Wrangling the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch #3) - Kennedy Fox Page 0,27

one can eavesdrop.

“Obsessed? You keep avoidin’ me and say there’s no reason for it,” I retort. “Our night together is nothing to be embarrassed about, Maize.”

“You’re absolutely delusional.”

I take my time and check out her body before meeting her intense gaze. “Then why do you always have goose bumps when I’m around? Coincidence?” I pop a confident brow.

She narrows her eyes while simultaneously rubbing her bare arms. “Shut up. I don’t.”

I chuckle, bringing a hand to her shoulder and sliding it down to her wrist, feeling the bumps against the pads of my fingers. “Right. I believe you.”

Maize groans, creating space.

“Stop denying it, sweetheart.”

“You’re so full of yourself. Even if we had met before, I doubt it would’ve been anything memorable. So perhaps my mind did me a favor and blocked it out.” She flashes an eat shit grin, then stalks off.

Moments later, Grayson comes over and pats my shoulder. “Wanted to officially welcome you to the Bishop wrath.”

Chapter Six

MAIZE

FIVE WEEKS LATER

After an insane and busy Christmas, I’m excited I get to spend New Year's Eve with my cousins because I’m not working for once. I did an enormous dessert bar on Christmas Eve and then served a special brunch on Christmas Day. Since I gave my employees the holidays off, my mother and Kenzie helped. Having them around is always fun since we love baking cookies together, but it took four twelve-hour shifts to prepare everything.

Having Gavin at our house for Thanksgiving was awkward and tense. Thank God that pregnancy test Rowan made me take months ago came back negative, or shit would be hitting the fan right now. Giving him a tour and then him later confronting me was irritating as hell. I don’t understand why he won’t drop it and put the past behind us. It’s been four months, and if I have to see him every day, I’d rather him not have the satisfaction of knowing I do remember.

How could I forget?

Still doesn’t mean I want to admit it.

Denial, denial, denial.

That’s my motto.

It wouldn’t be that hard if he’d just stay out of my way, but he shows up at the B&B every damn day looking like a Southern temptation. If I don’t push him away with my attitude, I’ll end up right back in his bed.

And that cannot happen.

The last time I let a smooth-talking cowboy sweep me off my feet, I paid the price. Seeing him every day afterward was hell, and I won’t allow it to happen again.

But tonight, I’m going to let loose and drink away my thoughts of Gavin Fox. It’s no wonder they called him “The Fox” when he was bull riding. Not only was he talented, but he had the looks to back it up too.

The worst combination.

My phone dings with a text, and I see it’s my sister.

Kenzie: You coming soon? It’s starting to fill up!

Kenzie and Ethan are bartending tonight, so Elle and Rowan are supposed to meet me there to drink and hang out.

Maize: Be there in 30.

I finish getting ready, leaving my hair down in beachy waves, then put on some red lipstick. It’s a contrast from my everyday look, which consists of a ponytail and mascara. It’ll be nice to dress up and hang out with the gang.

Before I leave, I find my mom in the kitchen and wrap my arms around her. “Happy New Year, Ma.”

She pats my hands before spinning around with a smile. “You headin’ out?”

“Yep. Gonna keep Kenzie company.”

She snickers. “I doubt she’ll need it at the bar.”

“True.” I laugh. “Dad at the B&B?”

“He should be home at any moment. I told him the house would be empty tonight, so he better hurry. And hopefully, he’ll bring wine.”

I exaggerate a gag. “Gross, Mom.”

“What? You think just because we’re older, we don’t need alone time?” She quirks a brow. “We had to get creative when you girls were younger.”

“Aaaaaand that’s my cue to leave.” I kiss her cheek, then grab my bag and hop in my truck.

By the time I arrive at the bar, the parking lot is packed, and I have to park on the street. I enter and squeeze my way through a ton of people drinking and dancing.

“Finally!” Kenzie scolds when I manage to find a seat. “Thought you were gonna bail on me.”

“Are Rowan and Elle here yet?”

“No, but they’re on their way. Hopefully, this crowd weeds out soon, though.”

Ethan comes up and hands me a coaster. “They will. Most of them stop in and have a