Love Me Again, Cowboy

“Well, these are things to think about.”

And it’s not like I hadn’t thought about them. “Sheesh, sis. It was one kiss. Slow down would ya? I’m sure we’ll figure it out as we go. But we don’t need to talk about all of this after we only just reconciled.” But even I can hear the doubt that’s crept into my voice.

“I know, they’re just things to think about and consider because you two fell so hard for each other the first time around. But this time you’re not kids, and your decisions don’t just affect the two of you.”

I stare down at my red-stained fingers, wondering when everything got so messy.

The next several days are filled with some of the best I’ve had. Jax and I spend every possible moment together. It’s like we’re trying to make up for all the lost time. It helps that he’s still my extreme adventure guide because he’s already carved out the time in his schedule. And when we’re not together in person, we’re texting or FaceTiming. It’s so easy to be with him. Nothing is forced or staged. I don’t have to be perfect or what everyone else wants me to be. I’m not even daughter or sister. With Jax, I’m just Malia.

It’s interesting how at moments it’s like nothing has changed. We’re just two kids falling in love all over again. At other moments, I’m discovering a new Jaxon—a more mature and levelheaded one. When we were eighteen, I was the one setting boundaries and saying when it was time for us to head home. Now he’s the one doing those things, albeit reluctantly. He became responsible somewhere over the years, which I suppose he’d need to be as a single dad.

I can’t help but wonder when he’ll bring me to Wyle Away Ranch and introduce me to his daughter. I haven’t even seen his brothers yet, either. Jax says they nag him about it every day. But we agreed that we both wanted to be sure we work as a couple again, with just the two of us, before bringing other people into the mix. And so far, we work like a two-person cast going on our tenth season. Flawlessly.

We’re currently lounging on a blanket after our climb. It was so sweet to discover that Jax had set up a picnic at the top. When I pulled myself up the last of the rock wall, I spotted the colorful patchwork blanket, wicker basket, and spread of food laid out for us. We ate and are now just enjoying the sun’s warmth on the chilly fall day. I’m sitting in front of Jax with my back leaning against his chest. His arms are wrapped around me, and his fingers do a lazy dance over my arm.

Suddenly he stiffens, and I look at him. “What’s wrong?”

“You have a boyfriend,” he says like he just remembered.

“No I don’t,” I say reflexively. Then realization dawns on me and I laugh. “Trey?” I as

k, completely forgetting that we’re still rumored to be a couple.

Jax’s brows scrunch in confusion. “Well, yeah. And I’m not usually the type to steal another man’s girl. But in all fairness, you were my girl first.”

“Oh, that’s funny. See, I didn’t realize I was property to be had.”

He nudges into me. “You know what I mean. And for the record, I’d be your property any day. You are going to break up with him, right?”

He’s so cute when he’s unsure. I give him a grin. “Nope.”

His eyes widen, and he lets go of my hand. “You know I'm not the side dish kind of guy, Malia.”

I try but fail to hide my smile.

His spine is rigid. “This isn't funny.”

“Oh, but it is. You see, I can’t break up with him because we were never really together in the first place. Trey and I were just faking a relationship for publicity’s sake.”

He raises his brows as if considering this new bit of information. Then he settles. His posture returns to normal, and a smirk is on his lips. “No kiddin’. I should have known you wouldn’t have been in a relationship with that guy. He’s far too . . . delicate for you.”

I giggle. “Delicate? You do know he’s been dubbed America’s hero, right?”

Jax laughs. “I’d love to see him spend one day on a good ol’ American ranch with me and my brothers. Then we’d see who the real hero is.”

The thought puts a smile on my face. The truth is Jax and his brothers would run circles around Trey. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were jealous of my fake boyfriend.”

“Well, it’s a good thing you know better.” He moves my hair to the side, and his lips graze soft as a feather over my shoulder. Chills run over my body in the best possible way. “Now let’s talk more about a real boyfriend,” he says against my skin.

“Hmmm,” I manage. He kisses a trail from my shoulder to my neck, and I wonder if he can feel my pulse quickening. “Are you looking to fill the position, cowboy?” I ask, my voice now airy. He pauses kissing my neck and gently touches my chin, turning my head so that he’s looking into my eyes.

“Yes, darlin’. I am.”

I close the distance and press my lips to his. Jax’s hand moves to my hair as he deepens the kiss. My head swims, and my heart is full.

“You know,” I say, breathless. “If everyday of my life could be like this, I’d die a happy woman.”

“It could be, you know. I mean, it’s probably not realistic to make the climb every single day to set up a picnic on a mountain. That was no easy task.”