Catching the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 2)

“None of your business,” Maize smarts off. “Girl talk. No boys allowed.”

“Pretty sassy for someone who still lives under my roof,” he teases.

“Kenzie and I are gonna get an apartment in the city,” she says casually, knowing damn well her father will blow a gasket at the idea.

“Not a chance in hell,” he states firmly. “Nice try, though.” Uncle John reaches over and steals one of the apple turnovers that Kat delivered this morning.

“Dad…” Maize begins. “I’m almost twenty-five and live at home. Do you know how pathetic I sound? I need my own place.”

“You can move out when you get married.”

Maize snorts loudly. “And did you and Mom wait till marriage to move in with each other?”

We all know the answer to that one. No.

“Do as I say…”

“Not as I do,” Kenzie finishes for him.

“That’s right.” He kisses Kenzie on the head. “Your mom isn’t ready to be an empty nester yet, and frankly, I think she’ll go crazy without you two there, so until you’re in a serious relationship, no talk of moving out.”

“My parents are halfway there. I wonder if they’ll get all sappy on me when I move out?” I question.

“Knowing your mom and dad, they’re ready to relive their youth days and have their privacy back.” Uncle John chuckles. “They didn’t exactly take the slow and steady route.”

“Thanks for that visual…” I groan. “Now I need to throw up my breakfast.”

After another couple of hours of hanging out at the B&B, I head home and do some house chores with Mom. She talks my ear off about Diesel and how she just knew we’d eventually get together.

“Adam’s so sweet,” she gushes. “Reminds me a lot of your father.”

“Ugh, Mom. Don’t say that.” I shiver, trying to push the comparison out of my head. “That’s really the last thing you wanna hear about your boyfriend.”

Boyfriend.

It’s still weird to call Diesel that. But also amazing.

“I just meant how attentive and loyal he is. Your dad was ready to fight anyone who came near me or threatened our relationship. As soon as I moved here, he jumped in with two feet, eager to make us work no matter what. I was expecting the worst when I told him I was pregnant, but he fell to his knees and almost cried. He was so happy.”

“Do you ever think back and wish you’d gone a little slower? Like enjoyed the honeymoon phase a bit longer? Or are you glad you guys had a baby and got married right away?” I ask as we fold a basket of towels.

“I’ve thought a lot about that over the years, and I can honestly say it all worked out the way it was supposed to. It’s never ideal to get pregnant that soon, especially when we weren’t technically even dating, but it brought two people from different parts of the country together, and we formed an undeniable connection. I fell in love with him within a matter of weeks. He’s always been my rock.”

I nearly swoon at the way my mom talks about my dad. Though they’re my parents and thinking about them romantically is still gross no matter how old I am, I can’t deny how sweet it is when she talks about how far they’ve come.

“Why do you ask, sweetie?” she asks.

I shrug, not making eye contact. “You said Diesel reminds you of Dad, and it just had me thinking about these early dating years and how we should enjoy them before all the marriage and baby stuff happens.”

“Are you pregnant?” she rushes out.

“Ma! No!” I burst out laughing when she tilts her head, doubtfully. “I swear!”

“Well, I can’t say I’d be mad about the idea. Even though you two have known each other for most of your lives, not rushing is smart. Get to know each other on a more personal and deeper level before you bring in more responsibility. I love your brother, but he was a helluva lotta work.”

I chuckle. “He still is.”

I’m ecstatic when Diesel shows up at the bar earlier than he said. He’s not with Riley or the new guy, so I get to steal a few private moments with him.

“Hey, Cowboy,” I say, wrapping my arms around his neck. He’s wearing his black hat, which I love.

“Howdy, cowgirl.” He pulls on one of my french braids. “You fulfilled my requests.” He eyes my outfit with an arrogant smirk.

“Of course…” I squeeze him tighter. “Only because I’m hoping you’ll take it all off later.”

“Goddammit, woman.” He brings a hand down to his groin. “Don’t talk like that here or I’m gonna have to excuse myself.”

“You asked for it,” I remind him of his earlier text messages.

“Listen, lovebirds…” Maize groans from one of the stools. “I agreed to come hang out, not watch you two make out.”

“Stop being a grump.” Kenzie sets a shot glass in front of her. “Blow jobs on me!”