Wrangling the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch #3) - Kennedy Fox Page 0,16

and my heart is racing. Gavin working for Uncle Jackson means I’ll eventually have to see him again. The dread nearly consumes me, and I’m pissed I got myself into this predicament in the first place. One-night stands aren’t my thing, but I was convinced I’d never see him again because I thought he was only passing through town.

Cowboys are typically a hard no, and I should’ve stuck by that rule.

When I was eighteen, I dated a ranch hand named Timothy. It was love at first sight, or so I thought. My family was aware of our relationship and warned against getting involved because he wouldn’t be staying long term. I foolishly thought I was enough for him to stay, but I was so damn wrong. When it ended between us, I realized how I’d been bamboozled by love. My heart was broken beyond repair, and I swore never to make that mistake again. I’ve avoided any men who’ve shown interest in me and worked on the ranch. Yet I find myself in this predicament. I just hope like hell he keeps our secret to himself and leaves me alone.

When I get home, Mom and Dad are watching TV on the couch. Before I’m bombarded with conversation, I wave, then rush to my room and dramatically fall onto my bed. The only thing that pulls me away from my humiliation is my phone vibrating. When I pick it up, I see a message from Rowan and hope she was able to come up with a good excuse.

Rowan: Totally random question for no reason, but when was your last period?

Maize: Uh…I don’t know? Why?

Rowan: Well, any chance you could be pregnant?

What the fuck kinda question is that? Probably because all the blood drained from my face, and I rushed to the bathroom like I was gonna vomit the moment I realized Gavin was here.

Maize: WHAT? No!

Just the thought of being pregnant throws me into a panic. How the hell would I explain that to my family?

Rowan: Are you sure? Like 100%?

I think back to the incredible night we had together, but the small details remain a blur. We were greedy for one another, and he worshipped my body like I was a goddess. Gavin’s the type of man you run away with for a summer, not the kind you settle down with. The bull riding culture creates fuck boys, and I bet he was one.

Obviously, we were careful, but there’s always a chance.

Maize: I’m on the pill, and we used a condom.

Rowan: Did you remember to take your pill?

These questions aren’t helping the way I feel right now.

Maize: I think so…I mean, sometimes I forget, but typically I do!

Rowan: Oh my God…

Maize: Shut up. I swear. I’m not pregnant.

Rowan: Then take a test.

Maize: We hooked up like three weeks ago. It’d be too soon to know anyway.

Rowan: Maybe. I’m buying you a test, though, just to be sure.

I roll my eyes, though I know she will.

Maize: And when I prove to you I’m NOT, you owe me $100!

Rowan: Ha! You better cross your fingers and toes you aren’t. Unless you want Mr. Brooding Cowboy as your baby daddy ;)

Maize: I hate you so much.

I roll over and bury my face in the pillow. I’ll probably never be able to live this down. Thank God no one else knows about it other than Rowan and Kenzie. As the thought crosses my mind, I get a text from her.

Kenzie: Do you feel okay?

Maize: Yep, I just had to get out of there.

Kenzie: Okay good. Kinda worried me. Sidenote: I can’t believe Gavin’s working for Uncle Jackson. What are the odds?

With a groan, I reply. I was half hoping she’d forgotten that night, but Gavin isn't the forgettable type. Not with his dark hair, blue eyes, and pouty lips. She witnessed us flirting, saw us leave together, and knows I slept with him.

Maize: I don’t know, but I’M NOT HAPPY ABOUT THIS.

Kenzie: Why? He’s hot as hell and was totally into you that night at the bar. I’m ecstatic we have some real-life cowboy man candy to drool over. Might put in a good word to Aunt Kiera and see if she can hire someone more my age, though.

Maize: Ugh. Can we drop this?

Kenzie: I guess, but only because I gotta get back to work!

Then again, I can’t deny how damn sexy he looked in those jeans and boots. I almost ask Kenzie if he’s still there but decide against it. If I close