Kissing the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 5)

“It’ll be fine.”

I hate that my sister knows me so well, and if Harper wasn’t in the hallway, I’d argue that we are really just friends until I was blue in the face. But for the past five years, Elle’s given me a hard time about our friendship, so now is not the time to prove her right.

“Though you’re a pain in my ass most days, I still love you and don’t want you to get hurt. The longer you guys keep up the façade, the longer you risk your heart.”

“Don’t worry, sis. I’ve got it under control. Trust me,” I tell her, hoping it’s true.

Before we can continue, Harper returns and apologizes for stepping out.

We stay for a few more minutes, getting the unwanted details of the birth and Elisa’s arrival, and then visiting hours are over. Elle makes me promise to text her later, but she’s gonna have to wait for details on another day.

“I’m really sorry about that,” Harper says for the third time when I park in front of her cabin. “I can’t believe I forgot to take it off.”

“Harper, relax.” I reach over and grab her hand. “I can handle my nosy sister. She won’t say anything.”

“I know.” She nods with a half-smile. “I just hate that she probably thinks I’m a mess.”

I scoff. “Trust me, she doesn’t.”

She’s thinking what a fool I am for not admitting my feelings.

As I walk Harper to her door, I pull her in for a hug and kiss her forehead. “This will all be over in about a week. Then you’ll finally be able to breathe again.”

She looks up at me as if she wants to say something but doesn’t. Instead, she grins.

“Good night, Harp. See ya tomorrow.”

“Night.”

As I walk to my truck, I hear Harper calling my name. “Ethan.”

I spin around and meet her baby blues.

“Whoever gets to be engaged to you for real is gonna be the luckiest woman in the world.”

Chapter Ten

HARPER

I’m a wreck as I pack my shit for the conference. I’m worried Shayla will see through my lies or that I’ll fuck this up some other way, but I push the thoughts out of my mind because I need to stay focused.

Considering we’ll be attending a nice dinner on Saturday night, I pack a sleek black dress and heels. For good measure, I throw a few sets of cute lingerie in my bag too. Not sure why I bought it, and I’m sure I won’t need it, but I fold it neatly and place it next to a couple other outfits anyway. I glance down at the ring on my finger and watch with a smile as it sparkles from the overhead light.

I’m still in shock he bought me a real diamond and wish it was really mine. However, I know after this weekend, it’ll go back to the jewelry store.

Ethan took a half-day off work, so as soon as he’s finished with the morning milking, we’re driving to Dallas. Until then, I’ll keep my mind busy with packaging more orders. Before we leave town, I’ll drop them off at the post office.

An hour and twenty-five orders later, my phone buzzes on the counter. I pick it up and see a text.

Ethan: I’m gonna go home and take a shower, then I’ll be right over.

Harper: There’s no rush!

Ethan: Alrighty. See you soon.

Until Ethan arrives, I’m lost in my work and in thoughts about him. The way butterflies flutter and how hot my skin feels when he kisses me is undeniable. It’s scary to know that my best friend can evoke emotions that haven’t been released until now. Sure, I’ve had stupid crushes and dated a few assholes who didn’t know their heart from their dick, but this is different.

It’s deeper. More intense. And supposed to be fake as hell.

Soon, I hear a door shut outside, then a few knocks. Instantly, those flutters return.

“Come on in. It’s unlocked.”

Seconds later, Ethan walks in wearing a button-up plaid shirt and nice jeans with his Sunday-best boots. I’d be lying if I didn’t say he was sex on legs right now. “You look really nice.”

He immediately grins. “It's a date weekend. Can’t show up like I've been swimming in goat milk all day.”

“True,” I say, stacking another box on top of the others.

Ethan lifts his hat and smooths his hair back. “You got all of this done?” he asks, noticing the tote bag full of bright orange packages.

“I have so much more. The pumpkin patch bars sold like crazy.”

Tilting his head, Ethan glances around. “How much more do you have left to do?”

I make a face, not wanting to admit it. “From the last set I launched? Over a thousand.”

“Damn, Harp. I can help you package before we get on the road so at least you’re caught up over the weekend.”