Bossing the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch #4) - Kennedy Fox Page 0,43
good sport and takes it like a champ even though I feel like I’m internally combusting from embarrassment. For the next hour, we make our rounds and chat with everyone. I try to keep focused, but I find myself scanning the room for Connor and Olivia. There are too many stolen glances from afar and a million things I wish I could say to him. The last thing I want is one-word responses from him, though.
After we’ve had plenty to eat, taken the grand tour of the house, and most of the guests have left, we decide to go too.
“Thanks again for having me,” he tells Gavin. “It’s a beautiful place on an incredible piece of land.”
Gavin nods. “It is. I’m a lucky man.”
“Yes, you are,” Maize says from behind. Stephen smiles, but before I can follow him, Maize pulls me back.
“I’m so sorry. I wanted to warn you but—”
“It’s okay. Not completely your fault.” I give her a tight squeeze, then catch up with Stephen. He drives me home, which is a mile from Maize’s.
After we park, Stephen walks me to the front door.
“I had a really good time today,” he admits.
I grin. “Really? Even after all that?”
“I’m used to it. I think my family is worse. But anyway, if you’re up to it, I’d like to do this again sometime.”
Before I can answer, his phone rings, and he looks down. “I’m sorry, I gotta take this.”
“I get it.” This would be part of our entire relationship, and I’m not positive I want that.
“I’ll text you,” he mouths. I wave goodbye, then go inside. Leaning against the door, I hold my heart and try to calm down. Today didn’t go as planned. I expected to meet Connor’s girlfriend, not his adorable daughter, who’s as sweet as pie.
Chapter Fourteen
Connor
Olivia wakes up from a bad dream around four, but I eventually get her back to sleep. Considering I have to be up in an hour anyway, I start my day and let her sleep in since we had a long drive over the weekend.
After I drink a few cups of coffee, I wake up Olivia. After helping her pick out some clothes, I make her a plate of scrambled eggs and bacon. She asks for orange juice, and I pour some in her favorite princess cup. While she eats, I pack some activities for her to do at the office since she’ll be coming with me today. My mom has a doctor’s appointment this morning, so until she picks up Olivia, I need to find ways to entertain her.
“Are you ready?” I ask after she grabs her favorite blanket.
On the way to the clinic, Olivia asks me questions. “Is Beverly gonna be there?”
“Yes,” I say, meeting her eyes in the rearview mirror.
“Yay!” she squeals. She adores Beverly, but I think it’s because she always gives Olivia suckers and hard candy. That’s all it takes to earn the loyalty of a kid. When we pull into the parking lot, she’s raring to go, and I remind her of the deal we made.
“You promise to be good while Daddy works until Grammy comes, right?”
She nods hard, puckering her lips, showing me that she’s serious. It makes me chuckle as I unlock the door and we walk in.
She runs down the hallway and comes back to me. I lead her around, reminding her where everything is because she’s only been here a few times.
I open the door to one of the exam rooms. “This is where Daddy checks on dogs and cats. This is the bathroom,” I say, walking to the end of the hall. “And this is my office. Today it gets to be your office.”
She runs in and sits in my chair, then giggles as she spins it around. As soon as Beverly enters, Olivia sprints to hug her.
“Oh goodness, child. I didn’t expect to see you here!” Her face lights up.
“My grammy is at the doctor, so I’m the boss today!”
Beverly laughs. “How old are you now? Are you ready for Thanksgiving?” she asks Olivia, who’s following her like her shadow.
“I’m six, and yes! Though I’m more excited about Christmas. I’m trying to be extra good for Santa!” Olivia explains. I walk into the lobby and watch Beverly dig into her purse that’s big enough to fit a cattle barn and hand Olivia a few chocolates.
“You spoil her,” I tell Beverly.
She drops a few more in Olivia’s hand. “Can you blame me?”