We work for two more hours, still not speaking and relaying messages. Though, I can tell he’s getting fed up. When Kane opens his mouth again, Grayson loses it.
He takes off his gloves and throws them on the ground, then looks back and forth between us. “You two really need to shut the fuck up and have a conversation to work out your issues. Actin’ like this ain’t gonna get you nowhere.”
I laugh, and Kane continues talking shit under his breath. Grayson shakes his head and walks to the truck, leaving us alone.
“You know, he’s probably right. I’ve got a lot of fuckin’ things to say,” Kane says.
I shrug. “So say ’em.”
He comes closer, straightening his spine. “I don’t like the way you’re leading Hadleigh on or using her. She’s my best friend, so I’m protective as fuck. You know how I feel about her, but you don’t give two shits and slept with her anyway. You’re the most selfish person I know.”
“I’m selfish?” I burst into sarcastic laughter. Even funnier is how he says I’m the one leading her on. “Out of all people, I’d thought you’d at least think better of me than that. Guess I was wrong. You’re not any better than me, Kane. Also, quit playin’ the goddamn victim. Women don’t like that shit. If she wanted you, she wouldn’t be meetin’ me in the barn in the middle of the night.” The fact that he’s making ridiculous assumptions about me pisses me off even more, and it’s hurtful, so I kick him where I know it’ll hurt.
“I ought to knock you the fuck out,” he mutters.
I take a step forward, stopping inches from his face. “I gave you one swing. Next time, you won’t be so lucky. Hit me once, shame on me. Hit me again, and there won’t be a second time. I’ll lay your ass out flat like I should’ve done on Thanksgiving.”
“Is that a threat?”
I don’t even blink. “It’s a goddamn promise.”
Grayson rushes over and squeezes between us as we're staring each other down. I’m glad because I’d destroy Kane in a fight, and he knows it too.
“How about one of you go to lunch,” he states calmly, though I know we’ve exhausted him. “I don’t give two shits who goes, but you need to break it up.”
“I’ll go.” I meet Grayson’s annoyed expression, then turn and walk to my truck. My heart races and my body shakes from being so mad. I’m glad to be getting away from him, honestly. I might’ve done something I’d regret.
On the drive to the B&B, I pull out my phone and check it. I haven’t heard from Hadleigh since she asked if I was ignoring her. Truth is, I was. She looked happy with Kane, and for a moment, I thought maybe my brother would be a better fit for her. I know he’d treat her the way she deserves, and he cares a lot about her.
I care too, but my reputation precedes me.
It takes about twenty minutes to get to the B&B. When I enter, the hearty smells fill the room.
“Knox,” I hear my grandma say from the dining room. She gives me her sweet grin and hooks her finger for me to come over. Of course I do, but her eyes say everything she doesn’t. I’m not stupid and know Grandma has always worn the pants in this family. She’s the glue that holds the ranch together even though she doesn’t take much credit for it.
“Yes, ma’am,” I say when I’m close enough for her to hug me.
She squeezes me tight, then studies my face. “My grandbaby, you’re growing up to be a handsome young man.”
“Thank you,” I say when I pull away, but she doesn’t release me.
“Now, ya gonna admit to me what’s going on?”
Should’ve expected that, honestly.
“Absolutely not. The last thing I want to do is talk about my dating life with my grandma. Don’t you think that’s weird?”
She flashes me a look. “Let me tell you somethin’. Your dad and uncles were hellions. And I know you got some of that rebellious Bishop blood in you too, but I’m not stupid, Knox. I might’ve been born durin’ the day, but it wasn’t yesterday.”
I chuckle, but she’s being dead serious.
“Also, please don’t forget that I know everything that happens in this town.”
“And? Not everything you hear is true.”
“Most of it is, and after what I’ve heard, and then when I see how you and your brother are actin’, I’d say there’s some truth to it. There’s usually a little mixed into every lie. Just have to be smart enough to see the embellishments.”
“Grandma,” I mutter when I see more ranch hands flood in.
“I know your heart, Knox Bishop. I know you’re not what everyone says and that you actually care about this girl.”