Tempting the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 8)

"Yeah, I don't trust those lazy pieces of sh—" He stops himself before Mom gives him hell. "It’s all yours, bro. Don't be late."

"Yeah, yeah."

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

IVY

I steal glances at Kane as he says goodbye to everyone. Holding back a smirk, knowing I'll be going to his house later, I say, "Nice seein' ya again."

"You too. Have a good one," he tells me casually.

Tonight was a lot of fun, minus Hadleigh bringing up my boyfriend. I should've known Harper would tell my sister, but now I feel worse for lying.

I chat for another ten minutes before my phone vibrates. Cautiously, I look at the screen and hold back a smile.

Kane: Are you still planning to come over tonight, or do you have plans with Winston?

I choke on a laugh, trying my best to act indifferent, but Hadleigh notices. She arches a brow as if she wants to ask questions.

Ivy: Those are my usual Friday night plans, but I'd be willing to change them for you.

Kane: If you're looking to mix things up, I think I can provide much better entertainment. But then again, I'd hate to throw off your routine...

Ivy: I guess it depends if it’ll be worth my time based on what you're offering.

Kane: I mean...I've had no complaints, but I could provide you with a free preview before you commit to having me as your Friday night plans.

My cheeks heat, and I can't help the way my thighs squeeze together. Shit, I need to leave before someone here notices.

Ivy: Ohh, like a sneak peek? Tell me more.

When I look at my screen again, the last thing I expect is a picture.

He's shirtless on his bed with his erection poking hard through gray sweatpants. As his fingers grip it, the veins in his hands pop, and I'm momentarily paralyzed.

Sweet Jesus. Kane Bishop will have me combusting in front of his entire family. I gulp, trying to contain my composure.

Ivy: That was cruel!

He sends back a purple devil emoji.

Kane: Come join me. I'm waiting for you.

Fuck, that does me in.

I stand and announce that I have to go. "Gotta get back to those book boyfriends," I mock, hoping Hadleigh buys it.

She pulls me in for a hug. "Let me know when I can meet Winston, okay? I promise I'll play nice."

I give her a wary look. "I'll think about it."

She lowers her voice. "Please be careful." Her silent implications are heard loud and clear.

Use protection.

Don't let him break your heart.

"I am," I confirm. Or at least I hope I am.

Once I've said goodbye to everyone and thanked Mrs. Bishop for dinner, I rush to my car while replying to Kane.

Ivy: On my way, Cowboy.

Kane: Better hurry.

I make it to his house in record time, which is a small miracle. The last time I drove here at night, I nearly hit a chicken. Little fucker had the audacity to cluck at me like I got in his way.

As soon as I park in my secret spot, I race up the porch, and before I can knock, the door whips open. Kane yanks me inside, then closes it behind me.

"Jesus," I breathe out as he pulls me against his rock-hard body. He's the epitome of a real-life book boyfriend with muscles for days and tattoos over his chest and arm.

"What took you so long?" he urges, hovering his lips over mine. “I’ve missed you.”

I chuckle. "Your family is chatty."

He smirks. "That they are. I'm glad you escaped, though. I’ve been thinkin’ of all the things I wanted to do to you."

Wrapping my arms around his neck, I bring our mouths closer. "Oh yeah? And what're you gonna do now that I'm here?"

He hoists me up until my legs wrap around his waist. "I'm about to show you."

Then he walks us toward his bedroom and lowers me to the bed.

"Pretty clever telling them you're dating someone named Winston. I nearly choked to death." He towers over me with a devilish smirk.

"Blame Harper. She caught me off guard, and I had to lie on the spot. And of course, she told my sister."

"Well, thank God I recognized the name because I was pretty pissed for about three seconds."

I wiggle underneath him, wanting more of him. "Is that right? Were you jealous?"

"Fuckin' right I was." He dips his head into the crook of my neck, licking just below my ear. "I would've marked my claim on you in front of everyone if I had to."

"Hmm...I kinda like the sound of that. What would that entail?"

Kane cups my breast as he sucks the flesh above my collarbone. "A little bit of this..."

My entire body shivers as goose bumps cover each area he touches.

"And a little bit of that..." He pulls down my shirt until he exposes my nipple, then blows warm air over it.

My back arches as I release a throaty moan, feeling absolutely unhinged at the way he's teasing me.