Tempting the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 8)

Ivy and I are going slow. We don't want to rush and tell the whole world just yet, especially because of our age gap.

"Are you finally going through puberty and becoming a woman?" Hadleigh gasps with faux excitement. "I'm so happy for you."

I roll my eyes with a smirk. "Yeah, yeah. I have a guest who needs it, okay?"

"So what's her name?" she sing-songs.

"It’s private," I retort in the same high-pitched voice she had.

"I'm your best friend! How can you not tell me?"

Knox returns with a half-eaten muffin in his hand. "I knew you were seein' someone. This is proof. Don't give him anything until he confesses," he instructs Hadleigh.

"Why do you care about my love life so much? Need the details of mine to help spice up things in the bedroom?"

"I'd kill for anything at this point."

"Oh shut it," Hadleigh groans. "We have a two-month-old, and I'm still trying to lose the baby weight, so—"

"As much as I'm enjoying this front row seat of you chewin' him a new one, do you think you can help me? I wanted to grab some breakfast and bring it back before she wakes up."

"Well, aren't you a sweetheart?" Hadleigh smiles. "Fine. I'll pack some toiletries with all the necessities. Whoever she is, tell her she needs to make one for herself if she's planning on sleeping over ."

I walk over and wrap my arm around her shoulder, careful not to touch anything below the neck. "Thanks, Hads. You're the best." I kiss the top of her head.

"Yeah, yeah. Next time, though, bring a girl some coffee before you ask for favors this early, okay?"

I grin. "Got it."

Hadleigh strolls down the hallway. Knox's still stuffing his face as he glances down at Hendrix.

"You wouldn't know it by lookin' at him, but I swear this kid eats more than I do. No tellin' where it's going, though."

"His diapers!" Hadleigh calls from the bathroom, and we both laugh.

"Oh yeah." Knox laughs.

"Perhaps you should be changin' them more," I quip.

"I do all night long!" he counters. "I clean his butt and then latch him on her boob."

I snort-laugh. "And y'all want more, huh?"

"Of course. Have you seen my wife when she's pregnant? She's insatiable!"

"Dude." I groan. "You need a filter."

He shrugs, shoving the rest of the muffin down his throat.

Hendrix stirs, and I rub the pad of my finger along his little soft cheek.

"Good mornin'. Your favorite uncle is here."

His eyes open, and he kicks his legs around, clearly giving no fucks who I am. All he knows is I'm not his mom who provides the milk.

"Can I pick him up?" I ask Knox.

"Sure, but then you're in charge of changing him."

I scoff, leaning down to pick him up. "Nice try. We both know that's Daddy's job, don't we?" I tell Hendrix.

He looks up at me as I carefully rock him in my arms. "Thank God you got your mama's looks."

"We have the same face, asshole." Knox grunts, and I laugh.

Finally, Hadleigh returns wearing a shirt and carrying a small duffel.

"Okay, I packed Midol and ibuprofen since I don't know her preference. A variety of regular and super tampons, a heating pad along with some face sheet masks and under-eye patches to help with puffiness. I also figured you don't have any girly soaps, so I added some lavender body wash and bath salts. So in case you didn't get my hints...run her a hot bath. You'll get some bonus points, trust me. Oh! I threw in some travel shampoo and conditioner too in case she doesn't wanna use your three-in-one Old Spice. "

I smile, exchanging Hendrix for the bag. She's a natural caregiver, and her intentions are pure. If I asked, Hadleigh would give me the shirt off her back. "You're the best, Hads. Thank you."

"And just an FYI...orgasms help with cramping. So if she needs some relief, help her out with that." She waggles her brows.

I bite my tongue so I don't admit to doing that very thing last night.

"Also, I packed a peppermint essential oil roller. It helps reduce pain and stress. Tell her to rub it on her temples and anything that aches."

"Geez, she's gonna think I'm askin' her to move in or something. I'm gonna scare her off with all this stuff."

She scowls, shaking her head. "Or she'll think she found herself a sweet and thoughtful man."

"Wait. Is that actually true about the orgasms?" Knox interjects.

"Of course it is! When a woman orgasms, blood rushes to her uterus and helps relieve cramping. On top of that, it can reduce stress and release endorphins, which helps us relax and sleep better."

"Well, good to know." Knox smirks.

"I haven't had a period in over a year and probably won't until I'm done breastfeeding, so get that smug look off your face. If you want to help me relax, take your child and change him."