Tempting the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 8)

“We’ll see,” she says with a chuckle.

“The fact that Hadleigh is married to Knox Bishop and is now having a baby still shocks me.”

“It still shocks me too, but we need to go over the terms of this bet just so we’re both clear,” she reminds me.

“Oh no, ma’am, we already shook on it. If I win, I get an entire paid weekend off…my choice!”

She gives me a mischievous grin. “And if you lose, you’re gonna babysit for an entire weekend for free.”

“Seems like I win either way.” I shrug because I love kids so much that it’s not really a losing situation.

“That’s what you think,” she playfully warns. “I’d almost feel bad for you if this wasn’t your idea.”

Considering I don’t have any friends my age and only chat with Hadleigh and Harper, I’m fine with babysitting, especially now that I’m on my summer break from college.

Harper’s increased my hours to full-time for the summer since she needs the extra help, and I want to save more money. Plus, I love being on the Bishops’ ranch and hanging out with her.

The warehouse contains several long tables for packaging in the middle, a kitchen area for mixing ingredients, a curing area after the soaps are molded, and then shelves upon shelves of stock that’s ready. It’s a whole process, but a fun one.

Harper walks by the counter where I set my book and glances at it. “The cover is interestin’. What’s it about?”

“I dunno, some girl who went missing or something. It was recommended in one of my book groups, and I wanted to try a thriller between my fantasy books. I’m going in completely blind!” I grab soaps and place them on top of the order sheets.

“That actually sounds creepy.”

“I’ll let you know how it is tomorrow. I’ll probably finish it tonight.” I shoot her a wink.

“Between reading and listening to books, how many do you finish in a year?”

“Close to three hundred. Maybe three fifty with audiobooks.”

Her eyes widen. “I wish I had that much time!”

That has me snorting. “You mean, you wish you had no boyfriend or friends? Because that’s what happens when you’re a book nerd. Book boyfriends over real ones.”

She chuckles. “Still, I should make more time for other hobbies.”

I smile, trying to find my words so I don’t stutter over them. Harper’s patient and waits for me while I articulate my thoughts. “Well, it’s understandable why you don’t. You have a super successful business. A husband who loves you. Two beautiful kids. And you live on the ranch. I’d trade reading a thousand books per year for all that.”

She gives me a somber look. “You’re only nineteen and have plenty of time to have all those things too. You’ll graduate with your business administration degree, and then you’ll be unstoppable.” Harper lifts a case of boxes that needs to be folded and taped for shipments.

“I’m glad you have faith in me.”

“Always,” she says.

Once I pop in, I scroll through my phone to find the fantasy book I started yesterday. It’s been on my to-be-read list since January, and now it’s May. Once I’m fully immersed in a different world, I start my tasks.

The two of us work together like a well-oiled machine, and she doesn’t micromanage me. Sometimes, when the kids are here and she has to take care of them, she lets me work alone. I’m an introvert and thrive in this type of environment. At this rate, I’ll retire here because I love it, and it pays well. This job is why I decided to get my associate's degree in business. I want to help Harper grow it to be even bigger than what it is now.

When I turn around, Harper waves her arms to get my attention.

I removed one of my earbuds. “Have you seen the Strawberry Shortcake soaps?”

“I think it’s up top, above the Cotton Candy ones,” I explain. I placed them there after their six-week cure time. After a while, all the bright colors start to look the same.

I restart my audiobook, then continue what I was doing. Another reason I love working with Harper is because she doesn’t force me to talk. She’s just like my older sister and brings out the best in me, and I’m comfortable around her. I’m the stereotypical quiet book nerd, and I proudly wear that badge of honor.

After another hour passes, my phone buzzes in my back pocket.

Hadleigh: Water just broke! Going to the hospital now.

Ivy: YAY!!! Should I meet you up there?

I yelp with excitement and run over to Harper.

“Hads is in labor!” My grin is so wide it almost hurts.

“Right now?” Harper pulls her phone from her pocket just as giddy as me and reads her text. “I didn’t even feel it vibrate, but you’re right.”

“So what do we do? Do we go now?” I ask, overcome with emotions. I’m finally going to be an aunt, and I can’t wait to spoil my nephew.