Kissing the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 5)

“If you don’t want to be involved, I understand. Just please don’t tell anyone. The last thing I need is anyone from the family finding out,” I plead with a sigh.

She thinks about it for a few seconds. “I’ll help. And don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone until there’s an actual engagement between you two.” She waggles her brows, causing me to snort-laugh.

“You might be waiting the rest of your life for that to happen.”

“Doubtful. But anyway, let me know when. Make sure y’all coordinate outfits and whatever. I think that’s what couples in love do.”

I snicker when she groans. Hadleigh hasn’t had the best luck with dating either. It’s what we bond over the most.

Once Kaitlyn returns, the subject is changed. She’s almost three years younger than me but has quite the dating history, so she’s always fun to listen to. Though the conversation revolves around boys, neither of us brings up Ethan or our plan.

Between working twelve-hour days and hustling all of Saturday and Sunday, I find my weekend flies by. For five days, I’ve been a wreck anticipating tonight. I’ve been mulling over the details our dating life and the engagement, but I can’t stop thinking about kissing Ethan. I mean, I’ve imagined it for years, but now that we’re actually going to do it, I’m on edge. Though it’s only for show, I have a hard time believing it won’t feel real.

At least on my end.

I can’t let my body get too lost in the moment, or he’ll know.

And that’s the last thing I need right now.

“Knock, knock. Coming in,” Ethan announces as he enters. “I come bearing food.”

“Get in here, weirdo. I have the drinks!” I hold up a bottle of margarita mix. If my first time kissing him has to be under these circumstances, I’m not doing it sober.

“Looks like you’ve already started.” He chuckles, walking into the kitchen.

“It’s been a long week,” I admit. He seems completely relaxed as if this isn’t a big deal.

Ethan sets two to-go boxes on the counter. “Lasagna and fresh garlic bread.”

“Yum. I love when Maize cooks for our dates,” I blurt out without thinking. “No, not dates…” I say with a half-ass laugh. “Hangouts. Dinners. Friendly, platonic…get-togethers.”

Ethan stares at me, his eyes pinning me in place. “Are you alright?”

I swallow hard, knowing I can’t lie. Even if I did, he’d know.

“I’m anxious.”

“I can see that, but why?”

I stare at him as if he’s lost his mind.

Maybe he’s not nervous because, to him, it’s as simple as kissing his friend. Whereas for me, I’m kissing the guy I’ve crushed on for way too damn long.

“I’m a little scared…no, worried…concerned? Yes, concerned I’ll be bad at it.”

“I’m sorry, but you’re adorable when you’re flustered.” Ethan rounds the counter that separates us and grips my arms. “Stop overthinking this.”

Before I can tell him that’s impossible, he closes the gap between us and presses his lips to mine. It’s soft and delicate. My mouth barely moves as he pecks me like he would a relative.

Great, probably like kissing his sister.

“There. Was that so scary?” he asks.

I blink up at him. “No one is going to believe we’re engaged from that.”

He tilts his head as if he’s studying me. “I didn’t think it’d be polite to just dive in. Perhaps you’re a bit more relaxed now.”

No. “Yeah, kinda.”

“Good.” He removes his hands, putting distance between us. “Then when you’re ready, you can kiss me.”

Wait, what?

“Huh? What do you mean?”

Ethan scoops our food onto plates. I watch as he puts a piece of bread on each one.

“This whole thing was your idea, so you need to kiss me. Show me how you want me to pretend.”

He’s gotta be kidding me.

“Ethan.”

“Hey, I’m just doin’ what you asked. You kiss me the way you want me to kiss you in front of everyone.”

“Well, it’s gotta be better than that I’d rather be kissing my grandma peck.”

He scoffs as if he’s offended. I know he can do better than that.

Ethan takes his food, then walks toward the loveseat. “I’ll be over here when you’re ready to start.”

Is it so bad to want him to kiss me like he’d kiss a person he’s in love with?

Taking my plate, I meet him in the living room.

“We’ve been dating for nine months. Since New Year’s,” I begin. “You finally kissed me at midnight. We’ve been inseparable since.”

“Wow, nine months only? We move fast. When did I propose… Valentine’s Day?”

I scowl when he laughs. “You’re not taking this seriously.”

“I am! Tell me when I proposed.”

“Fourth of July at your family’s big fireworks party.”

He nods as if he thinks that’s a great idea. “And when is the wedding?”

“Shayla’s getting married in the spring, so we’ll say June. That way she can’t make it a competition.” Because she freaking will.

“Sounds good to me. You gonna get knocked up on the honeymoon?”