Hitching the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 1)

She smirks and nods. “Don’t worry. I’ve been fully warned by basically everyone.”

My dad laughs, and I hear him call out, “I like this one!”

“Your parents are so cute,” Zoey says once we sit down with our plates full of food. “I wish my parents were more easygoing like yours. I can’t remember the last time I’ve felt relaxed around them.”

“Maybe they need a trip to the ranch,” I tell her, only half-joking. “Everyone who comes here has a good time.”

Zoey grins, cutting into her pancakes. “I can see why.”

I eat slowly so I can spend as much time with her as possible. My dad will want me back shortly, but I’m not rushing even though I know I’ll see her tonight.

“What do you plan to do today? Want to come watch me in the shop while my dad sings off-key?” I ask before shoving more eggs into my mouth.

“As exciting as that sounds, Mackenzie and El asked me to hang out, so I think I’m going to do that. Hopefully get back to the greenhouse too.” I love how excited she sounds, and the way it promises she’ll be staying.

“Whatever you do, don’t listen to a word they say about me. It’s not true,” I say pointedly. “They’re all liars.”

Zoey nods with her lips tilted to one side. “Right. I’m sure they are.”

“I’m glad they’re being so welcoming, though, and I’m sure Aunt Mila loves your help with the gardens.”

“She’ll probably be sick of me soon.”

“Doubtful. She’s too nice to get sick of anyone.”

“I love the idea of growing your own food, and the way you all use it for the B&B and sell the extras to the locals in town. Everyone knows it was grown with care,” Zoey says.

“It’s how small towns and ranches are around here.”

“It’s refreshing. Phoenix is great, but there’s just something about this place…”

“I’ve heard that all my life from my mama, who’s a Texas transplant. Aunt Mila lived in Georgia before she moved here. My dad’s friend, Dylan’s wife, moved from Florida. They met on the same trip as my mom and dad. They all moved here, so…”

“So it’s a curse?” she teases.

“It’s the Bishop genes,” my grandmother interrupts, taking a seat next to me. “They pretend to be all macho, but once they find their woman, they turn to mush. Trust me.” She winks at Zoey, who smiles in return.

“I believe it. Something about the Southern drawl. I bet it’s caused a lot of hearts to break, too.”

“Now that would be my son, Jackson. You wouldn’t believe what he put Kiera through before he finally got his stubborn ass in gear.”

I always laugh when she swears.

“I’m serious…” she continues. “Kiera was engaged to another man before Jackson finally confessed his feelings.”

“Oh that’s right,” I say, remembering this story from years ago.

“All his brothers got their crap together when their special ladies came into their lives, but Jackson? No, he’s always been my wild child,” Grandma continues, looking at me. “Glad you’ve decided to take after your father. From the moment your mother came to town, he was attached to her at the hip. Always so protective and caring and making sure she wasn’t doing anything strenuous when she was pregnant with you. Wasn’t exactly happy they were expecting you before marriage, but he made it right. So that’s what counts.”

Grandma Bishop is very traditional, but she also knows shit happens.

“And even twenty-three years later, he’s still a whipped pussy boy,” I blurt out, waiting for the moment my grandma scolds me for my language, but she just narrows her eyes.

“And every Bishop man has been when he finds the one. They don’t always fall in love easily, but when they finally do, they fall hard and fast.”

“Are you talkin’ about me again, Mama?” My dad strolls in and sits next to Zoey. Great, it’s a breakfast reunion.

“The one and only.”

“What is this?” Uncle John stands at the front of the table. “Y’all on breaks?”

“I’m giving them marriage advice,” Grandma responds curtly, arching her brow at him, and he backs off. “And if you’d like some, sit down.”

John groans and uncrosses his arms. “Nah, I’ve had enough of that to last me a lifetime.”

“Okay, well I’m very busy today, and Zoey has plans, so we’re gonna get going.” I stand, and Zoey follows, realizing that I’m trying to get us out of this.

“It was lovely talking with you all,” she says politely before we carry our plates to the kitchen.

“So you were saying about there being something special about this place…?” I tease, pulling her back to me.

“I spoke too soon.” Zoey tries to fight a smile but fails.

Then I press my lips to hers before reluctantly pulling back. “Let me take you horseback riding tonight. Give you the VIP ranch tour.”

Her eyes widen as her lips part. “I’ve never been riding before, but I’m always up to new adventures.”