Catching the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 2)

When I arrive, she’s wearing an apron with her name embroidered across the chest. Her dark hair’s in a high bun, and though she’s smiling, there’s also a sad look in her eyes. She pulls a tall barstool up to the prep table and pats it for me to sit as she prepares my breakfast. She listens to me spill my truths as she shreds a potato, mushes fresh strawberries into the batter, and warms the skillet. It doesn’t take long before I have a beautiful picture-worthy plate of yummy food to eat. I didn’t realize how hungry I was until she put it in front of me. I’m happy we’re alone, and I can speak so candidly about what’s happened over the past few months. It feels good to tell someone because I’ve kept this tucked deep inside for way too long.

“I’m so upset, Maze. Diesel hurt me more than Nick ever could, and I think it’s because I didn’t actually love Nick. I was just infatuated with the thought of us being together, though he never treated me right. I was always too much for him to handle, and he tried to mold me into something I wasn’t—a housewife. I’ve never felt so defeated in my life. Diesel likes me for who I authentically am. I didn’t have to pretend to be anyone other than myself around him. Do you have any idea how that feels? To be yourself in front of a man because that’s what he loves about you? I actually feel sick talking about it,” I explain. She pushes my plate closer and hands me some syrup she hand mixed.

I force a smile and take a bite. It’s comfort food at its finest.

“I’m gonna chop off his balls and make a gumbo out of them, then I’m gonna make him eat the whole damn pot.”

I snort. “You wouldn’t.”

“I would, and I am. He better not show his stupid face in the B&B for the rest of his life, or we’re gonna have words,” she threatens, snagging a piece of my bacon, but I can’t even be mad about it. She made way too much anyway, but that’s just how it is here. Full plates are an everyday occurrence.

“First, he strings you along and gets you to have sex with him. Then his baby mama just shows up with his kid in tow, and he screws her too? This is such bullshit. I’m livid right now.” She grabs a butter knife and holds it in her fist. I take it from her hand and set it down on the table.

“Has anyone ever told you how scary you are?” I giggle-snort, and I’m so happy to be spending time with her. She’s right, going home would’ve done me no good. I would’ve just sulked and felt like total shit the rest of the day. Maize makes me feel a little better about the whole situation.

She shrugs. “A few times. Just don’t mess with my feelings, food, or my family, and everything will be just fine.”

“Noted, but you not wanting us to eat the food at the B&B really isn’t fair. You know it’s addicting, but then you don’t want us to eat it. Pretty mean if you ask me,” I say, stuffing my mouth full.

“Says the person who got their own personal breakfast buffet this morning.” She snickers.

“Also, you make it sound like Diesel made me sleep with him. It takes two to tango, and trust me when I say I’ll be thinking about the times I had with him for the rest of my life—even if I hate him. No man has ever…” I whisper, keeping my voice low. “Pleasured me the way he did.”

She blushes. “It was that good?”

“Better than good. Mind-blowing. So I can see why Chelsea came back.” I frown, swallowing down my food. “I really thought what we had was more than that. I believed we had something special. Maybe I was nothing more than a forbidden fuck,” I tell her.

“You’re much more than that, Rowan. I honestly can’t believe any of this because of the way he’s always acted when it comes to you. Something isn’t right, but if you saw them together, I will believe you any day of the week.”

“I know. It doesn’t add up, especially when he was dead set on announcing to everyone we’re together just a few days ago. Maybe it’s my fault? Maybe I pushed him away?”

Maize shakes her head. “No, he’s just a man slut. That’s all.”

I yawn and realize I’m still tired from last night, plus I’m emotionally drained from what I witnessed today. I need a nap.

“Why don’t you go upstairs and rest? Our favorite room has no guests in it right now,” she suggests.

“The purple room?” I laugh.

“Mm-hmm. Bed’s made and waitin’ for ya. I’m gonna have to start preparing lunch soon.”