Wrangling the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 3)
I basically pleaded for another chance, tried to work through my humiliation, and now he wants me to grovel. Gavin knows exactly what he’s doing.
While I deserve it, I don’t know how the hell I’m supposed to show him I want a chance and that I’m not going to run again.
After I clean up and put the dishes in the dishwasher, I call Rowan.
“Hey!” she greets eagerly as if she’d been waiting to hear from me. This was her idea after all.
“Listen to what this asshole did!” I blurt out, then tell her the whole story.
Once I finish, Rowan bursts out laughing.
“Are you seriously laughing?”
“I have to commend Gavin actually. He’s a genius. You admitted you were wrong and apologized, but now he wants you to fight for him.”
“That was me fighting for him,” I deadpan. “What else am I supposed to do? Show up in lingerie and seduce him?”
“Girl, I’m not sure, but I’m living vicariously through you, so whatever you do, I wanna hear about it.”
I groan, rolling my eyes. “Ugh. You’re no help!”
“You fucked up, and now it’s your turn to win his heart. You hurt him, and he needs to know you’re serious about him now.”
“But I am! I said I wanted us to have another chance and to start over. Should I have explained in detail what that meant?”
“You’re gonna have to put some effort into it.”
“Fine, fine. But hell if I know how or what to do…”
“Well, better get brainstorming.” She chuckles.
Once we hang up, I head home and find Kenzie in her room. I explain what happened, and though part of this night was her idea, she says she’s still “Team Gavin” and can’t wait to see how I win him back. After getting zero advice from her, I lie in bed, thinking about everything. Before any ideas come to mind, I fall asleep.
The next day, I go through my early breakfast routine at the B&B and run into Gavin earlier than expected. He gives me a shit-eating grin, and I somehow restrain the urge to strangle him for leaving so abruptly last night.
“Howdy.” He tips his hat after taking a seat.
“Howdy?” I arch a brow.
“That’s what I said, ma’am. How’re you on this beautiful day?”
Now I’m really confused. “Are you runnin’ a fever or something?”
He chuckles, stuffing two pieces of bacon in his mouth.
“What? I’m always in a good mood when I see your gorgeous face in the mornin’.”
Grayson barks out a laugh, and I finally realize he heard everything as he sits down across from Gavin. By the way he looks at us, I know he’s aware of our situation.
“He knows, doesn’t he?” I place a hand on my hip and scowl.
“You sayin’ your cousins don’t?” he counters.
I rock on my feet. “They might know a little.” With a shrug, I continue, “But girls talk. Didn’t know you and Grayson were that close.”
“Hey,” Grayson chimes in.
“He’s the only guy around here who isn’t consumed with a chick, so we have more time to talk and hang out. Plus, he’s not related to you.”
“Dude, thanks.” Grayson grunts. “The girls around here are batshit crazy.”
“Hey,” I scold. “Maybe we’re just not willing to put up with your antics. Ever think of that?”
“Antics? Y’all must be talkin’ about Grayson.” Kenzie comes to Maize’s side, crossing her arms over her chest.
“And you’ve just made my point.” Grayson flicks a piece of sausage in his mouth.
“So Gavin…” Kenzie directs her attention to him. “Heard Maize made you a nice dinner last night.”
I groan with an eye roll.
“She sure did,” he responds with a smug grin. “Best meal I’ve ever had.”
“Well, I just want to say…” Kenzie looks over her shoulder at me with a mischievous smirk. “I’m rooting for you. But if she fails, I’m single. Just a heads-up…”
Oh my God. I’m gonna kill her.
“Is that so? Well, thank you. It’s refreshing to have one Bishop girl on my side.”
“Don’t you have a job to get to?” I elbow her ribs and push her out of the way. “Mom won’t like it if you’re late.”
“I’m not afraid of her,” she taunts. Kenzie talks a big talk, but she’d never be late, considering she’s teaching now.
“Ha, don’t let her hear you say that.”
Kenzie quickly looks around in a panic, and I laugh. Point made.
“Well, I have to get back to work. If you need someone on your side, Grayson you have my number.” I flash him a wink to get under Kenzie’s skin, and luckily, it works.
“Why does he have your number?” she asks. At the same time, Gavin says, “He doesn’t.”
Chuckling, I head into the kitchen to clean. Lunch is baked chicken casserole and doesn’t take long to prep, especially with Sandra and Jane bouncing around. Once it’s baked and served, I meet Elle at the diner for a late lunch. My employees are more than capable of handling the kitchen while I’m gone. Right now, I need another woman to talk to about Gavin since my sister insists on antagonizing me about it.