Page 47 of Wrangled Love

Is he serious?

Part of me was convinced he would beg me not to go or at least show some sign that it bothered him. Maybe our kiss didn’t mean as much to him as it did to me. Could he be waiting for me to move on so he wouldn’t have to spell out that he’s not interested? The thought stings more than it should, especially after spending the past few days thinking of nothing but him.

I swallow the lump in my throat, feeling the excitement drain away, thanks to his dismissive goodbye. Still, I’m determined not to let this dictate my mood for the evening. I have a date with a hot lawyer, and I intend to enjoy every minute, even if deep down, I’d rather be with Jensen.

It’s settled. I’m a goddamn idiot.

I pace the entryway as if that’ll make time move faster. At this rate, I’ll wear through the rug and my nerves by the end of the night.

Briar left for her date thirty minutes ago. She was wearing a blue floral summer dress that hit mid-thigh, paired with cream cowboy boots, making the outfit more seductive than sweet. She looked stunning, and all I could think about was it should’ve been me taking her out to dinner and making her laugh. Instead, I let her leave and told her to have a good time with another man.

I shouldn’t have tried to play it cool when she told me she was going out. If she’d mentioned it was a date before asking to get off work early, I would’ve found an excuse to keep her at the cottage tonight. Petty? Maybe. But the thought of her out with another man is pure torture. Yes, I’m aware we’ve only kissed once, but that hasn’t stopped this gnawing jealousy from sinking its teeth into my chest when I picture her with someone else.

The worst part? She had Earl pick her up. Nothing says “firstdate” like calling the town taxi instead of driving yourself. If she wasn’t planning to go home with the guy she’s out with, why not drive herself?

What am I going to do?

I can’t just pick up the phone and ask her to come back. She’d ask why, and what am I supposed to say? That I’m jealous? Like I have any right? We agreed that nothing could happen beyond the kiss we shared.

However, if Briar gets serious with this guy, I’ll be forced to watch him fawn over her, and she won’t spend as much time with Caleb and me. That’s not going to happen on my watch.

So much for keeping my distance.

I have to put a stop to her night out.

But how?

Julie and Samuel are visiting a friend a few towns over, and even if they left now, they wouldn’t be back for another hour. That’s enough time for Briar to finish dinner and be well on her way to falling for her date.

I dial Heath’s number, cursing when it goes straight to voicemail, so I try Walker next.

“What’s up, pretty boy?” he answers, his tone cheeky.

“Where’s your brother?”

“Out.”

I let out a frustrated sigh, losing patience. “Out where?”

“He was checking the cattle, so he should be back at the ranch house soon. Why?”

“I need you guys to come to the cottage and watch Caleb for a couple of hours.”

He lets out a humorless laugh. “Good one.”

“I’m serious.”

“You must be desperate if you’re askin’ two guys with zero experience to look after your kid.”

“Walker,” I say, my tone sharp. “This is important. He’s in bed, so all you have to do is wait downstairs until I’m back.”

“What if he wakes up?”

“You give him a glass of water and read him a story. He hardly ever gets up once he’s settled, so you shouldn’t worry about that.”

“And where exactly are you going out on a week night?”

You’d think I was being cross-examined based on his line of questioning.

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