Tempting the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 8)

“Oh, I don’t have to rub your face in it ’cause you already know I was right. Feel like shit, don’tcha?”

“Ugh yes,” I admit, leaning my head against the couch cushions. When he opens the blinds in the living room, then meets my eyes, I begin to recall the stupid things I said to him last night. Embarrassment doesn’t even describe how I feel. I’d love to crawl under the cushions and hide.

“What?” He chuckles, noticing me having an internal meltdown.

“I’m sorry about everything I did and said.”

He crosses his arms over his chest and smirks. “Oh, so you do remember?”

“Everything,” I whisper, burying my face in my hands. The fact that I asked him about Hadleigh after trying to kiss him is so ballsy, and something I’d never have the courage to do sober. Honestly, it makes no difference to me that he hooked up with my sister years ago. She’s beautiful and fun, so I’d almost think something was wrong with him if he didn’t. But to call him out on it? I guess tipsy me needed confirmation from the horse’s mouth.

I shake my head. “I’m never drinking again.”

Kane’s chuckle almost lightens the mood, but then I replay my desperate attempt to kiss him. “It’s fine. We’ve all been there.”

“Yeah, but you have a girlfriend, and I acted inappropriately toward you. Kane, I swear I’d never do anything to ruin that for you, and I didn’t mean to put you in such an awkward situation. I’m so sorry. I obviously wasn’t thinking clearly.”

“It’s fine. I’m used to sloppy drunk girls trying to stick their tongues down my throat.” He smirks, almost as if he’s enjoying it.

I groan, wishing I could disappear. “And now I’m officially deceased.”

I stand to grab my clothes, trying to escape my mortification. “I’m just gonna change back into my clothes and get going.”

Before I can take a step, he gently places one strong hand on my shoulder. I’m standing directly in front of him and find it hard to look into his baby blues.

“Ivy,” he whispers, placing his fingers under my chin and prompting me to meet his heated gaze. “I didn’t kiss you because you were intoxicated. Trust me, if you hadn't been drinking, last night would’ve turned out completely different. I can guarantee you wouldn’t have slept on that couch.”

His admission has my breath hitching as he continues. “I don’t take advantage of women who can’t give sober consent, even the ones who…ya know, forcefully throw themselves at me.” He chuckles. I search his face, wondering if I’m dreaming.

“Wait, you would have kissed me back?”

“Hell yes, I would’ve. But that moment has come and gone.” For a brief second, I feel as if the world stops around us. What he said begins to settle into the crevasse of my heart, and I swallow down the knot that works in the back of my throat. I wish he’d just pull me into his arms, thread his fingers through my hair, and devour my mouth right here, right now.

“What about Raelyn?”

“We’re not together anymore.”

My mouth falls open, and my eyes go wide, a reaction I can’t hide. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

“It’s fine.”

“Do you want to talk about it?” I don’t want to pry, but I also know sometimes it helps to have people listen.

“Three weeks ago, she told me she wanted an open relationship. I’m not cut out to share the woman I’m with, and I told her as much. So she said she wanted a break,” he explains, and I see the flicker of his dominant and possessive side. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t like it.

“Wow.”

“I know. But things work out the way they should.” Kane gives me a wink and makes his way to the kitchen. I follow him, but when I pass by the dining room table, I can’t help but scan over all the tools covering the flat space.

He opens the fridge and pulls out a jug of orange juice, then pours a glass for us both. I take two big gulps, hoping it fixes the dizziness taking over.

“You’re into crafting?” I ask.

He laughs. “I wouldn’t call it crafting, but I like to do leatherworking in my spare time. It’s relaxing to carve out shapes and emboss covers for journals.”

“I had no idea.” I scan over the dark-colored leather that looks soft to the touch.

“It’s a long process, but nothing more than a side hobby. It really helps me clear my mind when I feel like things are spiraling out of my control. Grounds me in a way,” he admits.

“That’s cool. Are you self-taught?”

“Pretty much. I met a man at the rodeo one year and was intrigued. When I got home, I started researchin’ and bought the supplies to start. I made your sister one for Christmas one year.”