Tempting the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 8)

He has no idea what I want right now, but it includes him naked in his bedroom with me under him. The dirty thoughts are almost too much for me to handle.

“Thank you. I appreciate it.”

He gently tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear as my heart urges me to go in for another kiss, but I wouldn’t be able to stand the embarrassment if I were denied again. Still, even after everything he’s said, it’s hard for me to believe he’d ever really give me a chance. I’m ten years younger and his bestie's little sister. I have nothing to lose compared to him.

“What if I grabbed us some food to go? We can eat here, and then you can leave if you’d like, or you can hang out for a little while.”

My eyes go wide when I remember I parked at the B&B, which will only encourage questions. “My car…”

“It’s right outside. I picked it up this morning after I fed the horses so no one would be curious and to make it easier for you today.”

“Are you always this thoughtful?”

He laughs and stands. “You leaving the keys in it just made it easy. So on a scale from one to ten, how hungry are you?”

“Eleven. My head feels weird, and I think food will help with that.”

“Got it. And dessert?”

“Always,” I say.

“I’m gonna change clothes, then head out. Shouldn’t take me very long.”

“Perfect,” I tell him, going back to the living room. “Oh, do you think it will be okay if I use your shower? I think I need to wash yesterday off my body and out of my mind.”

I watch his Adam’s apple bob in his throat.

“Sure. I’ll get you some clean clothes when I change. Be right back,” he tells me, and I watch him stalk down the hallway toward his bedroom. I give a little fist pump and grin because for the first time in my life, Kane Bishop is giving me the attention I’ve always desired.

When he returns, he’s holding a small pile. “They’ll probably be huge on you, but it’s the best I could do.”

His hand brushes mine as I take them. “I’m sure it will be better than putting on yesterday’s clothes. I should probably just bring an overnight bag from now on, considering your couch has quickly become my second bed.”

Kane meets my eyes, and I immediately feel stupid until he speaks. “Probably not a bad idea. It’s always good to be prepared.”

His eyebrow pops up, and I know he feels the underlying current between us. It’s undeniable when he looks at me with that intense Bishop gaze. It’s what wet dreams are made from.

When he grabs his keys from the counter, I get a good look at what he’s wearing. Running shorts, a T-shirt, and some athletic shoes. His biceps are huge, and when he slaps on his Astros baseball cap, I nearly melt.

Goddammit, now he’s testing my willpower.

“I’ll be back.” He catches me gawking.

“I’ll be waiting here.”

He shoots me a wink, and a few seconds later, he’s out the door. When I hear his truck crank, I let out a loud squeal. Kane is finally single, and I’m gonna make him mine.

CHAPTER TEN

KANE

Knowing Ivy is in my house, wearing my clothes, and no one can know gives me an adrenaline rush like no other. While the attraction is mutual, a part of me feels guilty.

She's my best friend's much younger sister.

Although what happened between Hadleigh and me is water under the bridge, I can't imagine she'd be okay with me dating Ivy. Hadleigh’s always been fiercely protective of her sister, and just because we’re besties doesn’t mean I’d get special treatment.

Ivy's sweet and innocent, so I should keep my distance, but a dark part of me wants to corrupt her in all the right ways. I try to push the thoughts away before they consume me.

As soon as I walk into the B&B, I contemplate turning around when I spot Hadleigh putting food on a plate. Grandma’s happily holding Hendrix and sees me before I can escape.

"Kane, sweetie. How are you?" Grandma motions for me to come closer. I lean down so she can kiss my cheek.

"Hey, Grams. Doin' fine. How's my nephew?" I take a peek and see he's fast asleep in her arms. The drool on his chin makes me chuckle.

"Kane, hey!" Hadleigh comes up and smiles. "Wanna sit with us? I heard most of the ranch hands are hungover today."

I fidget and stumble over my words, unable to make eye contact. "Yeah, that's why I took a half day. Just gonna grab some food to go so I can watch TV and eat."

"No, you should stay. Spend some quality time,” Grams insists.

Hadleigh encourages with a nod.

"Maybe another time. I need to shower and do some laundry for the week. I'm also supposed to meet Payton later for—"