Page 12 of Cowboys Next Door

“Seriously?” I demand, staring at the dog outside. “You can get out, but you still can’t get back in?”

Bounce barks at me, swooping his head in the opposite direction, the pathetic expression on his face growing.

I can’t help but laugh.

“God, you’re dumb. Come on.” I stalk forward and let him inside, allowing his gilded body to slide by me before I lock the back door, my eyes scanning the lavender horizon for signs of anyone who doesn’t belong.

All I see are the last ranch hands finishing the day’s work. I wonder if any of them saw who delivered the letter.

But it doesn’t matter. I know where it came from; it’s not a secret. They’re not being coy in the least.

I should call Katherine.She’ll be beside herself if she gets something like this, and she might act rashly.

I move toward the counter again but stop myself. If Katherine had gotten a similar letter, she would have called one of us already, Hudson or me for sure. If she hadn’t, I would be forewarning her of what was coming, and that’s the last thing I want to do.

No, I’ll see her tomorrow, and if it comes up, I’ll know.

And tomorrow, I’ll get to see Rose, too. I hope she’s wearing those same jeans, because damn, her ass looked amazing in them.

I wonder how long she’ll be in Stannich. However long it is, I can’t help but feel like it won’t be long enough.

* * *

I wake extra early and head to Katherine’s, hoping to catch her before I start my usual chores on my own ranch.

She’s making a breakfast big enough to feed an army, every burner on the stove occupied, the counter space fully covered by cookie sheets, pots, and pans.

Rose is nowhere around. I find myself disappointed by this, but simultaneously relieved. I’ve been looking a little too forward to seeing her, and nothing good can come of that, either.

Down, boy.

I probably shouldn’t be pursuing anything with Katherine Winterbourne’s granddaughter. That will make for awkward conversation when the fling comes to an end.

“Ah, good! You’re here!” Katherine cackles, clapping her hands as wafts of cinnamon, nutmeg, eggs, bacon, and a dozen other eclectic spices and foods assault my nostrils. I hardly know which way to sniff. “You can be my sampler.”

She wipes her hands on an already filthy apron and beams at me, her vivid eyes sparkling.

“Uh… what are you doing, Miss Katherine?” I ask worriedly.

“I’m trying to figure out some of Rose’s favorites,” she explains. “So I’m making a bit of everything.”

“Oh…” I don’t know how to respond to that. Admiration, and a small spark of worry, spring through me, but I cast it all aside. “She’s a lucky girl.”

“Woman,” Rose yawns, padding into the kitchen in a pair of flannel pajamas, her blonde mane free and tousled over her shoulders.

I find myself staring at her natural beauty in awe again. My cock immediately hardens at the sight of her, earlier thoughts about keeping my distance flying completely out the window.

Suddenly, I find myself eying the kitchen for a clear spot of counter space, where I imagine bending her over and?—

DOWN, CONNOR!

I stick my hands in my pockets to adjust my hardness and turn away, hoping no one notices.

“Oh, dear. I was hoping you’d sleep in a bit longer,” Katherine complains. “Was I making too much noise?”

“No, not at all. I usually wake early.” Rose rubs her eyes. “What can I help you with, Katherine?”

“Nothing. I want you to sit right there and tell me what you want to eat. I’ve got grits, pancakes, bacon, baked beans?—”

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