Bossing the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch #4) - Kennedy Fox Page 0,18

today, I have Elizabeth tackling half of the appointments so we can finish early.

My next stop is the Circle B Ranch. I typically go out there once a week to help with hooves, teeth, and whatever else they need. Today’s visit will be to tend to an infected wound. They have handfuls of horses trained for riding lessons and trail riding and also to herd cattle.

As soon as I pull up to the barn, I spot Gavin, the horse trainer. He’s a former champion bull rider and is a huge guy with broad shoulders. If I had to guess, I’d say he’s around my age. Once I get out of my truck, I grab my supplies from the back seat and meet him.

“Dr. Wallen, hey,” he says, reaching out to shake my hand. “I’m Gavin Fox.”

“Gavin, how’s it goin’? I’m Connor,” I say as I take his hand.

“Nice to meet you. It’s goin’ alright. Just dealin’ with these horses fightin’ each other. Ya know the drill.”

I chuckle, then follow him into the stables. “I sure do.”

We make small talk as he takes Sugar’s lead rope and brings her out into the entryway. I slowly move my hand forward and run my arm down her neck until I find the wound. It’s deep, and I can tell she’ll need antibiotics once it’s clean.

“So Elle works with you?” he asks after I inject her. Just the sound of her name almost makes me smile, but I don’t. I’m used to ignoring the way she makes me feel and am a pro at pretending our attraction doesn’t exist.

“Elizabeth?” I ask. “Yeah, she’s been working with me for a couple of years now.” I think back to when I interviewed her and how much has changed since then. One thing has stayed the same, though—how goddamn gorgeous she is.

“I’ve only seen her a few times, but she seems nice. I hear she’s brilliant too.”

Brilliant is an understatement. “She is a very smart young lady.”

I wonder if he’s interested in her or something or why we’re even talking about this. My lips tighten into a firm line as I think about her dating anyone. I’m sure Gavin’s a good guy, especially if he works here, but no one will ever be good enough.

I suck in a deep breath and finish stitching the gash. When I’m done, I pack my things, and Gavin puts Sugar back in the stall. He meets up with me before I leave.

“So I’m having a little get-together tonight with a few of the Bishop guys. You should stop by for a beer if you can,” he offers.

It’s been a while since I’ve gone out. Actually, the last time was the strip club incident, which ended up being a huge mistake. Gavin grins as he eagerly awaits my response, and since he seems like a genuinely nice guy, I give in. “Uh, sure. I should be able to swing it.”

“I’m staying at one of the ranch hand cabins on the east side,” he explains.

“Yeah, I know where those are. I’ll see you later.”

As I back out of the driveway, he waves.

Though I’m more of a homebody, I’m actually looking forward to having a beer with him. I don’t get out much, and next month, Olivia will be coming to stay with me, so I’ll be spending all of my free time with her.

After I get off work, I shower and get dressed. I head toward Gavin’s and wonder if Elle will be there. He said it would be the Bishop guys, so for my sanity's sake, I hope she’s not.

I say hello to everyone, and Gavin hands me a Budweiser. Riley and Diesel burst through the door, acting rowdy and holding a birthday cake. It takes me a few seconds to realize it’s shaped like a giant dick. It’s an icing-covered travesty, and I let out a laugh when I get a closer look at their decoration skills. I remember being in my twenties and stupid, having the time of my life while going to school, imagining how my life would be once I graduated. It’s funny how different it all turned out.

When my first beer is empty, I grab another and play a round of horseshoes with Cooper, one of Gavin’s friends. I win a few rounds, and when I look around, that’s when I see her. Elle’s wearing a million-dollar smile, dressed in tight jeans and a crop top that shows off her stomach. Seeing her like this makes me