Wrangling the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch #3) - Kennedy Fox Page 0,38

and then you’ll be all set,” I explain and point toward the office. He gives me a head nod and goes that way.

As Angel is tied to a post, I take a step back, crossing my arms and looking at her. She’s a beautiful gray leopard appaloosa with a black mane and white socks. Holding my hand out, I allow her to make the first move and sniff me. Once Angel seems calmer, I lead her to her stall. By the time she’s settled in the barn, I walk to the front, and the owner is long gone.

Diesel and Grayson step out of the office, ragging on each other.

“If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t even be at work this morning,” he tells Diesel.

“And that’s why you’re my right-hand man,” Diesel explains. “You keep me in check.”

Grayson rolls his eyes and grins. “There’s Casanova.”

“What?” I chuckle.

“I heard Maize got roses on Valentine’s, and I’ve been meaning to ask you if you sent them,” Diesel says.

I tilt my head at them because there’s no damn way either would know ’cause Maize’s sealed like a vault. “I’m not the type of man who kisses and tells, boys. So, you need to go on with all that rumor mill shit.”

“You’re no fun,” Diesel whines.

“I’m plenty of fun, or at least that’s what the ladies say.” I shrug and laugh.

“The rodeo’s next week, right?” Grayson lifts his cowboy hat and smooths his sweat-covered hair down before setting it back on his head.

I nod, answering him with Maize on my mind. I wonder if we’ll ever be anything more, and chasing women isn’t in my forte. Feeling the constant hot and cold from her is a new experience for me, and I’m not sure I like it. Though I do enjoy the chase of it all.

“How’s Cooper doing? Nervous yet?” Diesel asks.

“Actually, he’s doing really well. Wouldn’t be surprised if he placed. I know the competition won’t be easy, though. As long as he stays on his A game and gets out of his damn head, he’ll make it happen,” I explain. “We’re actually meeting tonight to continue our lessons. Most of it’s mental, but a large portion is physical too. You ever thought about riding?”

Diesel’s a big guy with lots of muscle, and with the right training, he could probably go far.

He snorts. “Hell no!”

“Big D here’s too much of a pussy,” Grayson snaps with a chuckle. “He nearly cried when he saw a spider in the truck last week.”

I burst out laughing.

“I did not!” Diesel scowls and takes off running after Grayson, who’s way too fast for him. I remember being pretty much the same at their age.

Diesel bends over and picks up a rock and throws it at Grayson. It nails him right in the back of his head. Wanting to retaliate, Grayson starts throwing them back.

“What in the fuck are you two doin’?” Jackson yells.

I cross my arms and watch them chase each other like kids.

“Nothing!” Diesel says, finally dropping his ammunition.

Jackson looks at me and shakes his head. In that split second, Grayson nails Diesel in the forehead.

“What the hell!” Diesel screams and starts the chase again.

Jackson claps his hands to get their attention, but they’re lost. Seconds later, he puts two fingers in his mouth and lets out the loudest ear-piercing whistle I’ve ever heard. They both stop moving.

“Get your asses in the truck and get the hell outta here. Actin’ like rowdy children,” he demands, but he’s smiling.

“Learned it from you!” Diesel pops off, and Jackson rears up like he’s going to charge them.

It’s enough to scare the shit out of them, and they climb into the truck without hesitation. When I see the look on their faces as they back out of the drive, I chuckle. They’re giggling like schoolkids, and so is Jackson.

I shake my head, and Jackson pats me on the back. “Guess it’s time to get back to work.”

“Yes, sir,” I confirm, then head to the barn. One thing about working on the Bishop ranch is that there’s never, ever a dull day around here.

Chapter Nine

MAIZE

I can’t believe today’s the competition. I’ve been counting down to this ever since I got that phone call, and now it’s finally here. My nerves have gotten the best of me all week, and I’ve been a wreck, trying not to overwhelm myself. I know what winning could do—give me the opportunity to jumpstart my business.

When I was in culinary school, it was very competitive. I received job