Kissing the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 5)

“Both at the same time? Now that’s a fantasy,” she adds with a devilish smirk. “A little threesome never hurt anyone.”

I can’t help but laugh. “I mean, you’re right. Why choose? Though I have a gut feeling Kane wouldn’t want to share you with anyone, not even his brother. Which one do you think would be the wildest?”

“That’s easy. Knox, hands down. I think he’d be a freak in the sheets and make me call him daddy. Kane seems more the sweet and tender type. Like the kind of guy who would call you the next day after a hookup, instead of Knox who’d immediately ghost you after he got his.”

I arch a brow, interested in how she knows so much about this. “You seem quite educated on the subject,” I tease, and Hadleigh pretends she’s gonna chunk a bar of lavender soap at me. Instead, she stuffs it in a bubble envelope.

“I’ve basically grown up with them and always hear them talking about their conquests. They shit-talk as if I’m not even in the room, and suddenly, I know their favorite positions and kinks. Honestly, I think they see me as one of the guys.”

“Knox’s is doggy, right?” I ask with a laugh. “He seems to be the type who’d enjoy smacking your ass and pulling hair.”

Hadleigh bursts out laughing, and I swear I see a blush covering her cheeks. “And choking,” she adds.

“Sweet Jesus.” I playfully fan myself, refilling both of our glasses with wine after we finished.

Hadleigh giggles. “I mean, you know about Ethan’s love life, right? Well, I mean when he had one.”

My heart races when I think about him being with another woman. “Well, no. I can’t say I did. We always respected each other’s private relationships. I didn’t share details, and neither did he. And now, we’re single and not looking, so it’s not even a thing. Hasn’t been since we were in college.”

Hadleigh nods. “So no random hookups to brag about?”

I shake my head. “No. When he’s not at work, we’re usually together.”

She sucks in a deep breath. “Ahh.”

“Now what?” I ask as I sign more thank-you cards.

“You’re like an old married couple. You hang out all the time, text all day, but don’t have sex. You’re basically cock-blocking each other.”

I shrug and go back to what I was doing. “That’s true, I guess.”

“But you can’t tell me you haven’t at least thought about it,” Hadleigh throws out.

Blush hits my cheeks. “Maybe a time or two,” I admit, but in reality, it’s been way more than that.

“I knew it! But I also don’t blame you one bit. What is it with these Bishop men? How is it possible they’re all that good lookin’?”

“Must be something in their well water.” I laugh.

“Maybe y’all should make one of those pacts where if neither of you is married by thirty-five, you go get hitched.” She laughs as if it’s the best idea ever.

“If I wait nine more years to have sex, my vagina is gonna be dried up and unworthy,” I deadpan.

“Your pussy will always be worthy to me,” she says teasingly.

“Keep that in mind when I come to you in five years and beg for a favor.”

We both burst out laughing, clearly the alcohol taking over.

We get back to it and somehow pick up our pace despite the wine. The only thing that’s on my mind right now is Ethan. He’s sexy as sin and polite as hell—a true Southern gentleman who would probably rock my world in the bedroom. When he chooses to be with someone, she’ll be the luckiest lady in the world because he’s one of a kind. I wonder what would happen if we dated and how our story would end if we weren’t best friends already.

But that’d never happen because we have unspoken boundaries that have never been crossed. When it comes to Ethan, being his best friend is enough, and I’ll be happy with what I can get.

Chapter Five

ETHAN

“Hey, Uncle John,” I greet as I enter the B&B. He nods, then continues chatting with a guest who’s complaining about the heat like it can be changed.

“Ma’am, this is West Texas. August is one of the hottest months of the year,” Uncle John explains with a frustrated sigh as if this isn’t the first time he’s had this conversation. “You’re welcome to stay inside where it’s air-conditioned.”

“I didn’t come all the way down here to stay inside.” She huffs.

I shake my head as the woman continues her rant. Though the B&B has been in the family for decades and is a valued vacation retreat, there are still guests who will never be satisfied.

Leaving Uncle John to it, I go to the breakfast buffet and grab a plate.

Maize walks out of the kitchen with a flour-covered apron. “Might wanna go save your dad before the vein in his forehead bursts,” I tell her.