to remember who either of them are?”
“I don’t think I can do this…” I stop moving. “I can’t be married to a man who doesn’t know Twilight.” I shrug, about to walk around him, but he swiftly grabs my waist and pulls me back to him.
“Team Edward…okay. Happy, now? You’ve officially stolen my man card.”
I wrap my arms back around him and smile. “Very.”
CHAPTER NINE
RILEY
When I closed my eyes last night, Zoey was the only person on my mind. Being with her was magical, and having her here with me on the ranch doesn’t seem real. I keep pinching myself to make sure I’m not dreaming.
