“You allowed him to help you shoot pool and touch you.”
“I did that because you had Malibu Barbie undressing you with her eyes! Plus, I had to act like I was interested in my date because Hadleigh was eyeing me. You didn't have an excuse.”
“So you were testing me.” The side of my mouth tilts up. “You were jealous.”
“No. I was annoyed that you showed up.”
I inch closer, cupping her cheek and leaning over her. “It's okay for you to admit you didn't like seeing another woman all over me. Because I can tell you right now, if we weren't being secretive, I wouldn't have thought twice about physically removing Rhett's hands from you. That goes for any man flirting with you.”
“You can’t just go around punching guys in the face who talk to me.”
“I beg to differ.” I won’t deny that I can be hotheaded, but I’ve never felt so tempted to destroy someone for simply looking at Ivy.
She rolls her eyes and tries to stay mad, but I see the way her lips curl up into a smile.
“Isn’t that what your book boyfriends would do? The ones you find so sexy.”
“They’re fictional. That’s different.”
“Not for me.” I crush my mouth to hers, seeking her tongue.
She gives in, wrapping her arms around me and humming into my mouth.
“Are you done being mad at me yet?” I taunt, twirling a piece of hair behind her ear. “Because I still have an amazin’ date planned for us tomorrow evening.”
She contemplates her answer, making me sweat as I await her response. “Yes...for now.”
I grin. “Good enough for me.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
KANE
Last night, I brought Ivy home with me, and this morning, I woke up with her in my arms. During my break, I brought her to her house so she could shower and get ready for our date tonight. It’s all I’ve been thinking about at work.
“Big plans tonight?” Payton asks while we load a mare into a trailer.
I can usually bullshit my way out of lying and just explain I'm lying low or going to bed early.
“Not sure yet, might chill, maybe go on a drive.” It's not a lie since I'm taking Ivy out. I've been planning it for days and can't fucking wait. “How 'bout you?” I ask, so he won't pry.
“Jerkin’ off in the shower, drinkin' a six-pack, and watching anime porn.”
“So a typical Saturday night for ya?”
He nods.
I chuckle at his humorless expression. Payton will probably hang out with my sister or meet some of the ranch hands at the bar.
After I’ve gotten Mr. Wilton to sign all the paperwork for Sophie and pay the final boarding fees, I send him on his way with a handshake. Knox left early to help Hadleigh with something, so it’s just us for the rest of the shift.
“You don't ever go home, do you?” I ask Payton when we head back to the barn. “To see your family,” I clarify when he gives me a weird look.
His eyes lower as he cracks his knuckles. “No, not in years.”
“May I ask why?”
“Never had a good relationship with my stepdad,” he states in a firm finality, obviously not wanting to discuss it.
Once we've cleaned the stables and fed the horses, we say goodbye and part ways.
As soon as I'm in my truck, I check my phone and smile when I see Ivy's name pop up.
Ivy: What should I wear tonight, Cowboy?
Kane: Preferably nothing. But if you must pick something, whatever goes with boots.
Ivy: So...only boots, then?
I growl as I imagine her naked body.
Kane: Don't tease me, woman.
Ivy: Where's the fun in that?
She sends an upside-down smiley emoji, and I laugh.
Kane: I'm on my way home now. Gimme an hour, then I’ll come get ya.
Ivy: I'll be ready and waiting!
Once I'm home, I quickly clean the house, then take a shower. I throw on some ripped jeans, a gray sweater, and boots, then put on my cowboy hat. Before heading out, I grab the bouquet I ordered for her. Before I can get Ivy, I have to stop at my grandparents’. Thankfully, I already packed my truck with everything we needed for our date this morning.
As soon as I pull into their driveway, I'm greeted at the door.
“Well, don't you look super pretty.” I lean down and kiss my grandma’s cheek.
“Save some of that charm for your date,” she taunts.
“I always have some set aside for you.” I flash her a wink.
Smiling, she leads me into the kitchen, where I see the barbecue pulled pork sandwiches and coleslaw.
“Grams, this smells so good.”
“And if ya want it, you better tell me who I made this for.” She arches a brow with a hand on her hip. Should’ve figured she'd try to blackmail me.
“You know I can't do that.”
“Says who?” she snaps.
“Secrets are more fun, didn't ya know that?” I smirk, hoping she'll drop it.