Wrangling the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 3)

“I’m sure you’re gonna place,” Sarah says.

Cooper beams as he takes another big bite of a cheeseburger with a donut bun. My eyes go wide because I’ve never seen anything like that before.

“How’s that taste?” I ask. I’d never thought about combining those two things, and instantly my mind reels with how to incorporate that for breakfast at the B&B.

“Delicious,” he tells me with mayo in the corner of his mouth.

A breakfast sandwich served on a donut might be added to the menu next week.

Gavin chuckles and hands Cooper a napkin as he goes on about riding. Sarah glances at me, then she focuses on Gavin. She laughs in all the right places and looks up at him with her big brown eyes. It’s pathetic. After we finish eating, I listen to Gavin talk about rodeo life and how he nearly broke his hip.

My phone buzzes, and I pull it from my pocket then answer.

“Where are you?” Kenzie asks. “Brisket has been resting for thirty minutes, and we’re waiting for you to cut it open, or at least that’s what Grandma says.”

“I know, I know. I’m heading that way now,” I say, grinning as a rush of excitement streams through me, but I stay calm.

“Okay, hurry your ass up. It’s your time to shine, sis,” she tells me before ending the call.

Gavin’s eyes meet mine. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, just fine. I need to get back,” I admit.

“I’ll walk with you.” He turns to Cooper and Sarah. “I’ll meet up with y’all at the arena in about thirty minutes.” Without waiting for a reply, Gavin walks away with me.

“You were quiet back there.” He glances at me.

I give him a smile, realizing we’re alone. “I am now.”

We’re almost to the competitive cooking are, and I stop walking and turn to him.

“Thanks for lunch,” I say before continuing.

“Anytime. Least I can do, considering you feed me nearly every day.”

This makes me laugh because in a roundabout way, it’s true. Time seems to sit still as the warm breeze brushes against my cheeks.

“What are you doing later? After you submit your entry?”

My heart races at the prospect of him wanting to hang out with me at his stomping grounds. “Cleaning up, then probably going home. Won’t find out anything until tomorrow when they make the official announcement.”

“After you’re done, I’d love it if you came with me and watched the guys ride the bulls tonight. Starts at five.”

I brush fallen strands of hair from my eyes and grin. “Yeah, I’d like that.”

He seems pleased with my answer, considering I’ve been pushing him away for months. “Oh, I don’t think I have your number.”

My smile widens. “Of course, you don’t.”

With raised brows, he pulls his phone from his pocket, and I take it, plug in my number, then hand it back.

“Text me when you wanna meet up,” I say, tucking my lips in my mouth, then turning away.

“You better believe it,” he says, but I don’t look back at him.

Chapter Ten

GAVIN

As soon as Maize’s out of sight, I send her a text.

Gavin: This is my number. Lemme know when you’re free.

I imagine the little smirk she likes to throw at me.

Maize: Will do.

Gavin: Good luck! See you soon!

When she makes it back, I know it’ll be hectic for her. Maize’s a perfectionist when it comes to her cooking, so I can only imagine how anal she’s being right now. I’m sure Riley and Diesel will tell me all about it, considering they were wrangled into helping.

I text Cooper and meet him at the barrel racing area where his cousin’s competing. My mind wanders, and my body buzzes from being with Maize, but I try to push it away. When I come into sight, Sarah and Cooper wave, and I climb the stadium stairs two at a time and sit. For the next couple of hours, we watch the teens compete like fearless savages. They take corners so tightly that they look like they’ll slide right out of the saddle.

Every so often, I pull my phone from my pocket to see if I’ve gotten a text from her yet. Tonight, she’ll either be in a great mood or a shitty mood, depending on how things go. Either way, I’m determined to show her a good time.

When there’s a break between age groups, Cooper stands and yawns. “I’m gonna go to the RV and take a nap.” He rubs his eyes. “Need to reset my mindset before I ride.”

“That’s a good idea,” I say. “Want me to come get you an hour before?”

“Yeah, that would be good.” He gives me a nod, then leaves.

Sarah grins when Cooper walks away, leaving us alone.

She scoots closer, and I can feel the warmth from her body. “So.”

I smile, and before I can say a word, my phone vibrates. Immediately, I pull it from my pocket and see a text from Maize.