Hitching the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 1)

Chapter Fourteen

Zoey

The past two weeks have been magical. I feel as if I’m living someone else’s life and can’t get over how in love I am with the ranch and how deeply I’m falling for Riley. Every day is different but somewhat the same. It’s scorching hot, but the water is cold, and the food is delicious, so I can’t even complain. The B&B serves some of the best meals I’ve ever eaten, and I’m getting spoiled by everyone being so friendly. I know it’s not fake either because the Bishops treat anyone who walks through that door like family regardless of their shape, size, or color. If you’re on the ranch, you’re family.

Earlier this week, Riley took me on a tour of Eldorado. It’s so cute and quaint like a town in a country Hallmark movie. I’d seen it once before when we went to the bar, but my nerves were so shot that it was hard to pay attention to anything other than my internal doubts. While we were there, Riley took me to the bakery Mila’s cousin, Kat, owns that specializes in all gluten-free pastries. She’s an extended part of the Bishop family and welcomed me just like one too. Her shop makes muffins and other treats for the B&B, which I’ve already tasted from there. Kat refused to let me leave without sending me off with a cupcake, slice of lemon cake, and a pudding pie, all gluten-free. She suggested we hold another ceremony for everyone to attend and even volunteered to bake us a wedding cake. While I couldn’t commit to the idea, it was an extremely generous offer because her desserts are to die for.

I’ve been spending a lot of my time with Mila in the greenhouses, and she’s been like an aunt to me who offers advice without judgment. She listens to me discuss my previous adventures, travels, and now being a newlywed. She explained how she met John and how it was awkward for them at first, considering he was a single dad and she was Maize’s nanny, but Maize has proudly called her Mom her whole life. Intelligent doesn’t even begin to describe Mila. I can’t help but wonder if life will always be this easy on the ranch. Could I always be this happy? As long as Riley is with me, I think so.

Last night when we were at the bar drinking and dancing, Riley told me he wanted to take me out today. After I had mentioned how much I loved hitting the trails at home, he insisted that we go, so we made plans to spend the day together since he’s off today. This ranch boasts at least twenty miles of trails, mostly for the horses, but they’re for hiking too. I’m so damn excited about it that I’m about ready to burst while I get dressed.

As soon as I walk downstairs, I see Riley coming toward me with a grin. He’s wearing a baseball hat, shorts, running shoes, and a T-shirt that hugs him in all the right places. I’m not used to seeing him in athletic wear, but it’s sexy as hell. In his hands, he’s carrying two packs, and when he approaches, he hands me one.

“Thought you’d want a Camelbak full of water. It’s gonna get hot out there coming back, and I don’t want you to get dehydrated,” he tells me, which I find so thoughtful. “I also packed some snacks.”

I gawk at him, looking at him like he’s a snack, and he notices. As he stands there, all delicious looking, all I think about is eating him up.

“Thanks,” I say with a sweet smile. While the sun peeks just barely over the horizon now, I know how hot it gets before lunch, so I’m thankful. I was just going to carry bottles.

“There aren’t any bears here, are there?” The concern on my face is evident.

He places his hand on my back and shakes his head. “No bears. Should be more concerned about rattlers than anything.”

My eyes go wide. “Snakes?”

“Don’t worry. I’ll protect you, wifey.” He winks, sending shivers up my spine—from both his gestures and my fear of getting bit. “I got us some walking sticks, and I’m not afraid to use it. Just be aware. Eyes always open and looking at the ground. You don’t want to get bit out here.” He leans over and grazes his teeth against the skin of my neck, and I laugh, pushing him away, though I can’t deny the goose bumps that surface. All it takes is one touch, and my whole body comes alive, wanting him in every way possible.

We walk out of the B&B and head down the blue trail. Riley and I walk side by side, keeping the same comfortable pace. Neither of us is in any hurry to be anywhere but here, together.