Winning the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 6)

He immediately goes to touch it, and I chuckle at his horrified expression.

“Whoops. My bad,” I say innocently with a smirk.

Grayson pushes me to my back, trapping my arms underneath his large body, and shoves his face into the softness of my neck. “Guess I better make us even then.”

“Grayson, no!” I squeal. My students will notice it in a heartbeat. Not to mention, my parents and co-workers.

“Fair is fair,” he taunts, sucking harder.

I wiggle beneath him, but it’s no use. He’s too strong.

After a moment, he pushes away and flashes a shit-eating grin. “There. Now everyone will know you’re mine.”

“You damn vampire.” I glare. “I’ll get you back for that.”

He grins wide. “I’m sure ya will.”

After an amazing night of being naked in Grayson’s bed, we decide to finally get up and shower for the day. Of course, he joins me, and it takes us twice as long, but I didn’t complain.

“Think we’ll get to eat without being interrogated?” I ask as he drives us to the B&B.

He chuckles and kisses my knuckles. “Doubtful. They’ll freak out, I’m sure.”

When we arrive, we decide to walk inside hand in hand. It’s past nine so most of the guests have already eaten and left for the morning. However, since it’s Sunday, the ranch hands arrived later than usual and are all sitting at a table.

“Holy shit.” Diesel’s the first to blurt out.

They all turn and face us, including my father, who was chatting with them.

“Fuckin’ finally,” Ethan adds. “I’ve had to hear him talk about you for way too damn long.”

My cheeks redden at the attention, and before I can talk to Dad, Maize bursts out of the kitchen. “Yes! Pay up, assholes! I finally won a bet.” She high-fives Gavin, who’s sitting at the end.

“You seriously had a bet going?” I ask, narrowing my eyes at my traitorous sister.

“Hey, you can’t be mad at me. I made your favorite dish for your little date last night,” she tells me matter-of-factly, crossing her arms.

“Alright, fair enough.” I grin. “They were delicious by the way.”

“What’s goin’ on?” Dad asks.

“By the massive hickeys, I’d say they’re together,” Riley mocks.

Dammit. Instinctively, I bring my hand up and cover my neck. “Shut up.”

Grayson chuckles next to me. “Are y’all done now? Can we eat?”

“I could guess what he’s been eatin’…” Diesel mutters with a chuckle as if we can’t hear him.

“Dude.” I give him a pointed look, then nod toward my father.

“Someone give me the PG version please.” He lifts a brow.

“Grayson and I are together,” I say simply. “And these goons are just freaking out about it for no reason.” I wait while he processes what I said, then he finally flashes a smile.

“Wow. Can’t say I’m that shocked, but if you fuck this up…” He directs his gaze toward Grayson. “I’ll make sure there’s more than cow shit in your truck.”

“Yes, sir. No worries. I’ve waited years for this chance, so I’m not about to mess it up by bein’ stupid.” I look over at him, resisting the urge to climb him like a tree and kiss his perfect lips.

Dad gives us a nod and helps a guest as everyone else goes back to their conversations.

Shortly after we fill our plates and take a seat, Grandma Bishop rushes in and finds us. “Oh my goodness, I heard the news. I’m so excited. More grandbabies!”

My eyes widen as Grayson chokes on his food. “Lord. How’d you find out already?”

“Oh, honey. I hear everything. You can’t keep secrets from me.” She flashes a wink.

“Well before you get your hopes up, I’m not popping out any babies.”

She waves me off as if I’ve lost my mind. “You’ll change your mind.”

Grayson leans over and whispers in my ear, “We can have fun practicing, though.”

I fight back a smile.

“I heard that, Grayson Harding. You better plan to put a ring on her finger then.”

“Oh my gosh, Grandma!” I panic. “That’s like years away.”

“Hmm…that’s what they all say, then they make the engagement announcement at Christmas dinner.” She winks, and I groan because it’s only two months from now. The only thing I’ll be announcing is if I get approved as a foster parent.

Just as Grayson and I finish eating, my mother walks in, no doubt summoned by my father. She gives me a joyful look and pulls me in for a hug.

“Only took five year’s worth of Thanksgiving dinners, but y’all finally figured it out.”

I chuckle in amusement. “Oh yeah, was your big plan to get us together? Make us eat turkey and stuffing next to each other?”

“Well, y’all are so stubborn, I had to try something.”

Mom’s invited Grayson over for Thanksgiving every year since he’s started, and I always dreaded it. We’d give each other shit, then I’d do my best to ignore him. Since he never went home during that time, Mom refused to let him spend it alone. Now I know why he always stayed here. This will be the first year we’ll be going together, and the thought has me smiling wide.