Winning the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 6)

“So, she’s the woman who came between you and your brother then?” she asks. “That’s why she’s here. She’s your sister-in-law, and the litle boy is your nephew.”

Before I can explain, Bella walks over, holding her son’s hand. She feeds off drama, and she’d probably shrivel up and die without it. Somehow, I keep my mouth shut and try not to tell her to go straight to hell with my brother. It’s a perfect place for them since she’s basically the devil in Gucci shoes.

I haven’t seen Leo in years, but he’s a really cute kid. However, it’s hard for me to look at him because I’m reminded of the family I should’ve had. Our relationship was nothing more than manipulation and lies. I was just the stupid one who fell for it and believed her every word. Too bad it was all bullshit, especially the I love you’s and can’t wait to spend forever with you’s.

As if he’s bored, he skips away to chase a butterfly.

“I’m sorry if I caused any problems between you two,” Bella says with fake sincerity. “I honestly thought it was water under the bridge since she’s forgiven you for being engaged the night you two hooked up.”

Kenzie stays quiet as Bella pins us with a smug look. Whatever her problem is, I don’t want any part of it. “We were broken up,” I remind her harshly. “And it’s none of your damn business, is what it is,” I tell her. Given the little details Kenzie just shared with me, it’s safe to assume Bella thinks Kenzie and I started dating right after.

“Well, either way, I’m happy to see you with the same girl. I’m just shocked y’all aren’t married by now, considering how long it’s been.” She makes a show of batting her long lashes

I stare at her, hoping she’ll go the fuck away. Before I can respond, Kenzie speaks up. “We aren’t together. It was just one night.”

Hearing her talk about our one night together is driving me nuts because all I want to do is get Kenzie alone and talk this out.

Bella playfully laughs. “Oh sure. I see the way you two look at each other. It’s adorable. You can’t tell me you’re just friends.”

There’s a hint of sarcasm in her voice, and maybe a dash of jealousy too. She’s like a stingy kid with broken toys. Bella didn’t want me back then, but she sure as hell didn’t want anyone else to have me either. It reminds me of old times when I was a doormat, and she walked all over me.

“Don’t worry about it,” I snap, losing my temper at her bullshit. I want to call her out for being a manipulative psychopath, but I don’t want to cause a scene and hurt my mother. It’ll only give Bella satisfaction that she still gets under my skin.

“Leo, come say hello to your uncle Grayson,” she shouts at him, though he’s only twenty feet away. I’m sure the whole family heard her too. As if he’s immune to her outbursts, he runs over with a smile. At least he’s a happy kid. I just hope he has a good life.

“Hi,” he says, and my heart hurts for him. I give him a genuine smile and a fist bump. “You’re my uncle?”

“Yep,” I tell him, trying to be as friendly as I can. “I’m your daddy’s brother.”

“Cool,” he says, then runs away again.

Bella watches our interaction, and I hate the smirk on her lips. It’s obvious she notices the pain etched on my face, especially when it comes to Leo.

I glare at her and hope she takes the hint to go away, but instead, my brother comes over and wraps his arm around Bella. Then he kisses her in front of me as if she’s a trophy he won, and I didn’t. I’ve only been around them a handful of times and realized I couldn’t handle it, so I’ve avoided them at all costs.

“Hey, brother,” he says as if he’s temporarily pulled himself away from Bella’s trance.

He glances over at Kenzie. “Oh hey, I’m Grant. Grayson’s brother.”

“Kenzie,” she says, forcing a polite smile.

“Nice to meet you. Grayson’s never brought a woman home before.”

I grow more agitated at the two of them. They parade around like what they did behind my back was nothing. I’ve calloused myself over the years and am no longer the man with a broken heart, but it still doesn’t mean I want to be around them.

As I look at them together, I’m happy and relieved I dodged the bullet, regardless of how much it hurt at the time. There’s no doubt in my mind I would’ve been miserable had I stayed with Bella.

“Baby, your dad wanted me to get you,” Grant tells her.

“Oh, he probably needs help with something,” she says but doesn’t look eager to leave no matter how much I wish she would.