Wrangling the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 3)

“Where are we?”

“It’s what I like to call the secret spot.”

Scanning the area, I notice we’re on a hill, and the ranch is in the far distance. “Okay, so what’re we doing here?”

Maize opens the door and hops out. “Follow me and find out, Cowboy.”

I do as she says, and when I turn around, I see a large white screen on a pole. Then she opens the tailgate and gestures for me to get in the back.

“Wow…” Blankets and pillows are spread out on the truck bed along with a cooler and picnic basket.

“I thought it’d be more fun to watch a movie under the stars.”

I walk toward her, tilting up her chin. “No one’s ever done anything like this for me before. I love it.” I kiss the tip of her nose.

“Good. I even picked out a really awesome movie for us to watch.”

“Is that so?” I climb into the back and help her up.

She messes with the projector while I grab some drinks and food.

We get comfortable on the blankets, and I pull Maize into my body during the previews.

“No way.” I glance at her. “How’d you know?”

“Know what?” She plays innocent.

I smirk. “No Country for Old Men is my favorite movie. Now, how’d you know that?”

“I maybe did a little internet stalking.”

“There’s no way you found that online. Who’d you talk to?”

She sighs, realizing I’m not gonna drop it. “You’re really gonna make me reveal my sources?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“It was Cooper. He gave me some great…intel about you.”

I groan with a chuckle. “Shoulda known, that bastard.”

“What’s wrong with that?” she asks.

“He likes to joke around, so I’m wondering what else he said. I’m a little concerned, to be honest.”

Maize laughs and snuggles closer. “Don’t worry.” She pats my chest and meets my eyes. “I already knew you secretly cried to Big Daddy.”

I fucking hate Cooper.

We end the night wrapped up in each other, and I can’t seem to take my hands or lips off her. I want to be as close to Maize as possible. While I want to lose myself with her, I keep control of the situation and only allow her to kiss me.

“Thanks for a nice evening,” I tell her once she drives me back to my house. It’s late, and we have to be up early, but that doesn’t make it any easier to leave.

“You’re welcome.” She smiles in return. “I’ll see you at breakfast.”

By six, I’m dragging my ass outta bed and wishing I had an extra hour or three of sleep. Though I’ll be paying for it today, last night was worth it. I’m enjoying Maize’s effort and appreciate the lengths she’s already gone to. When I look around the B&B, I don’t immediately see her, so I load a plate with food. After chatting with Grayson, Riley, and Diesel, Maize appears wearing a wide, bright smile and greets everyone.

“Do I get a special breakfast this mornin’?” Grayson flashes a cocky smirk, and I kick him underneath the table. By the looks the other guys give him, Grayson spilled the news about Maize and me.

“You wish.” She snorts.

“How about me? Your favorite cousin?” Riley muses.

“Or your favorite future cousin-in-law?” Diesel adds with a grin.

“You know…” Maize puts her hands on her hips. “It really surprises me you two managed to find women. Sorry, Grayson. Kenzie will get the stick outta her ass one day.”

They laugh at the way Grayson glares at her. “Don’t put that juju in the air.”

Maize snorts, shaking her head. “Well, anyway. I do have a surprise for you.” She licks her lips, bringing her gaze to mine. “Be right back.”

“So you datin’ my cousin, now?” Riley asks pointedly.

“Maybe.”

“Shut the hell up,” Grayson blurts out. “They’ve been screwin’ for months.”

I kick him harder this time. “Dude.”

“For months?” Diesel asks, chuckling. “I think these Bishop women get their rocks off from sneakin’ around. Don’t get me wrong now, it’s hot as fuck, but I’m bracing myself for the day Grayson and Kenzie come clean.”

“Not happenin’, bro.” Grayson groans.

“We’ll all find out when she’s giving birth to his baby,” I tease.

“You guys fuckin’ suck. I hate you all.” He grunts, then shoves food into his mouth.

Maize returns and sets a platter in front of me. It’s a round cake covered in cream cheese frosting with purple writing on top.

Meet me where we first met. Tomorrow. 8pm.

The guys lean over to read it. “Where’s that?” Diesel and Riley simultaneously ask.

Maize leans down and whispers in my ear, “I want to recreate that night. But this time, no cheating.”

I smile wide as I think back to when we played pool together almost a year ago.

“What kind of cake is it, Maze?” Diesel dips his finger into the frosting, and Maize smacks his hand away.

“Carrot cake, Gavin’s favorite.”

My mouth waters, and I glance up at her with a grin.