Tempting the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 8)

I gasp. “She didn’t!”

“Then the blind date was the cherry on top. He was acting more like a jealous lover than an overprotective big brother. But that’s why I trusted him to take you home.”

“Yeah, we didn’t exactly go home.” My cheeks heat.

Hadleigh lifts a brow. “Figures. Then after Raelyn showed up and you left the B&B upset, it was the nail in the coffin. I was honestly waiting for you two to come clean a few weeks ago, but you were way too persistent and stubborn, thinking y’all were being sneaky. You do realize I’m your sister and his best friend and know you two better than anyone else. It was painfully obvious once I started noticing. Knox and I tried to sneak around for a while, too.”

Guilt creeps up my spine, and my neck burns red. “I’m sorry for not telling you, but I didn’t know what you would say or if you’d approve. Before everyone chimed in with their opinions, we wanted to make sure what we had was more than a fling. Then another part of me didn’t want to hear anyone’s concerns over the age difference or be bombarded about getting hitched and knocked up right away. We were actually gonna tell you after brunch, but that got completely derailed once Raelyn showed up.”

She snickers. “I know that feelin’. But if the age gap doesn’t bother you two, then who cares what anyone else thinks? They can either support you or shut their mouths about it.”

I smile, appreciating how she easily makes me feel better. “So who else knows?”

“Harper.” She chuckles. “We shared our theories. Y’all aren’t as transparent as you might’ve thought.”

“I guess not,” I say.

“If Kane is tellin’ ya they were broken up, then they were. I would never question him because he’s not a liar. Also, if he said he has feelings for you, believe him. When it comes to Raelyn, trust me when I say you have nothing to worry about. Kane’s the most loyal man you’ll ever meet.”

I hold Hendrix just a little bit tighter while I take in every word.

“Well, now I feel stupid for overreacting. I blocked him, then told him I needed space.”

“Don’t. Mom always told us that we needed to protect our hearts, and that’s all you were doing. It’s okay to be scared, Ivy. I know you’re new to this, but don’t push him away because you’re afraid.”

I nod, wishing I could go back and do things differently.

“I never had these problems when I was exclusive to my book boyfriends,” I tease, and she laughs.

“You two could be perfect together, but you have to open your heart and take a risk. But don’t get me wrong. If he hurts you in any way, I will take great satisfaction in chopping off his balls and serving them to him on a platter covered in his own blood.”

This has me laughing and cringing. “Thank you.”

“So tell me…did you two, you know?” She waggles her brows.

“Hads!” Color returns to my cheeks as I smile. I don’t have to tell her because my face gives me away every time.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

IVY

It's been a few days since I talked with Hadleigh and even longer since I talked to Kane. He promised to give me space to think, but truthfully, I miss him like crazy. I know he's who I want, and I trust his intentions weren’t to deceive me. Raelyn showing up at the B&B was a total mindfuck, and I let my insecurities win. But I can’t lose him over this.

As soon as I'm done with work, I'm going to his house and tell him exactly how much I want him.

“You've been a machine today,” Harper says as I clean up at the end of our shift. “You were so focused, I was scared to even speak.”

I chuckle. “Sorry, a lot on my mind.”

“Yeah, Hadleigh told me. Hope that's okay.”

Nodding, I toss any excess trash off the table, then wipe it down. “It's fine. I figured she would.”

“Soooo...can I be nosy and ask for an update?”

“We haven't talked yet.” I shrug. “But I already decided I was gonna try to see him tonight. Hopefully, he won't slam the door in my face.”

She shakes her head with force. “No way. Kane would never. Well, he'd probably make an exception for his brother, but definitely not you.”

Laughing, I nod. “Let's hope so.”

“Well, listen. We're all caught up, so if things go well tonight, take tomorrow off and enjoy a long weekend.”

I give her a puzzled look. “Harper, are you sure?”

“Yes, of course. Plus, it'll give me time to spend with the kids. Ethan's working a half day, and we’ll get to have some quality family time together.”

I round the table and give her a hug. “Thank you.”

“Good luck.”

I've never had to grovel for a man before, so I hope showing up and apologizing is enough.