Claiming the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 7)
He grins. “Oh, that’s perfect. I really want to see The Nutcracker, but I don’t want to go alone. I don’t have any family or friends here yet.”
I laugh. “You’re invitin’ me to join you?”
His nervousness is kinda cute. “Yeah. I mean, if you don’t want to, I understand. I thought we could have dinner and drinks afterward, maybe go look at the Christmas lights around town.”
I swallow before answering because I don’t want to be rude and say no. But it could be fun, regardless of the mess my personal life already is. “That sounds great. Just let me know what time.”
“Fantastic. Can I get your number so I can text you the details?”
“Absolutely,” I say, and he hands me his phone. I program my name and number into it, then give it back. We continue chatting like he didn’t just ask me out.
I hope this doesn’t come back and bite me in the ass somehow, but I am single. Though, it seems more friendly than anything. Like two peers spending time together outside of work. Yeah, I’m probably reading more into it than it actually is.
After we finish eating, we go back to our floor. He’s called to help a patient, and I find Abbie as soon as I can.
“He asked me on a date,” I mutter.
“I kinda figured that’s what he wanted.” She holds up her hand to give me a high five.
“You’re just gonna leave me hangin’?”
“Abbie,” I whisper-hiss, ignoring her hand. “I’m in a predicament. Now, I’ve potentially got three men after me. I go from being more single than a dollar bill to having them want me at once.”
“Some women would call you lucky.”
“Yeah, well, it’s horrible!”
“Not if you’re into reverse harems.” She waggles her brows. Before I can even ask what that means, a code is announced over the loudspeaker, and we rush off.
The rest of the afternoon is busy as hell. I barely get time to go to the bathroom, and my lower back hurts from bending over so much. I’ve had to replace heart monitors, get dozens of pills, change out IVs, and help a few take showers.
When it’s time to scan out, I’m exhausted. Abbie and I walk to the parking lot together, and it’s already dark and cold. I really can’t wait until summer.
“Have a good night,” she sing-songs.
“Mm-hmm, you too,” I say. “I still haven’t forgiven you for settin’ me up today.”
“You’ll get over it!” She chuckles and gets in her car.
I wait until I’m home to call Harper.
“You’re never going to believe what happened to me today,” I tell her.
“I’d guess, but considering how your life is currently going, I’m sure I’d get it all wrong,” she says, but I can tell she’s smiling.
“The new doctor asked me on a date for next weekend.”
Harper gasps. “Another guy is after you?”
I groan.
“Damn girl, your vag must be made of gold because these men are on a mission. Jesus.”
“How could this be happenin’?”
She snorts. “So what did you say?”
“I told him yes! I didn’t want things to be awkward. He kinda sprung it on me. We hardly know each other,” I explain.
“Well, ya know that I’ve said the best way to get over Knox and Kane is to date someone else. Considering the way they’ve been actin’, you shouldn’t choose either.”
I kick off my shoes and plop on the couch. “I know, but the heart wants what it wants.”
“Which is?” she prompts.
“Ugh. Both!”
She giggles. “Not an option, unfortunately. But I have a feeling you’ll figure it out.”
“I hope so,” I tell her, just as my phone vibrates with a text. I pull away, halfway hoping it’s Knox, but then see it’s from my little sister.
“What are y’all gonna do for your date?”
“He’s taking me to see The Nutcracker,” I say.
Harper falls into hysterical laughter. “That’s fitting, and maybe it should be your nickname, considering…”
“Hardy har har,” I throw back. “Anyway. I had to tell someone. I feel like I’m losing my mind. No more men. I’m ready to swear them all off.”
“I’m sorry, but I appreciate the laugh. You’ve got this, girl, and when you make your decision, it’ll be the right one.” Harper knows me better than anyone.
“I hope so. But anyway, I’ve had a long day and need a shower. Please give Hayden kisses from me.”
“I will. You’re still comin’ to Kaitlyn’s birthday party on Saturday, right?”
“Absolutely. I’m going to have to be around everyone at some point anyway. Might as well pull off the Band-Aid and get it over with.”
“I like your style. Keep me updated with what happens.”
“Sure thing.”
We say our goodbyes, then I read my sister’s text.
Ivy: Hey, sis! We’re still going shopping next Friday, right?
Hadleigh: Yep! You’re not skipping classes, are you?
Ivy: Never! We have a half-day before Christmas vacation. Harper is gonna pick me up from school, then we’re heading to San Angelo.