Catching the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch #2) - Kennedy Fox Page 0,26
has been in my veins since I was fourteen years old and tasted her lips against mine. Even though we were so young, I’ve never been able to forget the electricity that streamed between us. It’s still there too.
Before leaving, I grab the gift along with my keys and head into town. I couldn’t stop thinking about her the entire weekend. I saw a picture she posted on Facebook of her and her cousins at the Honky Tonk in San Angelo and thought about making the drive, but I knew better. The last thing I’d want to do is ruin her birthday by showing up unannounced. She looked beautiful as can be, though, and I know all eyes were on her at the bar. There’s no doubt she was the prettiest woman there.
When I park in front of the Circle B Saloon, I see Rowan’s car on the side. I sit and stare inside the building, watching as she pours a beer for an older guy and then smiles sweetly as she sets it down on a napkin. She laughs at something he says and just looking at her nearly takes my breath away. Without even trying, she’s as pretty as can be with her hair pulled up into a tight ponytail on top of her head.
Knowing I can’t watch her from my truck all night, I turn off the ignition, grab the present, and go inside. As soon as I walk in and sit at the bar, our gazes lock. I smile, and she narrows her eyes at me, then at the bright-colored wrapping paper. A moment later, she walks over, places a napkin in front of me, and treats me like every other customer.
“Hi, would you like a drink menu?” she asks, properly batting her eyelashes.
I snort at her sarcastic tone. “Give me a Bud.”
She glances down at the box. “What’s that?”
I push it toward her, grinning wide. “I got you something.”
“Why?” She tilts her head. “Is it a gag gift?”
“You’ll see,” I challenge, moving it closer to her.
“I trust you as far as I can throw you, and we both know how much that is,” Rowan retorts as she walks away and grabs a frosty mug from the cooler. She sets down an ice-cold beer in front of me before snagging the box.
I gently grab her hand before she can walk away and meet her deep brown gaze. “Don’t open it around anyone.”
“Oh God. Now I’m really scared.”
I shrug and take a sip of my beer, the smile meeting my eyes as she walks away.
A second later, I watch a preppy ass guy enter and forcefully move the stool from in front of the bar next to me, making all sorts of noise. He stands tall like he owns the place, but everyone in here knows better. He’s a puny little runt wearing a polo tucked into well-pressed khaki pants with a belt. Rowan notices him and tenses fiercely. Alarm bells go off in my head as he barks her name. Something isn’t right with this guy, but he needs to watch his goddamn tone when speaking to her.
Rowan rushes over to him and lowers her voice, and I try not to pry. I try to keep my eyes locked on the TV on the back wall, but I can’t tell what’s on right now, though.
“What’re you doing here?” she asks in a hushed tone, trying not to draw more attention.
“You know why I’m fucking here,” he hisses.
I suck in a deep breath, trying to control my temper while staying out of her business. Truthfully, it’s damn hard.
Rowan laughs. “Because you miss me?”
It takes everything I have not to roll my eyes because I know exactly who this prick is now—her cheating ex-boyfriend, Nick. Granted, the way he’s looking at her, though, isn’t with love but hate.
“Miss you? Miss you?” His voice grows louder. “Not quite. I’m here because you’re a stupid bitch.”
I jump to my feet so fast, the barstool falls to the ground with a loud crash. “You need to watch your language when speaking to a lady.”
“Lady?” He snarls. “She’s no fucking lady. She’s a jealous whore who destroyed my Corvette.”
Rowan pipes in. “I did not touch your precious car. Why would I do that?” She crosses her arms over her chest, challenging him.
“Because you’re a goddamn cunt,” he snaps.
Taking a step forward, I’m mere inches from him and ready to punch his face in. “I’ve already warned ya once. Don’t call her names