Catching the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch #2) - Kennedy Fox Page 0,86

Dawson.”

“I agree one hundred percent. They both deserve the opportunity to form a relationship, and I have so much respect for you for allowing that.”

I can see she’s getting emotional, and we both laugh as I pull her in for a hug. “Hormones are such a bitch,” I say.

Diesel walks up, breaking up the moment because Dawson starts getting fussy. She turns and takes him from Diesel. “Told you he needed a nap or he’d be cranky.”

“Mama knows best,” Diesel says. “If you wanna wait in the truck, I can bring you home in just a few minutes.”

Chelsea nods. “Actually, would you mind if I grabbed some lunch? It smells delicious.”

Diesel chuckles. “Help yourself. Might have a wheelbarrow in the back after you’re done because Maize’s cookin’ is the best in the area.”

Chelsea laughs and walks to the dining area as Riley moves toward us.

“This is really gonna be a thing? You two all lovey-dovey, smoochin’ in front of everyone, and causin’ a show?”

“Riley,” I warn. “Mind your own damn business. You don’t get to tell me what to do, who to date, or any of those things. And if you do have a problem with it…” I take a step forward, ready to knock him down, but he takes a step back.

“Hey…” He lifts his hands. “I know I can’t control you. I just don’t want you gettin’ hurt, Rowan. I’ve only wanted the best for you, my only little sister, even if it means you choosing this dickhead.”

“I’m your best friend in the entire world!” Diesel argues. “Don’t you trust me?” He places a hand to his chest, pretending to be insulted.

Riley gives him a pointed look and tilts his head.

“If anyone’s gonna treat your sister right…” Diesel thrusts his hips, and Riley groans, grinding his teeth. I can’t help but laugh because through all of this, the man still has jokes.

“If you hurt her, I won’t think twice about punching you again,” Riley warns.

“And when he’s done with you, I’ll chop off your dick,” Maize adds, walking up to us.

I glance at Diesel, and he winks at me, and I know this is what true happiness feels like. Maize tells Riley to stop causing a scene and pulls him away. I wrap my arms around Diesel’s neck, finally getting a tad bit of privacy.

“It’s gonna take him some time to get used to this, Cowboy,” I say. His strong hands rest on my hips, and he pulls me even closer to him. “I’m sorry for assuming the worst. I should’ve known better, but my emotions had me thinking back on my past when I caught Nick cheating.”

“No, I get it. This is new for all of us, and I probably would’ve thought the same thing had I seen another man’s hands on you. Except I would’ve barged in and flattened him out.”

I chuckle, knowing he definitely would have. I nearly get lost in his eyes before mine flutter closed, and I’m ready to taste him. Before our lips can touch, the door slams, and I pull away. My eyes go wide, and I can’t believe who’s standing in the living room of the B&B.

Trace, and my ex, Nick.

My mouth falls open, and the only thought that runs through my mind is what the actual fuck?

Chapter Nineteen

DIESEL

I see red the minute my eyes land on the two guys standing in front of me.

Rowan’s tool bag ex-boyfriend and Trace.

Why the fuck are they here?

Better yet, why are they here together?

Rowan pulls away and steps toward them before they can come any farther into the B&B. “What’s going on?”

“You know why I’m here—” Nick stands taller. The cocky son of a bitch is about to meet my fist, more personally this time.

“I just came to check on you,” Trace interrupts. “You seemed upset this morning and stopped responding to my messages.”

My jaw clenches. I glance at Rowan who’s fidgeting with the hem of her shirt.

“You texted him?” I ask.

“I was upset…it was after I saw you and Chelsea and wanted someone to talk to.”

“I thought you talked with Maize?”

She turns toward me, her eyes wandering before they land on mine. “I did, but I needed a guy’s perspective too. I was only reaching out for a friend…” she reassures, but it doesn’t make me any less annoyed.

Rowan faces Trace, who looks confused as hell. “I’m so sorry, Trace. I didn’t mean to leave you hanging or have you worry about me. I really appreciate that you care, but it was