by Kennedy Fox
I avoid her gaze as I readjust my ponytail, already knowing what’s coming next. It’s a talk we’ve had a few times before, and at this point, I’m used to all the Bishops making jokes about Ethan and me.
“You know I’m right. I bet he’s packing too.” She waggles her brows, and I nearly choke on my tongue.
I sigh, not denying I’ve had the same thought. “We’re just so busy with work, and if we tried being together, it could ruin our friendship…” The thought lingers in my mind, and I hate thinking about him not being in my life. “My heart couldn’t handle it if things didn’t work out. It’d be more than just a breakup. I’d be losing a best friend at the same time.”
“Hmm. The denial is real thick today.”
I furrow my brows, knowing she has no room to talk. “What about you and Kane? Or wait, is it Knox? Can’t tell which twin you’re after,” I say mockingly.
“Both at the same time? Now that’s a fantasy,” she adds with a devilish smirk. “A little threesome never hurt anyone.”
I can’t help but laugh. “I mean, you’re right. Why choose? Though I have a gut feeling Kane wouldn’t want to share you with anyone, not even his brother. Which one do you think would be the wildest?”
“That’s easy. Knox, hands down. I think he’d be a freak in the sheets and make me call him daddy. Kane seems more the sweet and tender type. Like the kind of guy who would call you the next day after a hookup, instead of Knox who’d immediately ghost you after he got his.”
I arch a brow, interested in how she knows so much about this. “You seem quite educated on the subject,” I tease, and Hadleigh pretends she’s gonna chunk a bar of lavender soap at me. Instead, she stuffs it in a bubble envelope.
“I’ve basically grown up with them and always hear them talking about their conquests. They shit-talk as if I’m not even in the room, and suddenly, I know their favorite positions and kinks. Honestly, I think they see me as one of the guys.”
“Knox’s is doggy, right?” I ask with a laugh. “He seems to be the type who’d enjoy smacking your ass and pulling hair.”
Hadleigh bursts out laughing, and I swear I see a blush covering her cheeks. “And choking,” she adds.
“Sweet Jesus.” I playfully fan myself, refilling both of our glasses with wine after we finished.
Hadleigh giggles. “I mean, you know about Ethan’s love life, right? Well, I mean when he had one.”
My heart races when I think about him being with another woman. “Well, no. I can’t say I did. We always respected each other’s private relationships. I didn’t share details, and neither did he. And now, we’re single and not looking, so it’s not even a thing. Hasn’t been since we were in college.”
Hadleigh nods. “So no random hookups to brag about?”
I shake my head. “No. When he’s not at work, we’re usually together.”
She sucks in a deep breath. “Ahh.”
“Now what?” I ask as I sign more thank-you cards.
“You’re like an old married couple. You hang out all the time, text all day, but don’t have sex. You’re basically cock-blocking each other.”
I shrug and go back to what I was doing. “That’s true, I guess.”
“But you can’t tell me you haven’t at least thought about it,” Hadleigh throws out.
Blush hits my cheeks. “Maybe a time or two,” I admit, but in reality, it’s been way more than that.
“I knew it! But I also don’t blame you one bit. What is it with these Bishop men? How is it possible they’re all that good lookin’?”
“Must be something in their well water.” I laugh.
“Maybe y’all should make one of those pacts where if neither of you is married by thirty-five, you go get hitched.” She laughs as if it’s the best idea ever.
“If I wait nine more years to have sex, my vagina is gonna be dried up and unworthy,” I deadpan.
“Your pussy will always be worthy to me,” she says teasingly.
“Keep that in mind when I come to you in five years and beg for a favor.”
We both burst out laughing, clearly the alcohol taking over.
We get back to it and somehow pick up our pace despite the wine. The only thing that’s on my mind right now is Ethan. He’s sexy as sin and polite as hell—a true Southern gentleman who would probably rock my world in the bedroom. When he chooses to be with someone, she’ll be the luckiest lady in the world because he’s one of a kind. I wonder what would happen if we dated and how our story would end if we weren’t best friends already.
But that’d never happen because we have unspoken boundaries that have never been crossed. When it comes to Ethan, being his best friend is enough, and I’ll be happy with what I can get.
Chapter Five
ETHAN
“Hey, Uncle John,” I greet as I enter the B&B. He nods, then continues chatting with a guest who’s complaining about the heat like it can be changed.
“Ma’am, this is West Texas. August is one of the hottest months of the year,” Uncle John explains with a frustrated sigh as if this isn’t the first time he’s had this conversation. “You’re welcome to stay inside where it’s air-conditioned.”
“I didn’t come all the way down here to stay inside.” She huffs.
I shake my head as the woman continues her rant. Though the B&B has been in the family for decades and is a valued vacation retreat, there are still guests who will never be satisfied.
Leaving Uncle John to it, I go to the breakfast buffet and grab a plate.
Maize walks out of the kitchen with a flour-covered apron. “Might wanna go save your dad before the vein in his forehead bursts,” I tell her.
She peeks over and rolls her eyes. “Mrs. Burberry. She scolded me yesterday for having too many chocolate chips in the pancakes. Too. Many. Chocolate. Chips.” Maize blows out an annoyed breath. “Whoever heard of such a thing?”
At the mention of pancakes, I grab myself a couple.
“Don’t worry, Maze. I love your grub.” I flash her a grin.
“Don’t call it grub, or you’ll be on my shit list too.” She folds her arms over her chest.
“Uh-oh. Trouble in paradise?” I ask.
Grayson chuckles, coming up behind me. “Gavin in the doghouse?”
“No. The girls are in a no-sleeping phase.” Maize groans. “By the time I get one back to bed, the other wakes up, and I’m nearly rocking myself to sleep with a kid on the boob.”
“Ugh, spare me the visual.” Grayson winces, then continues, “Don’t your kids have teeth? Sounds like you’re on the brink of exhaustion and full of bite marks.”
Smirking, I add, “From the girls or Gavin?”
Maize punches his arm, then smacks me in the chest. I nearly drop my food, but somehow save it. “I only nurse them at night for comfort, not that it’s any of your business. And where Gavin bites me isn’t any of your concern either.”
“Easy, damn.” Grayson rubs his bicep and moves to the pastries table. “Just messin’ with ya. What do I know about babies?”
“Should know plenty since most of your friends still act like one,” she states, glancing at me.
“Hey.” I scowl.
Maize rolls her eyes, though she’s used to our antics. “It’s the truth.”
Once she walks off, Grayson and I take a seat. “So you wanna hang out tonight?” he asks.
“Can’t. Harper and I have plans,” I tell him before taking a large bite of pancakes. “Maybe tomorrow.”
“I wouldn’t mind if you were ditchin’ me for some ass, but this only friends shit you’re feedin’ everyone doesn’t cut it.”
I chuck a piece of my food at him. “Shut the hell up. You’re just mad because you’ll be drinkin’ alone on a Friday night.”
“And jerkin’ off to thoughts of Kenzie,” Gavin says, appearing from behind me.
“Dude.” I glare at him as he stands next to the table. “That’s my cousin.”
“Like you
weren’t thinkin’ it.” Gavin shrugs, snagging a piece of bacon off Grayson’s plate. “I better go check on Maize. Girls kept her up half the night, and since I’m the one who got her pregnant, she threatened to castrate me at four this morning.”
“Ouch. I’d take an extra plate with you just in case. Cover your junk.” I snicker.
As Gavin goes to the kitchen, more of the ranch hands enter. It’s filled with guests and workers, all eating and talking.
“Better watch out for Cinnamon Roll. She nearly bit off my hand this morning,” Payton says as he digs into his eggs. “Feisty little shit.”
I chuckle. “Didn’t work with goats in Montana?” That’s where Payton’s originally from, but he grew up handling horses and cattle.
“Not these breastfed, clingy types.” He grunts. “Texas animals are a pain in my ass.”
“Better get used to it if you’re stayin’ a while,” Luke interjects.
Payton shrugs but doesn’t clarify how long he’ll be here. He’s new to the ranch, but I know his time here may only be temporary. We aren’t close because when I’m not working, I’m with Harper.
When I’m done eating, Maize and her workers replenish the buffet. I put up my dirty dish, say my goodbyes, then leave with Grayson trailing me. When I make it to my truck, my phone bings with a text.
“Harper?” Grayson smirks as he goes to the side-by-side he drove here.
Harper: I’m all out of coffee! Are ya able to bring me some from the B&B? It’s an emergency! ;)
“By the love-sick look on your face, I’d say I’m right,” Grayson taunts.
“Shut the fuck up,” I grunt, typing my response.
Ethan: Of course, be there in fifteen.
Going back inside the B&B, I run into Maize again, and she gives me a suspicious look as I fill a to-go cup with coffee.
“Forget somethin’?”
“Just grabbing it for Harper,” I admit while adding creamer and sugar.
“You know we all have a bet goin’ on for when you two will finally hook up.”
I look at her with horror in my eyes. “Excuse me? Y’all better not.”
She shrugs with a devilish grin. “According to Grandma, all the Bishop men are as stubborn as mules. And since you’re actin’ like one, we started placing bets.”
“What are the stakes?” I ask, curious.
“Up to five thousand now.”
“Jesus. Prepare to lose then.” I shrug as if it doesn’t bother me. “And don’t let Harper know about this. Y’all will embarrass her.”
“Don’t worry, we won’t. We swore we wouldn’t tell her until your wedding day.”
Groaning with an eye roll, I place the coffee lid on and leave.
I should be used to their hassling by now, but it gets old, especially since most of them took the hard route to find their spouses. Well, except Riley. He married Zoey the first night they met in Vegas. Aunt River nearly smacked him across state lines when she found out.
“Hey,” Harper greets when I walk through the door and hand her the cup. “You’re a lifesaver. Thank you.” She closes her eyes as she takes her first sip, then moans. “Mmm…so good.”
My dick jerks at the sweet sounds she makes, but I quickly adjust myself before she notices.
“You’re welcome.” Looking around, I notice supplies litter her kitchenette. “How’s it goin’ with orders?”
She blows out a breath. “Tryin’ to catch up the best I can. Once I get these bars made and can put them up, I’m gonna package until dinner.”
“If you’re too busy to hang tonight, I understand,” I tell her, though I want nothing more than to see her.
“No, no. I want to. Plus, I’ll need to take a break at some point, and it’s our tradition. I’m not about to ruin it now.” She smiles up at me, and it warms my entire body. Though, I’m already sweating head to toe in this August heat.
“Alright, great. I’ll see you tonight after I shower.” I rotate my baseball cap around and step toward her. Bringing my lips to her forehead, I press a soft kiss there. “Text me if you need anything before then.”
“I will. Thank you again, Ethan.” She holds up her coffee cup.
Once I’m back at the barn, I catch up with the workers and find Payton tightening the fences. “Everything okay?” I ask.
“Just trying to figure out how these rascals keep getting out. All the gates are secure, and there aren’t any broken fences.” He shakes his head with frustration.
“Oh shit, that reminds me. The game cameras arrived yesterday. I’ll put them up today so we can catch them in action.”
“My money’s on Cupcake being a witch or something,” Payton says.
“Or someone’s fuckin’ with us and leaving it open on purpose,” Luke adds.
“Better not be.” My lips twitch. I’ll be pissed.
After I open the boxes stacked in my office, I grab a ladder and find someone to hold it so I don’t fall on my ass. I want to install them high on the barn so they’ll face the pasture with a clear view of the fence. And if someone is settin’ us up, they hopefully won’t spot the cameras.
“Payton, got a minute to help me?”
“Sure, boss. Be right there.”
One of the goats cuts him off midstride, and he trips into a pile of mud.
At least I hope that’s mud.
“Dude.” Luke bursts out laughing. “You alright?”
“Goddammit, Cheesecake.” Payton stands, brushing his hands over his jeans. She yells at him, and he gives her a dirty look.
“I think you just got added to her shit list,” I tease.
Payton shakes his head. “Damn goats.”
An hour later, the cameras are installed, and I’ve downloaded the app so I can watch in real-time. One way or another, we’re gonna figure out how they’re getting loose.
Nothing monumental happens during the rest of my shift. When it’s just past five, I decide to call it a day. My employees typically handle the evening milking and feeding without me since I manage the morning shift. By the time I head out to my truck, my stomach’s growling, and I’m ready to get home. Not only am I looking forward to spending time with Harper but I’m also anxious to shower off the day.
I find my parents in the kitchen when I walk in. They’re wearing scrubs and pouring coffee into their mugs.
“Returning or goin’?” I ask.
“Going,” Mom replies. “Both working seven to seven, so we won’t be back till breakfast.”
“Home alone on a Friday night. Maybe I should throw a pasture party?” I tease.
“Nice try,” my dad blurts out. “Your grandmother would be over in a heartbeat to set you straight.”
“Or would she?” I muse.
Mom snickers. “She’d probably bring cookies and milk for everyone.”
“Now that’d be a party worth havin’.” I smirk, opening the fridge.
“I put a container of leftover creamy chicken casserole and some cornbread in there,” Mom says.
“You’re the best, Ma.” I kiss her cheek, then take out the food.
“We better go if we don’t wanna be late, babe,” Dad says, grabbing his things.
“Have a good night. Bye,” I tell them.
“No parties,” Dad reiterates.
“You know the only person he’s going to have over is Harper,” Mom says.
Wow. Predictable much? Jesus.
To be fair, it’s our thing, even if it’s platonic. That’s probably why they don’t worry.
“Y’all know I’m twenty-six, right? Legal to drink, legal to get married, legal to rent a car even!” I snicker.
“Legal to build your own house too,” Dad counters.
“Don’t tell him that!” Mom snaps. “He’s my only baby left who lives here.” She wraps her arms around me and squeezes our faces together. “You can live here as long as you want.”
I chuckle at Dad’s expression. “Thanks, Mom.”
“Alright, Emily. W
e really do need to get goin’.”
“Fine. See you tomorrow, honey.”
Once my parents leave, I scarf down my food, then text Harper.
Ethan: I’m about to hop in the shower. My parents just left if you wanna watch movies here tonight?
Her immediate response makes me smile.
Harper: Sure! I’m gonna do the same. I’ll be there in 30.
The thought of her in the shower has my mind going to places it shouldn’t. Like envisioning her naked under the hot stream. As my cock gets hard, I fist it and stroke myself to thoughts of her.
Her curves. Her nipples. Her luscious lips and plump ass.
It’s not supposed to be this way—me falling for my best friend and not doing a damn thing about it.
When we were in high school, we told everyone we were more like siblings than a couple, which was accurate at first. However, gradually over time, that became less true. At some point, the feelings entered my heart and never left. It came at the worst time too since she had just started dating her douchebag ex. I figured it was a crush that’d go away, but it never did.
Now it’s been a decade of unrequited feelings, and the thought of losing her if they aren’t mutual makes me sick to my stomach. And if I never admit them, someone else could swoop in again, and my chance would be gone for good.
So what the fuck do I do?
After I’m done punishing myself, I dry off, then get dressed. Thoughts of telling her still flood my mind. Maybe I can show her instead and see how she reacts? Except cuddling and watching movies on the couch are pretty normal for us. She wouldn’t think it odd if I was close or touching her. But I’ve never kissed her.
Though I’ve fantasized about pinning her against a wall and claiming her mouth more times than I care to admit.
“Ethan!” Harper shouts from the doorway.
“In the kitchen,” I respond.
“Hey!”
“Perfect timing. Popcorn’s almost done.” I wrap my arm around her when she gets close and inhale the coconut scent in her wet hair. She’s wearing cotton shorts and one of my old college tees. I look at my gray sweats and T-shirt, chuckling at how comfortable we are around each other.