Wrangling the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch #3) - Kennedy Fox Page 0,13

around a mouthful. It makes me smile.

Seconds later, Diesel and Riley enter, going back and forth with each other just like they were this morning, but now it all makes sense.

Alex shakes his head. “They act like that all the time.”

Another guy I haven’t met yet is following them. As soon as the guys see me, they walk up and give hellos and introductions.

“Grayson, this is Gavin. He’s helping Uncle Jackson with the horses,” Riley says, popping a piece of bacon in his mouth.

“Nice to meet ya.” We say it at the same time, then laugh.

“I work with Diesel, but hope to one day be training horses too,” Grayson tells me.

“I’m the best boss he’s ever had!” Diesel nearly yells. Grayson rolls his eyes.

“Let’s eat,” Riley announces, getting antsy, and they follow him to sit with Knox and Kane.

I get up and put another stack of pancakes on my plate, then cover them with syrup. As I take a big bite of pancakes, I think about the night I had with a girl the last time I was here. I think I remember Maize mentioning someone named Grayson, and I wonder if it’s the same guy. It’s a small town, so it’s possible.

I think about that night we spent together often and wish I would’ve asked her for her number. I’ve thought about her and the chemistry we shared. It’s been impossible to get her out of my system, and it’s not from a lack of trying.

We finish eating, and Knox and Kane decide to ride with Riley. Alex delivers me to Jackson, who’s sweating his ass off with a shovel in his hand.

Alex rolls down the window. “Hey, old man. I brought Gavin back as demanded.”

Jackson gruffs. “Thank you, captain obvious.”

“Thanks for showing me around,” I tell Alex as I get out of the truck.

“Anytime!” Alex says out the open window, then gives me a wave before leaving.

Jackson sets the shovel down and walks over to me, wiping the sweat from his brow. “How was breakfast?”

“Great. Reminds me of my ma’s cookin’,” I admit. “I think I ate ten pancakes.”

“Told ya! Anyway, guess we should get you acquainted with the training area.”

We walk over to the different sections and barns. Among the several corrals is enough room to train several horses at once. Before I got hired, Kiera and Jackson explained their experience and what they were looking for in an employee. For the past few years, they’ve been doing everything on their own with their kids’ help. They want to expand, but without help, that’s not possible.

“Right now, we’re training eight horses. Two will be picked up by the end of the week, and one was delivered about an hour ago. The others are at different stages but only have a few more weeks to go. We’re also getting some new mares on Monday.”

I nod and make a mental note. We walk to the edge of the training area, and Jackson shows me an obstacle course set up for barrel racing. It’s impressive, but it seems everything the Bishops do is.

“The kids usually feed the horses in the morning, and I make them clean out stalls in the afternoons. For the most part, they’re doing different tasks around the ranch. They’re good kids, but damn, they make me feel old.”

I give him a side-grin. “My ma always said to be good growing up, or my payback would be having kids who were worse than me. Guess they’re yours.”

“Damn right they are,” he admits, shaking his head. “Oh, that colt delivered this morning will be your first project. He’s in the stable being fed but thought you could get started with him today. Spunky as hell and has a bad attitude.”

“Just my type.” I chuckle.

“Fireball should be a good start for you,” he tells me, leading me to the barn.

The colt looks like he’s around two and doesn’t pay any attention to us.

“Apparently, he’s a fucker, I mean bucker. Same thing, though.” Jackson leans against the gate.

“Has he had any saddle practice?” I ask, wanting to know the history and what level we’re starting on.

“The owners have done nothing but put a halter on him and led him on rides. He’s an asshole, and they want him broken in enough for their grandkids to ride.”

Fireball starts pawing his hoof on the ground, and I smile. It’s been a while since I’ve been this excited about work. Jackson shows me the location of all the gear, then he leaves me