Catching the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 2)

“I’m sure there’s a reason you haven’t thought of yet. Did you run over her dog or something? Call her ugly? Fuck her best friend?”

He pinches his lips, shifting them side to side. “Not that I can recall.” Then he shrugs and drops the conversation.

Thank fuck.

After three hours, we’re finally done in the cattle barn and stop at the shop for a quick water break. I check my phone and see a message from Rowan.

Rowan: Sorry about earlier. My cousins are all getting suspicious and keep asking me why I’m so happy lately, so I was trying to keep up appearances. I wish I could tell them, but I keep denying anything’s going on. Well, now they’re certain it’s because of Trace, because they know he’s been texting me. But even though I tell them we’re only friends, they don’t believe it.

I groan, hating that they’re thinking she’s with that tool bag. I don’t think keeping this from everyone will get any easier.

Diesel: Don’t worry, baby. I figured as much. In fact, the guys have been on my ass about what’s going on with me all day. Guess it’s been a little obvious how happy you make me ;)

Rowan: Did you just call me baby?

Diesel: Yes?

Rowan: That’s kinda…sexy. I like it.

Diesel: Is that so? I’ll make sure to whisper it in your ear later.

Rowan: Did we have plans for…later?

Diesel: Damn right. I’ll come in tonight around 10. That okay?

Rowan: That’s perfect. Ethan’s shift ends at 9:30, and Kenzie’s off. Claire works with me, and she won’t know any better.

It’s a weekday, so it’ll be slow after ten anyway, which means I might actually get to sneak her into the office and kiss her for more than five seconds. Claire isn’t from around here and doesn’t know our history, so it’s a little easier to talk when we don’t have to worry about prying ears.

Diesel: It’s a date, baby.

“We’re supposed to get some heavy rain and wind tonight,” Riley says as he walks into the shop with Ethan. “I need all hands on deck to bring in the horses.”

“Don’t you work at the bar tonight?” I ask Ethan, curious as to why he’s here.

“Yeah.” He tilts his head. “How do you know my work schedule?”

Fuck, fuck, fuck. That slipped out way too easily.

I shrug, trying to act indifferent. “Just a guess. You work most weeknights, don’t you?”

Ethan blinks, then nods. “Yeah, I gotta head in soon but thought I’d help before I go.”

We pile into the back of Alex’s truck, and when I look up, I notice how dark one side of the sky is already. We can always use the rain, especially in the middle of summer, but it sucks when we have to rush around the ranch and do things around the weather’s schedule.

An hour later, I’m drenched with sweat and cussing out Riley for making me tag along. They could’ve handled it, but he has learned I won’t say no and enjoys making me do extra shit.

“Quit scowlin’,” he blurts out when we ride back to the shop. “Doesn’t look good on your ugly mug.”

Ethan and Grayson laugh at my expense, and he’s damn lucky I hold back on pushing him out of the cab.

“Pretty cocky there, Bishop,” I taunt. “You’ve gone soft since you became a dad, so I wouldn’t poke the bear that’s already bigger than you.”

Riley laughs, kicking his foot out toward me. “I don’t know. Those dark bags under your eyes imply you ain’t gettin’ much sleep, so I think we’re pretty equal in that department.”

“The difference is, my lack of sleep isn’t due to changing dirty diapers and spit up.” I flash a cocky grin.

“So it is a chick keeping you up,” Grayson adds with satisfaction. “I fuckin’ knew it!”

“Yeah right,” Riley drawls. “He’s drinking alone and jerking off to fetish porn.”

Ethan chokes out a laugh. “Huh. What’s your fetish?”

I grin, knowing Riley’s about to kill me. “Best friend’s little sisters.”

“Goddammit, Diesel. That’s getting old.” Riley rolls his eyes with a deep groan. “Like ten years’ worth old. Time to find a new fantasy.”

“No can do, Daddy.”

Alex parks the truck, and we all haul out.

“Told ya I’m gonna marry her someday.”

“Not on my watch. You don’t settle down for shit. You’ll get your fix, then leave her brokenhearted like you do every other woman you bang.” He pushes his finger into my chest. “Back off already.”

“For your information, the last one-night stand I had was in Vegas,” I tell him, reminding me of the letter I received weeks ago, but then I immediately push that thought away. Her name was Chelsea, and the only reason I remember that is because of Riley. Not my proudest moment, honestly.

“Oh, my bad. You buy them dinner and drinks first, then wait until after the second date to ghost them.”