Roping the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch .5)

Apparently not.

I could be the bigger person and apologize to end our little spats, but I refuse to stroke his ego. Especially after he criticized my pastries. I’m not a spoiled, entitled rich girl like he and half the town think, and I’ve worked my ass off to prove that.

I opened my bakery without help, then learned how to make delicious muffins that are also healthy. This area has limited places to eat as it is, so offering gluten-free options makes my shop stand out. People travel from all over for my baked goods, so I know it was the right decision. Baking has been a passion of mine since I was a kid, so being able to bring my dreams to reality is my best and most successful accomplishment to date.

My cousin Mila helped me get the B&B as a daily client. The Bishops pay well, and I hope it’ll help spread the word about my business. Most of the guests aren’t from around here, so they wouldn’t know my shop even existed without the variety of my pastries offered each morning.

After my night with Braxton, I really thought I’d never see him again. I don’t know why I reacted the way I did, but I freaked out once I realized what I’d done. Sleeping with someone right after meeting them is not something I do nor what I want to be known for. Between being stood up and drinking straight tequila, I acted impulsive and was embarrassed. I knew any chance of a real relationship forming after that was unlikely, so I just wanted him out of my house as soon as possible.

I figured he was just passing through town or visiting, considering I’d never seen him before. I was even more shocked to discover he worked on the Bishop’s ranch. I’d been there dozens of times since Mila moved here, but I really only went to her and John’s house and didn’t venture out around the ranch. Once I told Mila about our night together, she made sure to give me proper shit for it. Then she told me I should “go for it” and give him a chance. It was easier said than done after my outburst the morning after. Once we saw each other again, things were tense and awkward, and they haven’t gotten any better since. He continues to make my life hell whenever we run into each other.

Now I’ll have the pleasure of seeing him each morning at the B&B if he plans on being there at his usual time.

I try not to think about our night together, but truthfully, it’s all I envision when I’m alone and taking care of my own needs. I can’t help it, though I really wish I could. Just the thought of his lips and hands on me sets my body on fire.

Too bad we can barely speak to each other.

I’m up early each day to get fresh muffins, cupcakes, and pastries ready for my customers on time, so when a guy like Braxton shits all over them without even trying one, I instantly get defensive. Though I’m sure he does it to piss me off, I’m not going to allow him to see how much it affects me.

For the past three days, I’ve done my best to ignore Braxton and his insults when I make my delivery. I’m pretty sure he gets off on it now, but I won’t let him break me down. I know my food tastes amazing and my customers are happy, so that’s all that matters to me.

“Presley, hey!” I greet as soon as she steps into the dining room.

“Morning. How’s it goin’?” she asks, taking a plate and piling food on top. She sometimes meets Colton here for breakfast, which I find ridiculously cute.

“Not bad, I guess. Exhausted, but can’t complain too much.” I flash her a sincere smile. “Any wedding plans to announce?” I ask eagerly. “Colton gave me nothing when I asked him the other day.”

Presley laughs as if she’s not surprised. “Well, just little odds and ends. My older sister, Callie, wants to help, so she’s flying here for Thanksgiving.”

“Oh that’s awesome,” I say. “Hopefully, I can meet her.”

“Of course! I’m hoping I’ll be able to talk her into moving here, but don’t tell her I said that.” She laughs mischievously.

Slowly, I look around to see if Braxton is here yet, and when I realize he’s not, I release a breath of relief.

“The guys are running behind this morning,” she states as if she caught me searching for him. “So you don’t have to run off today.”

I roll my eyes, pretending not to care.

“You wanna come out with Colton and me this weekend? I could use a girl to drink with so he stops giving me shit for my girly drinks.”