Bossing the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch #4) - Kennedy Fox Page 0,39

filthy.

I put on a big grin and drop down to give her a hug. “Hey, baby girl. Are you ready to go?”

She nods. “Uh-huh.”

“Okay, grab your stuff,” I tell her, and when she runs off, I stand up straight and glare at Vivian.

“You should be ashamed of yourself. You’re wasted, and Olivia’s clothes are dirty.”

“She’s a kid, Connor. Kids play and get dirty. Not like you’d understand,” she throws back with creased brows.

“This is why you couldn’t meet me halfway, isn’t it? Because you’ve planned to drink all day,” I hiss, noticing how everything’s in disarray, including her.

Olivia runs back to the living room with her suitcase, a blanket, a baby doll, and a backpack. “I’m ready, Daddy.”

I make sure to keep a smile on my face for her. “Great! Tell your mama bye.”

Olivia goes to Vivian and wraps her little arms around her waist. “Bye, Mommy.”

Vivian holds her tight. “Love you.”

“Love you, Mommy.” I place my hand behind Olivia’s back and guide her forward, then meet Vivian’s eyes for a moment. Though I want to say a million things to her, I don’t bother. I shut the door and take Olivia’s suitcase.

“I missed you, Daddy,” she says, grabbing my hand as we walk to the truck.

“Me too, sweetheart. I’ve missed you so much!”

“Nuh-uh,” she replies with a giggle.

“Yes-huh. Promise, cross my heart!”

I buckle Olivia into her booster seat as she talks a million miles per hour. “Did Mommy make you mad?”

I hate lying to her. “Just a little.”

“She gets silly like that when she has alcohol,” Olivia says, and I try to keep a straight face.

“Oh really?” I ask, annoyed she even knows what that is.

“It makes her say funny things.”

I smile. “Her boyfriend?”

“Chuck. He has tattoos. A lot of them,” Olivia informs me. Before she sees my frustration, I close the door, then hop in the front.

Olivia fills me in on everything as we make our way back to Eldorado. I grow more pissed with every detail she shares. Vivian drinks several times throughout the week with her boyfriends and lets Olivia do whatever she wants, unsupervised. I know my mom told me last night I needed to call my lawyer and tell him what’s going on, and after hearing this, I will. No six-year-old should have to deal with their mother being too drunk to help them with their homework or get dressed for school. It’s the last thing Olivia needs to witness. Vivian has crossed too many lines.

Monday comes too quick. After the weekend I’ve had and all the driving I’ve done, along with trying to get Olivia settled, I’m exhausted. I’m not complaining, though, because I have my daughter with me again. Before work, I took Olivia to my parents', and she was so happy to be with her grammy and poppy. It warmed my heart like no other, and things finally feel like they are returning to normal.

Before the clinic opens, Beverly and Trina arrive and start setting up for the day. I have a few appointments before lunch and several in the afternoon. Right as I take a sip of coffee, I hear Elizabeth enter and say hello to the ladies. I stare at my laptop and wait for her to knock. When she does, I tell her to come in, and when our eyes meet, she frowns.

“Sit,” I say.

“Good morning to you too.” She plops down in front of me.

“Mornin’,” I say to appease her.

“So I guess it’s time to discuss the possible future of my employment here,” she says with annoyance in her tone. Now that she's actually said my words out loud, it does make me sound like an asshole. I wasn’t in a good mood when she texted me, though that’s not a good excuse.

It’s clear she’s waiting for me to speak, so I clear my throat and sit up straighter.

“Of course. I mean, if you’re planning to stay here, we need to work out some details.”

“Stay?” She arches a brow. “I thought we already discussed that I was staying. Your text had me thinking I was interviewing for a job that I’ve clearly already done.”

I let out a breath. “That wasn’t my intention. Just wanted to make sure you haven’t changed your mind.”

“I haven’t.” A smile slides across her ruby red lips, and that’s when I notice she’s wearing slacks and a nice blouse. She actually got dressed up for this discussion, which I find sexy as hell.

“So let’s talk about your responsibilities. You’ll still report to me,