Hitching the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 1)

Zoey: Are all cowboys as dirty as you?

Riley: I wouldn’t know…but this one…is only for you.

Zoey: I like that your grandmother thinks I’m a sweet, innocent angel. She even told me yesterday when I was helping her bake for today. I’d hate to tarnish that image.

Riley: What my grandma doesn’t know won’t kill her. It’ll be our little secret :)

Zoey: You’re relentless…

Riley: It’s your fault. Stop looking sexy as hell and eye-fucking me every time you see me.

Zoey: Oh do I? Sorry, that was meant for Diesel. My bad.

I growl even though she can’t hear me and send her an unamused emoji face. Immediately, I get a laughing emoji, then two red hearts.

Riley: I’ll kill him.

Zoey: Turtlenecks and sweatpants from now on. Don’t go murdering anyone.

Riley: Doesn’t matter what you wear. I’ll be picturing you naked either way.

Zoey: OMG…you are naughty.

Riley: I am…you should spank me.

Zoey: LOL… I’m done with you. BYE.

“You gonna shower, or are ya just gonna sit there with a dumb grin on your face?” Diesel asks as he walks into the living room fully dressed.

“Yeah, might be an extra-long one, though.” I chuckle, sliding my phone into my pocket.

“Is this where you tell me to get lost tonight?” He deadpans. “Go find somewhere else to stay?”

“Yep,” I say, smiling. “Pack your bag and get the fuck out.”

“You could at least have some damn manners, asshole!” he shouts as I make my way down the hallway.

“Pack your bag and get the fuck out, please,” I repeat.

Less than an hour later, I’m ready, but Diesel drove himself. I feel a tad guilty for kicking him out of his own place, but there’s plenty of room at the ranch hand quarters. Plus, if Zoey does stay permanently, he’d have to move out anyway. I wouldn’t have my wife move in here with Diesel as our roommate if we’re trying to give our marriage a real shot. He’ll be all right, though I’m certain he already knows things between Zoey and me are serious.

I lock the house, then walk out to my truck. Before driving off, I send Zoey a text.

Riley: Meet me at the horse barn in five.

Zoey: What are you up to?

Riley: You’ll see.

After parking by the B&B, I walk over to the horses and am getting their saddles ready when Zoey enters, looking sexier than usual. Though that’s not really possible because she always looks amazing.

Her golden hair is curled into soft waves and pulled up halfway. Though she usually wears a more natural look, I notice her eyes are darker, and her lipstick is brighter.

“Lookin’ quite fancy for a barbecue…” I say, grabbing her hand. Taking a step back, I purposely trail my eyes up and down her body. “Are you tryin’ to kill me or something?”

She chuckles, closing the gap between us. “Can’t a wife look good for her husband?”

I swallow hard, loving the way that sounds coming from her. “Baby, you always look good.”

“So why are we in here?” she asks after I press a kiss to her lips. “Isn’t the party at your grandma’s?”

“Yep, and we’re going in style.”

“On the horses?”

“Yeah, we’ll bring them back before the fireworks show so they don’t get spooked, but this way, we can have a fun ride there. Ready?” I ask, then finish tightening the cinch on the saddle.

“As long as the horse doesn’t try to kill me again.” She deadpans. Her expression makes me laugh.

“If you’re gonna live on a ranch, you gotta learn to ride, sweetheart,” I say, studying her face.

She inhales a deep breath, then nods. “Okay, fine. But I’m keeping my eye on you, Sunshine.” She pets the horse’s nose before I help lift her up. After I make sure she’s settled and secure, I jump on Gable and lead us out.

“Are you sweatin’ yet?” I tease as we ride to the main house.

“I’ve been sweating since the second I arrived.”

I laugh at her dramatic eye roll. “Well, that’s why you need a hat.”

“Pretty sure it’d mess up my hair,” she taunts, keeping her horse steady with mine.

“What happened to you being all adventurous and livin’ life on the edge?” I pop a brow at her, grinning.

“I’m a hairstylist…” she reminds me. “Messy hair is a hard limit.”

That causes me to bellow out a laugh. “No one cares about hair here, baby. I’m buying you a hat tomorrow.”

“Can it at least be a pretty color?”

Shaking my head, I bite down on my lip to keep from laughing at her again. “You’ve been here for almost three weeks. Have I taught you nothing?”

“Just because I don’t dress like a Texan doesn’t mean I can’t have the spirit of one,” she tells me matter-of-factly, and before I can respond, Zoey’s digging her heels into Sunshine who bolts into a full gallop.

For a split second, I panic, but then she quickly looks over her shoulder and flashes me a smirk.