Claiming the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 7)

Harper shakes her head. “Grown-ass men having tantrums, I swear. There’s something in the water here.”

“Hey,” Ethan groans, and we both laugh.

“He wanted me to go home with him, and I didn’t feel right about it. At least not until I know what I want or, rather, who. I don’t want to lead either of them on. Though, Abbie told me I should test drive them first.” I can barely get the words out before I burst into laughter.

“Wait. You guys haven’t? I thought…” she lingers.

“No. I mean, almost, but no.”

Her eyes widen, and I could’ve sworn I’d already told her this, but maybe I haven’t. Even Ethan comes in wearing a shocked expression.

“What? You’re both actin’ surprised we didn’t.”

“We are,” they say in unison.

“So what happened?”

“I was a little drunk and a lot horny,” I admit, my cheeks heating at my confession. “But he turned me down after we fooled around some.”

The look on Ethan’s face as he holds his sandwich has me confused.

“What?” I finally ask.

“I can’t believe I’m gonna say this, but Knox is a total womanizer and doesn’t say no to anyone.”

“Thanks,” I deadpan. “That makes me feel great.”

“No, I mean…” He brushes a hand through his hair as he finishes chewing. “What I’m sayin’ is he didn’t cross that line with you because he respects you more than some chick that he’ll bag and tag,” Ethan confirms.

“I’m just shocked he was able to withhold from someone as hot as you,” Harper adds. “You’re a fuckin’ babe.”

I grin at how she always hypes me up. “I mean, I am a catch.”

“Hence why you have them both salivating for you.” Harper waggles her brows, and I laugh.

“Between the way he acted and his messages today, my head’s a damn mess. He told me that he doesn’t chase pussy as if I am just some random woman he picked up at the bar.” Thinking about it makes me angry all over again.

Harper stops what she’s doing and widens her eyes. “Well, if he wants to be like that, perhaps you shouldn’t choose either of them. Then there won’t be any pussy chasing.”

“It might actually come to that,” I admit. “I hate being the reason they’re not gettin’ along, and the pressure to decide is almost too much. Either way, whatever does happen, I’m not sure things can ever go back to the way they were.”

“Well, either way, there are other horses in the pasture, fish in the sea, clouds in the sky…”

“I’ve got it,” I say, taking a huge gulp of my coffee.

We work for another hour before Hayden wakes up. After he’s fed, I hold him and kiss his chubby cheeks.

“You’ve got the best mommy and daddy in the world, but Aunt Hadleigh loves you the most,” I say. I’m not technically his aunt, but I’m claiming the title anyway. “I still can’t believe you have a baby,” I tell Harper.

“I know. The fact that I’m responsible for a tiny human is frightening.”

I chuckle at her expression. “Oh stop, you’re already such a great mom. I hope you’ll have an instruction manual written when it's my turn because I know how much of a perfectionist you are,” I tease.

“Hardy har har, but probably.”

We work for a few more hours, and then my stomach starts to growl. When I’m with Harper, I lose track of time. It reminds me of being teenagers again when we’d spend hours gossiping or talking about rumors. Once we’ve finished packaging for the day, we stack everything against the wall.

“I’m going to have to schedule a pickup,” she states, looking at all the boxes. “That was exhausting.”

“Well yeah, you’re supposed to be taking it easy, Mama.”

“I know, I know. Pretty sure I’m too tired to cook now. Want to go to the B&B? I can text Maze and see what’s on the menu.”

“Whatever it is, it’s going to be amazing. I’m ready.”

“Babe!” Harper yells, and Ethan comes to the dining room. “Wanna go eat with us?”

“No, I’ll stay here with Hayden. Just grab me somethin’ to go,” he tells us with a grin.

“Sounds good,” Harper says.

“Wanna ride with me?”

“Nah, I’ll drive. I want to stop by the shop on the way back and pick up a few more things.” She holds her finger over her mouth and gives me a little shh. “I don’t want Ethan freaking out about me wanting to work.”

“Pretty sure he knows he can’t stop you at this point.” I chuckle as we walk outside.

I get in my Jeep, then go to meet her there. The sun has already set, and I’m reminded why I despise the winter months. It gets dark way too early.

As soon as I park, I see how many vehicles are lined up outside, then realize the ranch hands are here for dinner.

When I enter the B&B, I jump in the buffet line and fill a plate with a huge chicken fried steak and pile of mashed potatoes. The hearty smells have my mouth watering, and I dig in. Moments later, Harper arrives, grabs some food, then sits across from me.