Wrangling the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch #3) - Kennedy Fox Page 0,64

too. No pressure, though.” He gives me a wink and presses start on the tea maker.

“I’ll bring it out once it’s done brewing,” I say, feeling the weight sitting heavily on my heart.

Once Dad is out of sight, I know exactly what I have to do, so I text Gavin.

Chapter Sixteen

GAVIN

I’m knee-deep in mud and frustrated as hell. Jackson and I struggle to capture one of the new wild horses in the pasture that’s transformed into a playa lake. We’ve gotten a shit ton of rain lately, and it’s caused a huge mess for us. Doesn’t help this horse is an asshole and doesn’t follow instructions. “C’mon, Lacey. Let’s go,” I beg softly, ready to go home and shower.

“I think her foot is stuck,” Jackson says, sticking his arm down and reaching for her hoof. “Gimme just a second.”

As I tightly hold her halter, Jackson tries to get her free.

“Ah, I think I got it.”

As soon as his words come out, Lacey becomes more agitated. Quickly, I tighten my grip before she hurts one of us.

“Alright, girl. You’re okay.” I smooth my palm down her nose.

Jackson stands and shakes his hand, whipping muddy slop all over me.

“Ugh, thanks.” I wipe mud from the only clean part of my shirt. At this point, my clothes need to be thrown out.

“Sorry.” He chuckles. “Hazards of the job.”

“So I’ve learned.”

Together, we pull Lacey out and take her to the barn. Like the other six we rescued this morning, she’ll need to be bathed. According to Jackson, that’ll be Knox and Kane’s job, which means they probably got themselves into trouble again.

“I’m going to head home early,” I tell Jackson. “I’m gonna have to shower three times to get this smell out of my hair.” Taking off my hat, I brush my fingers through it.

“I hear girls like that.” He smirks.

“Very doubtful.” I snort. “See ya tomorrow.”

I hop into my truck, and when I check my phone, I blink hard to make sure I’m not imagining a missed text from Maize. We haven’t talked since the Fourth of July party two weeks ago. Though I’ve seen her plenty at the B&B, she’s ignored me as though I don’t exist. She was so pissed when I showed up with Sarah Cooke, but I’m not sorry about it. She shouldn’t have brought a guy to my fucking birthday party. The moment she saw me with another woman, jealousy radiated off her.

Before I drive off, I unlock my phone and open her message.

Maize: We need to talk in person. Can you meet me at the B&B tonight? Around 7:30?

What in the world would she want to talk about now, after weeks of this cat and mouse game she’s played?

I’m too shocked to reply, so I decide to text Grayson since he’s the only one who knows about Maize and me.

Gavin: Maize just texted me to meet up with her tonight. What do you think she wants?

Grayson: *eggplant emoji*

Grayson: *peach emoji*

Grayson: *tongue emoji*

Gavin: Wow, you’re a lot of help. Thanks, asshole.

I shouldn’t be surprised, considering Grayson’s basically a country frat boy. Though it did make me laugh a little.

Grayson: My pleasure. Take condoms.

Gavin: *middle finger emoji*

Deciding to just man up, I respond to her.

Gavin: Do I need to bring groin protection, or are you not going to bust my balls for once?

Maize: Guess I deserved that. But no. I genuinely want to talk to you.

Gavin: Alright, I’ll be there.

Once I’m home, I take an extra-long, steaming hot shower. My mind races with the possibilities of what Maize wants to talk about. Considering her sudden change of tune, I’m half wondering if she needs me to donate a kidney or something.

I put on a black T-shirt and blue jeans with boots. Making sure I don’t reek, I add cologne and put some gel in my hair. Once I’m finished, I grab a beer and eat something. With some time to spare, I decide to watch TV to keep my mind off her, but it’s no use. My thoughts wander as the memories of us together play on repeat. Talking and laughing at the bar and rodeo, then falling into bed together. Waking up with her next to me was a nice contrast to the first time, and I wished it weren't so short-lived.

At twenty after seven, I jump in my truck and drive to the B&B. I’m nervous to hear what she has to say, but I don’t let her know that. Once I park, I walk in with