Catching the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 2)

“I think it’s spot-on,” I tease, and I’m damn happy about that.

Chapter Six

ROWAN

It’s been two weeks since Nick showed his ugly face while I was working and threatened me. I know I acted irrationally, but considering he’s stupid rich and doesn’t need the money, it grates on my nerves. He could easily afford to pay for the damage or report an insurance claim, but to appease him and save my ass from him reporting me, I’ll pay to get him out of my life for good.

The way Diesel stepped in and protected me hasn’t left my mind either. We shared a moment and almost kissed, but I got cold feet and turned away. He’s always been that annoying brother type who picks on me and drives me crazy for shits and giggles, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t noticed how he’s changed over the years. He’s huge—muscular and tall—dark and handsome. It’d be impossible not to notice.

Although it’s Friday and Ethan doesn’t normally work, he’ll be here tonight for a few hours. Kenzie is coming in soon to help with the late rush. Once the ranchers finish their shifts and have dinner with their families, they’ll come down and drink for a few hours. The weekends are definitely busier, and having an extra set of hands is always nice so I can focus on manager duties too.

“Another cold one…” George holds up and waves his empty beer bottle at me. In his mid-fifties, he’s one of our regular customers and drinks like his stomach is never-ending. At least he’s a decent tipper, though.

“Coming right up,” I tell him, walking toward the cooler to grab him a new one. His wife, Mary, comes in with him sometimes, but he’s riding solo tonight. “Where’s the missus?” I ask when I swap out the bottles.

“Her sister is visiting this weekend. Hence why I’m here and not at home.” He tilts the corner of his lips before taking a sip.

“Ah…” I say with a smirk. “Not a fan, huh?”

“Oh, they cluck like hens all night long. It gives me a headache, so I come here to look at your pretty face instead.”

“Be careful now, George. Your compliments might go straight to my head.”

“And trust me, she doesn’t need a confidence boost,” Ethan adds, coming up to my side. “She’s already full of herself.”

I jab my elbow into his ribs, causing him to let out a harsh breath. “Look who’s talking, Mr. Suave. I could smell your cologne the second you walked in. Who’re you tryin’ to impress?”

“The ladies, duh.” He chuckles, moving around me.

“You mean Harper.” I cackle, and he gives me a dirty look. They’ve been best friends since they were in diapers, but he’ll never make a move. She’s the daughter of my dad’s best friend, Dylan. We’re all friends and grew up together, but she’s currently dating some asshole they went to high school with. “Stop being a chickenshit,” I tease.

“Look who’s talkin’.” He gives me a pointed look, then flashes a cocky smile. “Plus, I’m too young to settle down. Gotta play the field a bit.”

Shaking my head, I hold up my palm toward Ethan and look at George. “See? This is why I’m single. Men are just too annoying and full of themselves.”

Speaking of which…

The door opens, catching my attention, and Diesel walks in with Grayson and Wyatt, one of his townie friends. He laughs and playfully pushes Wyatt before our eyes lock, and his smile deepens.

“You were sayin’?” George taunts, chuckling around the neck of his beer before he takes a long sip.

Blinking, I clear my throat and grab a rag, needing to stay busy. It’s not uncommon for Diesel to hang out and drink after work, but ever since he put Nick in his place, I can’t stop thinking about him.

“Hey, Row,” he says, taking a seat next to George, and the other two follow suit, sitting down on the other side of Diesel. He knows I hate that nickname, yet he says it to annoy me anyway.

“Hey, Adam.” I flash a smug grin, knowing he hates it when people use his real name especially in public settings.

The corner of his lips tilts up into a shit-eating smirk. “You know, it only makes my dick harder when you call me that.”

I gulp, then glare at him as I shake my head. “Pretty big talker there.”

He winks, then continues, “Didn’t know you’d be workin’ tonight.”

Liar. Yes, he did. With the exception of my birthday weekend, I’ve worked every Friday night since I moved back a month ago.

“Yep, I’m closing. Putting my big fancy finance degree to work.” I chuckle because this was the plan after graduation. Maybe not bartending per se but being involved in the family’s businesses and training to handle all the financial accounts. It’ll be a while before I completely take over, so I’m managing the bar for now. “What can I get y’all?”