tender moment with Rowan.
“So how are things going with the new guy around the ranch?” she asks after we catch our breaths.
“Gavin?” I furrow my brows, and she nods. He’s been working with Jackson for almost a month now. “I guess fine. I don’t see him much. Why do you ask?”
“Just wondered if he’s said anything about Maize.”
“No, not to me. What would he say about her?” I’m confused as hell as to where this conversation is going. “Rowan…”
“What?”
“What aren’t you telling me?”
“Um…it’s just girl stuff. Nothing. Forget I said anything.” She waves me off, and it’s cute she thinks I’m just going to so easily forget.
I tilt her chin up and arch a brow. “It’s nothing like actually nothing or nothing like I need to punch him in the face?”
She squints her eyes and twists her lips. “Neither?”
“So it’s something…”
She sighs, rolling her eyes. “They might’ve hooked up when he first arrived.”
“No fucking way.”
“It was the night you and I went to San Angelo actually. They met at the bar, and of course it was a night I wasn’t working.”
“Holy shit.”
“I know…” She inhales. “She took a pregnancy test.”
“Jesus, Row.” I blink hard. “Please tell me she’s not—”
“It was negative,” she interjects. “Then I had to pay her a hundred bucks for losing the bet.”
I breathe out a sigh of relief, my brain still spinning from this news. “So they hooked up, and then what?”
“Then nothing. She avoids him at all costs, which is why I asked if he’s ever brought her up. ’Cause if he did, I thought maybe he was thinking about her.”
“I don’t see him that much. When I’m not working, I’m with you and Dawson. But I have a feeling even if I did, he wouldn’t say a damn thing. In fact, he doesn’t talk that much. He looks pissed off most of the time.”
Rowan snorts, giggling. “Yeah, it’s always the quiet ones you have to worry about. He does have that whole sexy, brooding thing goin’ on, too.”
My brows shoot up. “’Scuse me?”
“Not to mention, he’s way older. Probably more experienced.”
“I’m older,” I remind her.
“By one year!” She chuckles, climbing on top of me. “Aww…is someone jealous?”
“Is someone tryin’ to make me jealous?” I brush loose strands of hair behind her ear and smile at her.
“I didn’t even have to try in school. You scared every guy away who breathed in my direction.”
I puff out my chest. “Damn straight.”
“We better get to sleep. Dawson will probably be up in four hours,” she tells me. “And he’ll want your full attention.”
“I plan to take him out to see the cows after breakfast anyway. They’ll burn him out, or he’ll burn them out. Win-win either way.”
Rowan leans down and softly kisses my lips. “You’re a great dad.”
“I’m trying to be.” I wrap my arms around her. “Hopefully, a great husband one day, too.” When I waggle my brows, she rolls her eyes at me, but she knows I’ll put a ring on her finger one day.
“Gonna finish fixing up this place this winter, and then you won’t be able to resist movin’ in with me.”
“Alright, Cowboy. Challenge accepted.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
ROWAN
FOUR MONTHS LATER
Diesel: You wearing that sexy red thong I like?
Rowan: I was thinking commando might be more your style?
Diesel: Screw dinner. Gonna fuck you against the table instead.
Rowan: That is not the romance package I signed up for on our first Valentine’s Day.
Diesel: Okay, fair point. I’ll wine and dine you, then fuck you senseless.
Rowan: Deal.
“You sure you’re okay babysitting?” I ask Elle who’s sitting on my bed, waiting for me to finish getting ready for my hot date tonight.
“I think I can handle a three-year-old,” she states. “Plus, Kenzie and I are having a singles-only party after Dawson goes to bed, so she’ll be there to help me.”
It’s been a crazy five months since Chelsea and Dawson moved to Texas. In fact, it’s been quite the adventure since the night Diesel kissed me in the bar office.
But I wouldn’t change it for the world. I’ve never been happier and love seeing this side of Diesel.
“Alright, I’m ready,” I tell Elle, staring into the mirror and inhaling a deep breath. I’m dressed up more than usual, and I hope I knock Diesel on his ass when he sees me. “How do I look?” I spin around for her to get a good look.
She examines me from head to toe with a cheeky grin. “Like you’re about to get laid six ways to Sunday.”
“Well, then I guess that’s