Winning the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 6)

Chapter Seventeen

MACKENZIE

After years of being angry with Grayson, it’s foreign to suddenly not feel that toward him anymore. I redirected those feelings of hate toward the woman who cheated on him.

I only wish I knew the truth when I was face-to-face with her. Instead of quietly standing there, I would’ve given her a piece of my mind for being a shit human being. Sleeping around on your fiancé is bad enough, but to do it in the same house with his brother, then getting knocked up? All this time, she deserved the hell I’d given Grayson.

After sleeping on it a couple of nights and processing how I made assumptions and came to conclusions, I didn’t want to dwell on it anymore. Grayson wants to move past it, so I need to as well, especially if we’re really going to try for a second chance.

Every morning this week, I’d eat breakfast with Grayson at the B&B. It still freaks everyone out, which is hilarious. I already know they’re placing bets behind our backs for when we’ll finally hook up. A part of me wants to wait it out and make those assholes pay up, while the other part wants to show up at his house and jump his bones.

In the evenings after work, I’d come home and relax with a glass of wine and FaceTime Grayson for a bit. Every time we talk, those same butterflies from the night we first met surface. Though if I’m being honest, it’s taken a few days to get used to this. We still tease and give each other shit, but it’s not filled with hate and revenge. It’s exactly how I imagined it’d be if our past was different.

When Grayson told me to keep the weekend open, I anticipated he’d ask me out. Considering it’s now Saturday and he hasn’t, I can’t help but feel disappointed. The only person I’ve kept in the loop about this is Lacey, who’s now seeing Luke. She’s been telling me to tie him down for months. And hell, if he keeps me waiting for this “date,” I just might have to get some rope.

“Mornin’, Dad,” I greet when I run into him at the B&B.

“Hey, sweetie. You’re later than usual today.” He checks his watch. It’s nearly noon, but I shrug. I didn’t have the motivation to get out of bed.

“Only coming for coffee and food,” I mutter.

“Wouldn’t expect anything less.” He winks. “Maize made cinnamon rolls this mornin’, and there might be some left in the kitchen.”

“Ooh yum. Thanks for the tip.” I smirk, passing a few guests as I make my way there.

“Hey, sis.” I jump up on the counter and snag one.

“About time, I was about to send the National Guard.”

I slouch and cross my legs, then shove half of the sweet bread in my mouth. “Felt like sleeping in.”

“You look love-sick. What’s goin’ on?”

I try not to choke. “Nothin’. I need something to drink.” I try to change the subject.

“Coffee?” Grayson’s voice rings out. Maize and I snap our heads toward the doors, and my eyes widen in shock. “Two cream, two sugar.”

“Aww…” Maize sing-songs. “I’m so goin’ to win.”

“Win what?” Grayson asks.

“Ignore her. She’s just being dumb,” I remark, taking the warm cup from his hand and watch Maize walk toward the door. She gives me a look that makes me roll my eyes, and I wonder if they really are placing bets on us. “Thank you. Impeccable timing,” I tell him.

“I saw you when I was parking.”

“Were you stalkin’ me?” I pop a brow teasingly.

“Haven’t you learned by now, Kenzie Bishop? My life consists of following you ’round like a lost puppy.”

I nearly spit out my coffee at the same words I’ve said to Rowan about Grayson. “I’m gonna kill her.”

He chuckles. “Don’t worry. I didn’t take offense.”

“That was the anger talkin’. And probably pre-caffeine.”

“I’m sure.” He smirks, taking a few steps to close the gap between us. Grayson reaches up and grabs a loose strand of my hair. It’s then I remember I look like I just rolled out of bed because I literally did.

“I’m a mess right now. Please don’t judge me.”

“You look adorable. And hot.” He wraps the blond curl around his finger, then leans closer until his lips brush my ear. “I’m done waiting, sweetheart. Come over tonight. I’ll be ready for your answer.”

When he backs up, I can barely breathe. My stomach flips, and I fight the urge to kiss the smirk off his arrogant face.

Finally, I swallow and blink hard. “What time?”

“Six? I have plans for you.”

All I can do is nod.

He grabs my hand, then kisses my knuckles. “See you tonight.”

I watch as he walks toward the door, then gives me a mischievous wink over his shoulder before leaving.

Dammit, I’m so doomed.

I’m not sure how I’m supposed to hold back my feelings anymore.