AllFreeNovel
Share Us
My heart rate is erratic as I stand under the water until my body relaxes.
“Fuck,” I whisper-hiss, trying to gain my composure, knowing she’s going to be the end of me. After I dry off, I head to my room to put on some fresh clothes.
Considering it’s Sunday and Diesel let me leave early, there’s not much to do. I sit on the couch and watch some TV for an hour, then I’m ready to do something else. I text Luke and Payton to see if they’d like to hang out, but both are busy. I even text Knox and Kane, but they’re still finishing their daily tasks. Instead of messaging someone else, I grab my keys and drive to the Circle B Saloon in town.
The rain has finally stopped, and the late afternoon sun slightly peeks through the dark clouds. When I arrive, it’s not busy. A few locals are sitting at the end of the bar, and to my surprise, Kenzie’s here too.
A smirk touches my lips as I sit next to her. I can smell the floral scent of her shampoo and wish I could bottle it up.
She turns and looks at me. “You’re literally like an annoying fly that won’t go away.”
“Nice to see you too,” I deadpan, then order a beer.
Rowan comes around the corner carrying several binders. She sets them down next to Kenzie, then glances back and forth between the two of us with raised brows.
“Don’t even ask,” Kenzie mumbles, taking a sip of her drink. “He doesn’t know how to take a hint. I don’t know how I can be any clearer about how I feel.”
“Seems like love to me,” I taunt, and she groans.
“Keep tellin’ yourself that, Cowboy,” she snaps with an eye roll. “Delusional with a capital D.”
“At this point, you should just appease me. You owe me.”
Kenzie scoffs. “I don’t owe you shit.”
She’s literally building an invisible wall between us, but I refuse to let her. Over the years, I’ve wondered why she hates me so much and haven’t been able to figure it out. Now, after her trying to seek revenge, I’m even more determined to make her crack.
Rowan snickers, and I almost forgot she was here. “You must really like gettin’ hog-tied because you don’t give up.”
“It actually kinda turned me on.” I waggle my brows, and Kenzie pretends to throw up in her mouth, but I’m certain it’s all an act.
Since the day we met, Kenzie Bishop has wedged her way under my skin, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t like it—I just wish she’d finally admit our connection isn’t one-sided.
Chapter Four
MACKENZIE
My alarm goes off, and I roll out of bed with a smile because it’s Friday. Other than hanging out with one of my teacher friends tonight, I don’t have any big plans. But it does mean that I’m much closer to the last day of school next Wednesday. Summer break can’t come soon enough, especially after all the work I’ve put into lesson plans and grades this year while trying to make the last few weeks of class fun.
I love teaching and wouldn’t trade it for the world.
After I finish getting dressed and grab my keys, I notice Mom’s already left. I check the time, then go on my way. Apparently, my sister made bear claws, and I’m already foaming at the mouth for one. The weather couldn’t be more perfect as I park in front of the B&B and walk inside.
“Mornin’,” Maize says when I poke my head into the kitchen.
“Hey, sis!”
She’s got flour on her apron, and her hair is twisted up into a high bun. “I just took these out of the oven, so they’re still warm, just how you like ’em.”
I hurry over and grab one, but it’s so hot, I have to set it back down.
“If it wouldn’t burn the fuck out of my mouth, I’d eat it whole right now.” I laugh, pinching off some of the sweet bread and blowing on it. Once it’s cooled a bit, I pop it in my mouth, then moan at how delicious it is.
“Jesus,” Maize says with a snort. “You really need to get laid.”
“Yeah, you’re telling me. But you know how it is ’round here.”
She nods, twisting more dough, then setting it on the parchment-paper-covered tray. “I do. Honestly, I’d hate to be searchin’ for love right now, especially here.”
“Not many options,” we say at the same time, then laugh.
“I got lucky,” she adds.
“I need to get lucky.” I waggle my brows, then check the time as I finish my breakfast. I walk closer to her and give her a little squeeze. “Thanks for makin’ my fave.”
“Welcome. Grab another one before you go!”
I chuckle. “You’re as bad as Mom. Between you two, I’m gonna gain fifty pounds on breakfast alone.”
