Page 83 of Wrangled Love

Over the past few days, Caleb has grown more talkative and at ease, and the change in him is unmistakable. Watching him thrive on the ranch brings back memories of my own healing journey, and I’m glad to see him finding peace here too.

I’m further distracted from my inspection when my phone buzzes, and I check to see that I have a new message.

Charlie: The whole town’s buzzing about your visit to theice cream shop.

Charlie: Urban cowboy going full alpha when you tried to pay? That’s hot AF.

Briar: NGL. Itwassuper-hot.

I push my hair back, relieved she’s not here to see the grin on my face. Once Jensen got Caleb to bed last night, we slipped into his room. As soon as the door clicked shut, he was already tugging at my shirt, nearly ripping a button off in his hurry. He whispered his admiration, calling me the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen, and then he proceeded to break my record for the most orgasms I’ve had in a single night.

Briar: How come all the juicy gossip revolves around me lately?

Charlie: Because your situationship saga is the closest thing we have to reality TV.

Charlie: Until Ethel & Earl get caught canoodling in his taxi again.

Briar: Hands down the best edition of the town gazette.

I glance up from my phone, furrowing my brow when I spot a white speck in front of my cottage from across the ranch. I squint, able to make out it’s a delivery truck, but it’s too far away to discern any other details.

That’s odd.

I haven’t made any online orders, and Jensen hasn’t mentioned any upcoming deliveries. After another thirty minutes, I toss my tool bag into the back of my Jeep and drive over to check it out.

When I pull up in front of the house, I spot the Iron Spur logo on the side of the truck, a local service specializing in out-of-town deliveries.

I hop out of the Jeep, frowning when I hear the distinct sound of a drill coming from inside. I must have left a window open this morning, but I’m not complaining since it gives me some idea of what to expect.

I head straight for the kitchen, stepping around several large boxes flattened and propped against the entryway wall. I freeze when I turn the corner into the kitchen and find several local handymen in the small space, installing a cream-colored refrigerator still wrapped in plastic. The old fridge is pushed to the side, next to the old stove and microwave. A second glance around the room confirms thatallthe appliances have been swapped out for new retro-styled ones.

“I think y’all might be at the wrong house,” I say.

The men stop what they’re doing, giving me puzzled looks, likely wondering why I’m standing here staring at them. Just then, Jensen emerges from the dining room, wearing his glasses and a startled expression when he sees me.

“Briar, you’re home early.”

I tilt my head with a hand on my hip. “I’m guessing that’s a bad thing, considering the overhaul happening in my kitchen right now.”

Am I upset? No. Just confused by the unexpected renovation taking place.

“Why don’t we talk about this outside while the guys finish?” Jensen suggests.

I nod. “Lead the way.”

He takes my hand and guides me through the laundry room, where a brand-new washer and dryer have already been installed, then out to the back porch.

Ziggy darts around the large pen I set up outside his shed, giving him plenty of space to play while still having access to shade whenever he wants. I plan to introduce him to more animals on the ranch soon so he won’t be lonely while Caleb’s at school. He’sbecome a foster fail, and I’m not sorry. Birdie doesn’t mind since it’s one less animal she’ll have to take care of herself.

When Ziggy spots Jensen, he freezes mid-step, letting out a squeaky bleat as he flops over like he’s been unplugged. His legs stick straight out, stiff as twigs, and his eyes remain open, staring in our direction.

Jensen sighs in exasperation. “Seriously? Again?”

I bite back a smile. “Well, you are wearing your superhero glasses. The swooning was inevitable.”

He takes a step forward, trailing his fingers along my arm. “Funny since you’re still standing. I didn’t think you were immune to my charm.”

“Only when I’m on a mission to figure out why all of my appliances have been upgraded without my knowledge am I strong enough to resist temptation.” I lean forward, our mouths only inches apart. “Any other time, we’d already be halfway to the bedroom.”

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