Claiming the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 7)

Plus, I need to talk to Knox and find out what happened with him and Kane. Does he know that Kane came over and confessed? If he does, I wanna know how he feels about it, if anything. There’s too much up in the air to even try to think it through.

“Totally understand.”

We go our separate ways and stay busy and hustle during codes. My shift flies by, and I’m shocked when I see the night nurse come in.

Abbie and I grab our things, then walk out to the parking lot.

“I’m a little jealous. I haven’t dated in a decade, but I remember the cat and mouse games. Those early dating days of never getting enough and the honeymoon phase of sex, sex, sex. Luckily, I get to live out this soap opera through you instead. Just don’t forget to keep me in the loop.”

I snort, shaking my head. “Oh God, don’t be jelly. This is why I’m single and hardly date in the first place. Trust me, I’d rather be going home to a loyal husband than dealing with all this testosterone. Especially Kane’s and Knox’s. Whatever happens, things will never be the same going forward,” I admit with sadness in my tone. Our friendship days of goofing off and having fun are over now that I know Kane has feelings for me, and Knox and I had our date.

She smirks. “You know what they say, test drive several cars before you buy one.”

I burst into laughter. “I’ll keep that in mind. Anyway, see you tomorrow!”

“Have a good one…or two,” she sing-songs before getting in her car.

My mind spins as I drive home. I replay every minute of the weekend, and it leaves me even more confused than before.

As soon as I walk into my condo, I kick off my shoes, pour a big glass of wine, and draw a hot bath. I need time to think and relax. Before I slip into the water, I decide to call Harper to let her know what’s going on. She picks up on the second ring.

“Hey!”

“Hi! Just wanted to let you know I have to work on Thanksgiving, so I won’t make it for dessert.”

She pauses for a moment. “I thought you were off.”

I smile. “I was, but my work friend Abbie wanted to spend time with her husband and parents, so I told her I’d cover her shift.”

“Hadleigh Gracelyn,” she scolds. “I’m not buying that excuse. So you’d better start spillin’ the hot tea right now because I know for a fact something went down this past weekend. I’d rather hear it from the horse’s mouth than have to piece together slivers from the rumor mill.”

I groan. “Rumors are already spreading?”

“Girl, you know nothing stays a secret on this ranch. Are you kiddin’ me? Now, go ahead. I’m waitin’.”

I hear Hayden fussing in the background. He’s only a couple of months old and probably needs to get to bed since it’s after seven.

“You sound busy. I can let you—”

“Nice try. I just popped out a boob, so he’s fine now. So start talkin’.”

I let out a sigh, then start from the beginning. When I’m done, she’s silent.

“I don’t know what to say. I think I’m speechless.”

“Yeah. It’s a lot, huh?”

“I’d say. Wow, that’s a tough situation to be in. Like choosing between an angel and the devil.”

I burst into laughter, though it’s really not funny. “Knox is not the devil.”

“You sure about that?” she asks. “I know how he is, Hads. Every woman in a fifty-mile radius has been warned about Knox Bishop.”

“I know. Ugh. This is why I don’t know what I’m gonna do. Kane is waiting for me to decide if my feelings are mutual, and I think they could be, but I also have feelings for Knox. I just don’t know where he stands or if he cares at all.”

“So why don’t you talk to Knox and find out? Will his answer change your mind about Kane?”

I suck in a deep breath, then turn off my bathwater. “I need to, but I’m also a little scared to have that convo with him. And I’m not sure. I wish I knew if Kane wanted me just because Knox showed interest or if he would’ve eventually said something. He waited all these years and then just lost control as soon as he found out Knox stayed the night, so it makes me wonder. They’re so competitive and always trying to one-up each other. It wouldn’t surprise me if Knox acted interested to taunt Kane and vice versa. I’m the new shiny trophy they want to claim. Then once one of them wins, they’ll move on to the next thing. I don’t want to be a competition. I want to find the man I’m going to spend the rest of my life with.”