Kissing the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 5)

I let on as if it hadn’t affected me, and if I didn’t know any better, Harper looked slightly hurt. She thinks I can’t tell when she’s flustered, but I know everything about her. The way her eyes flutter when she’s trying to hide the crimson on her cheeks. The way her tongue slides between her lips when she’s anxious. How she continuously brushes strands of hair behind her ear when she’s nervous. I know all of her tells, even if she doesn’t realize it.

Though I can only hope she doesn’t know mine because if so, she’d know how difficult it was to let her go. My body hardened against her soft skin, and if I hadn’t pushed her away, she would’ve felt just how much that kiss affected me.

I haven’t stopped thinking about kissing her and how badly I want to do it again.

For the past week, Harper and I have texted throughout the day and hung out at night when we were able. She has constantly quizzed me on our “relationship” to make sure I won’t screw up.

During my morning break, I notice I have a text, but it’s not from Harper.

Hadleigh: Hey, Romeo. Your future bride needs a ring for tonight. She’s a size 6. You’re welcome.

Her passive-aggressive tone rings in my mind, and I shake my head. Hadleigh’s a no-bullshit kinda girl, which is probably why she fits in with the twins so well. She doesn’t let them treat her like a damsel in distress. Though she didn’t grow up on a ranch, she can hold her own when she needs to. Considering she’s a nurse who works on her feet for twelve hours straight, I have no doubt she could walk circles around every ranch hand.

Ethan: Thanks for the heads-up. Where do you suggest I get one?

Hadleigh: Try a jewelry store, cowboy. If you don’t wanna go to the one in town, San Angelo has a few.

I roll my eyes at her response.

Ethan: I’m on it. Thanks again, Barbie.

I add that little nickname just to get under her skin.

Hadleigh: A blonde joke, really? And after I helped you out!

Ethan: You’re the one who started with the nicknames.

Hadleigh: Just wait till you hear my next one.

Ethan: Looking forward to it, Goldilocks.

The dancing dots on the screen float away as if she’s given up, and I snicker. I shouldn’t give her a hard time, but sometimes, it’s just too easy.

As I’m heading home for lunch, my mom calls me.

“Hey, Ma. What’s up?”

“Your sister is officially in labor!” I can tell she’s smiling wide. Her tone is filled with happiness.

“Right now?” I ask, worried they’re going to tell me I need to come up there.

Hadleigh was adamant that the shoot had to be done by tonight, so she’d have a week to edit the pictures. Since she’s not a professional photographer, she needs more time to figure it out. The conference is next weekend, and if Harper doesn’t have the images to show, the whole thing might be a bust.

Or so they’ve told me.

“Yep, you’re gonna meet your niece tonight. Isn’t that so exciting?”

“Yeah, very. Tell Elle I’m wishing her the best, okay?”

“I will, sweetie. I’ll call you as soon as you can come visit.”

Since I have to find a ring, shower, and be dressed by five thirty, I ask Payton to cover for me and leave work early. Now that I’ll probably be going to the hospital at some point tonight, there’s no extra time to spare.

I pull up to Harper’s at six and take a moment to gather myself. Tonight’s going to be a challenge, and even though my brain knows this isn’t real, my body doesn’t. I’m not sure what to expect or what Hadleigh will make us do, but whatever it is, I plan to just go with the flow. This is important to Harper, and I want to make it perfect for her.

Including the very real and expensive engagement ring I bought.

By the time I make my way to Harper’s porch, I realize Hadleigh’s already inside. The door swings open, and a bright-eyed and flawless Harper smiles wearing my favorite sundress of hers.

“Wow,” I breathe out. “You’re gorgeous.”

“Thanks. You dress up nice too, Cowboy.” She lowers her eyes down my body, then moves to the side so I can walk in.

“Well, I’ll be damned…” Hadleigh smirks. “Y’all look like the real deal.”

“Hope the photos do too,” Harper says nervously. I can tell she’s anxious, and the only way we’re going to make these engagement pictures seem legit is if she’s comfortable.

“Can we have a minute in private?” I ask, studying Harper but speaking to Hadleigh.

“Yeah, I’ll just go…in Harper’s room. Let me know when y’all are ready. Don’t take too long.”

Once Hadleigh leaves, I turn toward Harper and grab her hand. “You’re actin’ like a frightened cat. What can I do to help you relax?”