Tempting the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 8)

Knowing I’m not paying attention to my book, I turn it off and continue in silence, practicing what I’m going to say if I get the chance to chat with him alone. Since I started college last year, I’ve been trying to work on my self-confidence and focus on my social skills, so I won’t pass up the opportunity to talk to him if it arises.

When I finally enter the waiting room, it’s packed with Bishops, but my mama is still chatting with Jackson and Kiera—the twins’ parents.

“Hey. I was getting worried about you. Was just getting ready to call and check where you were.”

“I know, sorry. I made a mess at the shop and had to shower,” I quietly explain, not wanting to draw any attention.

“You should go back there now,” Mom says, guiding me toward the double doors. She waves over a nurse who scans me in and walks me to Hadleigh’s room. I give her a smile, then gently knock before pushing open the door.

When I enter, Kaitlyn—Knox and Kane’s sister who’s in her late twenties—opens the door with a grin. My eyes immediately meet Kane’s, and it feels like every bit of air escapes the room. I swallow hard and glance around the room.

“Hi.” I silently celebrate not stammering when several sets of eyes are on me. “Sorry, I’m late.”

“You’re just on time,” Hadleigh says sweetly. I move forward and sit in the chair right next to Kane. Our gazes lock, and it feels as if this moment is frozen in time. Eventually, I lean over to get the perfect view of my adorable little nephew. My arm brushes against his, and I feel butterflies flutter throughout my body. I swallow hard.

“You wanna hold him?” Kane asks, and I can’t help but study his perfect, beautiful lips. Realizing I’m staring, I slide my gaze up to his crystal-blue eyes.

“Yes, please,” I nervously say as he stands inches in front of me and carefully gives me Hendrix. I can smell the light hint of his cologne and soap, and it’s so intoxicating that I sit.

My heart pounds heavy in my chest as we study Hendrix. Knox is talking to Kane, but his attention is zeroed in on Hendrix and me. I can’t help but notice how soft his expression is when our eyes meet.

“He’s so perfect,” I whisper, playing with my nephew’s tiny fingers.

I look up at Kane and smile. Something electric lingers between us, something I want to explore. I understand how the heroines of my romance books feel. I’m almost at a loss for words as the butterflies in my stomach flutter.

“Did you hear me?” Knox repeats.

Kane clears his throat. “Sorry, what?”

“We should probably let some others in,” he says, and I selfishly don’t want this to end, not right now. I’d do anything to hold Hendrix for another ten minutes with Kane this close.

“They can wait their turn,” Kane tells him, and I wonder if he’s thinking the same as me. I meet Hadleigh’s eyes, nearly begging her not to kick us out, but I can tell she’s exhausted.

“That’s right!” Kaitlyn says, moving closer so she can admire Hendrix.

“There will be plenty of time, y’all. I promise. You can come over and visit whenever you want. No invite needed,” she explains.

Knox speaks up. “Excuse me, invites are needed. We might be busy.” He waggles his brows with a smirk as Kane shakes his head. Hadleigh and Knox chat away, but I don’t pay them any attention.

“Looks like we’ll be sharing lots of nieces and nephews,” Kane tells me with a smile.

I meet his gaze, trying to form my words. “I guess so.”

A small smile touches my lips as I glance back down at Hendrix bundled tightly and sleeping so peacefully. I take in every second I can as Kane chats with his brother and Hadleigh. I was given the ten minutes with Hendrix that I wished for, but I know it’s time to go because others are waiting outside.

Kaitlyn looks at the clock and groans, then we both quietly chuckle.

“I don’t want to go either,” I explain.

“I say we tell everyone else to fuck off and lock the door. We’re his aunts!”

As I’m snickering, there’s a light tap on the door, and their cousin Maize and her husband Gavin enter. Apparently, he’s a retired bull rider. Kane glances my way as he leaves, and my heart races. After I hand Hendrix to Maize, I say goodbye to Kaitlyn, then walk over to my sister, who looks gorgeous as hell after giving birth.

“I love you so much,” I say and awkwardly hug Hadleigh. “I’m so happy for you.”

“Thank you, sis. Hope you’re ready to babysit.”

I grin wide. “Anytime. My schedule is wide open.”

As Maize and Gavin chat about how adorable Hendrix is, I turn to Knox. “Congrats!” I tell him.