Hitching the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 1)

“This is your fault,” he says with a smirk.

“It’s just a little burnt,” I tease.

“I was talking about this.” He cups his dick through his jeans, and I laugh, knowing I’m feeling just as sexually frustrated. However, it’s probably a good thing we stopped ourselves since we’re using this time to get to know each other better. Regardless of how tempting it is.

Riley Bishop’s the whole package, and he’s mine.

Chapter Fifteen

Riley

Today’s the family’s big Fourth of July party, and I’m so excited Zoey decided to stay longer so she wouldn’t miss it. These past few weeks have been some of the best of my life, and I want her here permanently. Ever since last weekend, when she said she wasn’t leaving just yet, I’ve been toying with the idea of telling her how I really feel. If she’s willing to take the risk, then so am I. Confessing that I’ve fallen in love with her might be what she needs to hear to solidify our relationship.

Every morning when I wake up, I’m grateful, but now I have more to look forward to. I love seeing Zoey randomly throughout my day and meeting up with her when I’m able. The way she’s bonded with my cousins and has grown closer to everyone confirms us being together is right.

When we hung out last Saturday, things heated up between us as they typically do, but this time, we almost didn’t stop. The truth is, I’m ready to be one-hundred percent married to her and move her into my house. I want to wake up with her every morning and fall asleep with her in my arms. It’s all I think about, and tonight, I’m more determined than ever to tell her. Even if I’m risking my heart, I need to lay it all out there.

Diesel and I are up earlier than normal to get a head start since we’ll be cutting our workday short. Though we’ll be helping with the party and fireworks, the animals still need to be fed and watered.

“You ready to blow shit up tonight?” Diesel taunts as we make our way back to the shop and wrap everything up for the day. “I overheard Rowan is bringing a guy. You ready for that?”

I snap my head toward him, brows furrowed in confusion. This is news to me. “Who? What guy?”

Rowan’s twenty and plenty old enough to date, but it doesn’t mean I want her to. Most guys around here are idiots and will never be good enough for my little sister.

“I don’t know; some dude she met at the bar. Told you it was a bad idea for her to work there,” he huffs, and I can’t tell if he’s genuinely concerned about it or just jealous. My guess is on the latter, but I know every person in this town, so he better be a decent guy, or he’s going to be meeting my fist.

“So I guess that means you’ll be taking it out on the fireworks tonight?” I snicker, opening up the shop door and walking in.

Fisher’s in the office, organizing the desk. “Done already?” he asks, then looks up.

“Yep,” I answer.

“Because we fuckin’ rock,” Diesel adds. “Gotta get ready for the party.”

“Is it gonna be a problem that I come tonight?” Fisher asks me, but then his gaze goes to Diesel.

“No, why would it?” I ask, then walk to the fridge for a water.

“Well, I’d be bringing Gretchen. But if it’s gonna be a problem, then I won’t.” Fisher crosses his arms over his chest, but he’s not being a dick about it. He’s asking because he’s honestly trying not to cause issues, so I respect that.

“D?” I ask, tilting my chin at him. “You gonna be on your best behavior later, or am I gonna have to kick my best friend’s drunk ass afterward?”

He scoffs, stealing the bottle from my grip. “Like you could.” He unscrews the top and gulps half of it down, then turns to Fisher. “Yeah, man, it’s fine. I won’t say anything.”

My brows rise, impressed by how mature he’s being. “Good man, Diesel.” I pat his shoulder, yanking my water back. “But that doesn’t mean you can fuck up whoever Rowan’s bringing.”

Diesel points at me, his eyes narrowed. “Now that I didn’t agree to.”

I roll my eyes and wave to Fisher, telling him we’ll see him later. Diesel and I head to my truck and drive home to shower and clean up before the party.

While I wait for Diesel’s slow ass to get out of the shower, I sit on the couch and take out my phone.

Riley: You excited to see some real fireworks tonight?

Zoey: I sure am, cowboy, though I’ve been feeling sparks for weeks ;)

Riley: Are you hittin’ on me, wife?

Zoey: Maybe. What if I am?

Riley: I’d say don’t bother wearing any clothes tonight.