Hitching the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 1)

Zoey fidgets with her shirt, but all I can think about is how I want to kiss those soft lips again.

“I-I thought an annulment was the only option since we don’t even live in the same state, but then I started wondering…what if there really was a connection between us? What if we actually gave this a chance instead of calling it quits right away? I couldn’t sign those papers without knowing for certain, so I figured I’d come here and stay for a couple of weeks to see if there was something more between us than just one drunken night in Vegas. If so, I’d have to go back home to tell my parents everything first and pack my things, but then after that, I could live here with you. That is, if you wanted to. I mean, you could’ve met someone since then, so—”

Closing the gap between us, I cup her face, interrupting her words by pressing my mouth to hers. Considering she hasn’t signed those papers and wants to see if there’s something between us confirms she felt something too. I slide my tongue between her lips, and when she relaxes against me, I deepen the kiss.

Eventually, I pull away, and as we catch our breaths, I rest my forehead against hers. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have mauled you like that.”

She chuckles and bites down on her lip again. “It’s a much better reaction than I was anticipating, so I’m not mad about it.”

That makes me smile. “Please tell me I’m not crazy for feeling this way after only spending twenty-four hours with you.”

Zoey swallows, then looks up at me. “If you are, then I am too.”

“You have no idea how happy I am that you’re here.” My hand slides around her back, holding her closer.

“I was scared you’d tell me to go the fuck away and push me out on my ass,” she admits. “Which I would’ve deserved.”

“Thought about it for a split second, then decided I’d rather kiss you again.” I smirk, bringing our mouths back together.

“I’m sorry I didn’t call—” she murmurs against my lips.

“Riley Alexander Bishop!” My mother’s voice echoes as I hear her stomping down the porch stairs. Shit.

She finds us on the side of the B&B and folds her arms over her chest.

“You have some more ’splaining to do.” Ma looks at Zoey and smiles. “I’m sure you’re a very lovely girl, but can someone enlighten me on how you two ended up married after one night?”

When I see Diesel walking behind her, I point at him. “Why don’t you go ask your precious bonus child? The one who dared me.” I say the words loud enough for him to hear.

“Excuse me? You got married on a dare?” She turns and looks at Diesel, then yells at him, “I told you boys to behave!”

Chuckling, I wrap my arm around Zoey. When my mom faces me again, her expression changes.

“Did you get her pregnant?” she asks firmly.

“Ma! No!” I turn toward Zoey, who looks frightened as hell. “Wait, are you?” My heart stops. We had sex a month ago. That’d be enough time for her to know she’s pregnant, right? My parents had me ten months after they met. No wonder my mother’s giving me that damn look.

Zoey glances back and forth between us with wide eyes. “What, no! I’m not. That’s not why I’m here. I mean, if I was, I’d tell you. But as far as I know, I’m not.” Her rambling is adorable, but considering the situation, I don’t tell her that. Ma looks like she’s about to murder me.

“Your father is going to…hell, your grandmother! You just wait.” Mom sighs. “Your father will probably give you a high five.” She groans and rolls her eyes because we both know it’s true. Dad fell in love with Mom the moment he saw her.

I chuckle and shrug. “Mom, I’m almost twenty-three. Grandma is gonna ask us when we’re having babies.” I look at Zoey. “She has five kids and twelve grandchildren, yet she’s been asking for great-grandchildren since I turned eighteen.”

Mom pinches the bridge of her nose, knowing I’m right, and she can’t argue it. Grandma might give me shit for not having a proper Southern wedding, but now that I’m married and more Bishop babies are a real possibility, I’ll be in the clear for eloping.

“If I were you, Zoey, I’d double up on birth control because these Bishop men knock up their women just by looking at them.” And with that, my mother walks away, making me cringe at the thought.

“Nope, she’s wrong. Don’t need birth control now because that was definitely a boner killer.”

Zoey laughs, a blush creeping up her neck and cheeks.

“Well, since you’re staying here for a bit, you want a small tour of the ranch?” I ask, taking her hand. “We’ll probably find my dad out in one of the pastures.”