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Of course, Oscar still teased Richard at every opportunity, and Richard retorted with cutting barbs of his own, but I’d swear the two of them almost enjoyed their verbal sparring now… though I was smart enough not to point this out to either of them.
“Sounds tiring,” I said carefully. “Not knowing what time zone you’re in.”
He gave another of those little laughs. “True story.”
“Must make it hard for you to keep up with that guy from the wedding.” I attempted to sound casual but was pretty sure I failed.
“Which guy?” Oscar’s impression of casual was even worse than mine. “For that matter, which wedding? I’ve married off no less than five exes this year.” He sighed like a proud papa. “I’m a professional best man now.”
“You know exactly who I mean,” I insisted. “The way you talked about him… he was special.”
“Every man I’ve been with was special to me, at least for a little while.” Oscar’s voice hardened a fraction. “The difference is I’m done trying to be their someone special. It’s much simpler this way.”
I hesitated. “I know it’s hard to lose someone, Oscar. You know that better than anyone. But—”
“Bup bup bup. I did not call to talk to you about my tragic losses, Boone Hammond. Jesus, you’re a buzzkill. Tell me about you. Any… news to share? How’s that appallingly ill-tempered beast of yours enjoying ranch life?”
I rolled my eyes. “His name is Richard, as you know, and he’s the kindest, most loving person I’ve ever met. Besides, I thought you two were getting along—”
Oscar burst into raucous laughter. “Boone, Boone,” he choked out. “I meant Lorna. The skittish rescue llama I sent your way?”
“Oh.” I scowled. “You’re an asshole.”
Oscar only laughed harder. “Moi? I am not the one who just equated my boyfriend to a beast. You did jump to defend his honor, of course, but I still think you owe him an apology. Maybe a good excuse to get on your knees, hmm?”
I glanced over at Richard, who looked flushed with excitement and totally in his element, surrounded by several Cloverbuds who’d had four-leaf clovers painted on their cheeks. The kids were fawning over Birdie, who hadn’t left Richard’s side since the fair had begun. He looked up at me and winked, and my chest squeezed.
“I don’t need an excuse to get on my knees for Richard,” I told Oscar. My voice came out rougher than expected.
Oscar paused for a moment. “Still disgustingly happy?” he asked gently.
“Every single day,” I agreed.
“Good,” he said sincerely. “I’m glad you have that, Boone. You deserve it.”
I sighed. I wished there was something I could say that would magically make Oscar feel better but knew there wasn’t. I thought about how big his life looked from the outside—how perfect. He had reams of friends, he threw lavish parties, he was the talk of the town and the belle of the ball. He was outrageously wealthy.
And on the inside, he was lonely as shit.
I wanted to tell him not to let his past losses make him too afraid to try to love someone again. To remind him that he deserved to be truly happy too. But I knew this wasn’t the time to push. When Oscar was ready, I’d be there for him, just as he’d always been there for me.
“Silver Fork Fair is today,” I offered.
Oscar seized upon the subject change gladly. “Yes, I know. Your lover boy sent me a text about it earlier. Frank and I expect a full recap, Boone. A full recap.”
“Yeah?” I raised an eyebrow, though he couldn’t see me. “Hedgehogs are interested in livestock competitions these days, are they?”
“Something like that,” he agreed.
As we said goodbye, there was a clatter of boots on the stairs, and I looked up to see Richard strolling toward me. I slipped the phone back into my pocket.
As Richard approached, he swiped off his signature sequined cowboy hat and ran his fingers through his slightly damp hair. “Oh mylanta,” he said. “This heat!” He pulled a small spray bottle from his pocket and spritzed his face. The air filled with a familiar scent, one that always made me think of running my tongue along the tendons in his neck.
He knew this, too, because he shot me a look full of promise under heavy-lidded eyes as he pushed the vial back into his pocket.
I caught him around the middle, pulling him toward me. “Playing with fire, whipping out the skin mist stuff in public. You know what your high-end skin care products do to me,” I murmured in his ear.
He nipped at my shoulder playfully, and I could feel his smile as he pressed it against me. “Do I?”
“If it weren’t for the several hundred people crowding this ranch, I’d take you into our bedroom right now and remind you,” I growled.
