Bossing the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch #4) - Kennedy Fox Page 0,28

there.”

Thankfully, Mom isn’t paying attention to me because my cheeks heat at the mention of my boss. After that awkward night at the club last November and dealing with his short temper, it’s still tense between us. He snaps at me or acts like I’m invisible the majority of the time. Now that I’m convinced he’s dating someone, I thought he’d be in a better mood, but he’s not. I swear he’s gotten even worse.

The main reason I stick it out is because he’s a great teacher, and I need hands-on experience for my clinical hours during my final year of school. Since I’d been working with him this long, it only made sense to stay.

“That’s definitely not happenin’, so perhaps I’ll borrow the old plan Maize had before she met Gavin and become a nun.”

Mom rolls her eyes. “You’re too young to give up. Trust me, it’ll happen when you least expect it.”

Of course she’d say that, but I appreciate it either way.

“At this rate, Ethan and Harper will give you grandchildren before I do.”

“Have they finally admitted they’re together?” Her eyes widen, and I chuckle at her eagerness.

“Nope. But maybe it’ll be a Thanksgiving miracle, and they’ll finally announce it.”

Mom flashes a hopeful grin, quickly cleaning up the kitchen. “They’re young too. They’ve got time, just like you. Don’t rush. I had a full-on career before I gave your dad a chance, and I wouldn’t change a thing.”

She rounds the counter and kisses my cheek. “Just don’t tell your grandmother I said that.”

The next morning, I head to the B&B for breakfast and to chat with Maize. No surprise it’s packed with Bishops and ranch hands stuffing their faces.

Ethan is sitting with Riley, Diesel, and Grayson, who are being loud and obnoxious. “Y’all gotta be so damn rowdy? It’s like eight in the mornin’,'' I tease, standing next to their table.

“This is them twenty-four seven. Obnoxious and annoying,” Kenzie interrupts as she comes out of the kitchen with flour on her apron.

“Hey!” I squeal, giving her a quick hug. “No school today?”

“Nope, we gave the students an extra day off, but honestly, it’s mostly for the teachers.” She snorts. “But of course, I got tricked into helping here and puttin’ up with these animals.”

“Don’t listen to her. We’re fine gentlemen,” Grayson interrupts with a mouthful.

“Shut your pancake hole.” Kenzie glares at him, and Diesel bursts out laughing. Those two have been at each other’s throats for as long as I’ve known Grayson. He works with Diesel in the cattle operation and is just as wild as the others.

“It’s Mr. Pancake Hole to you, ma’am,” he taunts, and Kenzie rolls her eyes with a sigh.

“Grow up,” she shoots back.

“Maize in the kitchen?” I ask, hoping to ease the awkward tension.

“Yeah, with Gavin trying to make a baby,” Kenzie replies.

I snort because the two have only been engaged for a week. Though it wouldn’t surprise me if they get hitched and she’s knocked up within six months. “Perhaps I’ll wait till she comes out then.”

Kenzie walks around the buffet, checking on what needs to be refilled as I add food to my plate. On her off days, she likes to help out and always gives the ranch hands a hard time.

“Have you seen Rowan lately? How’s she doin’?” I ask Kenzie when she’s close again.

“Saw her a couple of days ago. She’s good but says she’s always hot.”

We both laugh. Rowan’s almost halfway through her pregnancy, and I’m excited to find out what they’re having.

“Elle!” I spin around to Maize and wrap an arm around her.

“Hey, lovebirds,” I say when I spot Gavin behind her.

“Are you off all weekend?” she asks as I pile on some bacon and eggs.

“Well, for sure tomorrow, but I told Connor I’d come in Friday if he needed me, and then I’ll be on call over the weekend as usual,” I explain. When I do get called in, it’s usually only for a few hours unless it’s a major emergency.

“Awesome, we’ll have to hang out. Maybe do some shopping. I need to get some wedding ideas.” She beams, and I smile at how her whole face lights up. Though I’m envious as hell she’s found her forever love, I’m super happy for them.

“Did y’all set a date already?” I ask, sitting at the table next to the boys who are still scarfing down food.

Maize follows me as Gavin loads his own plate.

“We’re thinkin’ a summer wedding. Probably June since July is always a busy month