Wrangling the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 3)

Instead of turning around like I should, I quietly hide behind a stack of hay. They can’t see me, but I can hear them clearly.

“Hey, guys. How’s it goin’?” Gavin asks as they lean against the gate.

“We heard a rumor,” Knox says, crossing his arms.

Gavin chuckles. “Okay. And what’s that?”

My heart hammers because I don’t know who saw us together at the rodeo. If they speak my name, I’m going to have to make sure I keep my mouth shut. The dramatic pause makes me roll my eyes.

“Are you leavin’ the ranch?” Kane finally blurts out.

I blink hard, inching closer to make sure I heard correctly.

“Yeah, Dad said you got another job offer,” Knox adds.

What in the actual fuck?

Is it possible he’s leaving the ranch for me? Or for good? I have so many questions right now.

“I did,” Gavin confirms calmly.

“So you’re takin’ it?” Kane asks.

“Not sure.” Gavin moves to the other side of the horse to finish brushing it. “Cooper wants me to train with him full-time year-round, which would mean traveling around to all the competitions and rodeos in Texas.”

That news makes me sick to my stomach. He’d be gone most of the time, and a long-distance relationship would be complicated. Dating or even trying would be pointless.

“So you haven’t decided yet?” Knox kicks his boots against the ground, clearly upset about this. I guess they’ve grown close with Gavin. We all have.

“Not yet, but I’m considering it because I love the lifestyle. It’s been in my blood for years, but then again, I also love being on the ranch, so I haven’t made up my mind yet. Right now, I’m juggling working here and training him, and it’s hard to balance both. He wants me full-time, or he’ll search for another coach.”

“Tell him to find someone else then,” Kane blurts out.

Gavin chuckles. “It’s not that easy, but once I make a decision, I’ll let y’all know.”

Crossing the line with him was a mistake. I should’ve stood my ground, but the more I pushed him away, the more he pursued me.

Stupid, stupid, stupid.

I should’ve learned my lesson in getting tangled up with cowboys, but I obviously didn’t. My heart can’t take this.

Before any of the guys can catch me, I sneak out of the barn and go back to the B&B. Trying to keep busy, I decide to text my sister.

Maize: We’re drinking tonight.

Kenzie: Uh-oh. What happened?

She’s the only one who knows Gavin and I hooked up after the rodeo and the only one I can talk to about him. Kenzie graduated from college a few days ago and is home now, thankfully. I missed having her around.

Maize: Gavin. I’m an idiot for getting my hopes up.

Kenzie: Why?

Maize: I just overheard him tell Knox and Kane that he got a job offer to work with Cooper full-time and travel with him. What was the point of chasing me if he planned on leaving? I’M SO STUPID!

Kenzie: No, you’re not, so stop that right now. Did you ask him about it?

Maize: No, I don’t want him to know I was listening, and I especially don’t want him to think he has to stay for me. If he wants to go, then he should. I refuse to hold him back. Plus, he should’ve told me himself.

Kenzie: Oh Maze. Tonight, I’m all yours. We’ll talk and watch movies.

Maize: I’ll bring the booze.

I should’ve known better. Why would a retired bull rider be content in small-town Texas after years of traveling? Gavin craves excitement and probably enjoys the attention of multiple women too.

As I finish cleaning up while Donna and Becky prepare dinner, I get a group text.

Riley: Just a reminder, Zoey and I are throwing Zach a birthday party this weekend. You’re all required, I mean expected to come. Yes, even you, Grayson.

I snort at Riley calling out Grayson. They already know I’ll be there since I’m helping with the food. Gavin will hopefully be too busy with Cooper to stop by since he’s having a hard time juggling it all.

As I’m cutting potatoes to roast, I dodge Gavin’s calls and ignore his texts. I’m annoyed he hasn’t told me this news and that my cousins heard it before I did. If he’s leaving anyway, then I might as well cut things off between us before they have a chance to blossom.

Though my heart already feels like it’s cracking, so it’s probably too late for that.

At seven, I say goodbye to everyone and head to my truck. As soon as it comes into sight, I see Gavin leaning against it. He’s waiting for me.

“Can I help you, sir?” I keep my tone flat. He’s wearing dark jeans and a gray shirt. He looks good in anything, especially when it accentuates his muscles.

“As a matter of fact, you can, ma’am. I’ve been trying to get ahold of you all afternoon.” His arms are crossed as if he’s preparing to stay there until he gets an answer.