Page 10 of Wrangled and Tangled (Raven Peak Ranch #1)

A fter one of the hottest showers of my life, we both passed out in the bed, spent and naked.

Morning sun assaults my eyes, and I wish my internal alarm would turn the fuck off.

Especially when with one look beside me, memories tug at the god-tier-level-sexy man still in my bed.

Today’s my rare day off, and I just want to relax.

Instead my body riots, and I figure I might as well make the most of it. With a quick bathroom break before padding into the kitchen, I start the coffee machine, hoping he likes cheap coffee. The way I see it, as long as it gives me the boost I need, I don’t give a shit what it tastes like.

Pulling eggs, milk, and butter from the fridge, I set them on the counter before I grab a bowl and whisk.

Cracking the eggs and whisking them until there are no more whole yolks, I add milk.

The fluffier the better, and once my pan is piping hot, I add the butter.

The sizzle always makes me think of Mama and her kitchen, always buzzing with people.

Pouring the eggs in, I let them sit while flipping on the TV and putting the volume on low. The news is depressing at best, and there’s nothing on in the morning most of the time. I debate turning it off when my phone chimes from the bedroom.

“Shit,” I mutter under my breath, hoping it didn’t wake Heath. He looked so peaceful this morning, and it makes me wonder how many nights he doesn’t get to sleep in a real bed. Traveling rodeo ain’t for the weak, I’ll give him that.

Pulling my phone from the charger I don’t remember plugging it into, I race back to the eggs and stir them with a wooden spatula. It’s the only way to make fluffy eggs, and I’ll die on that hill.

My phone dings again, and I fumble with it, trying to flip the switch to vibrate on the side. Lucy’s picture lights up my phone, and instead of hitting decline, it accepts and her voice careens through the speakers.

“Did you see?!” She shouts, “Tell me he’s not the person you brought home, Spence. Please.”

“What are you talkin’ about?” I ask, still a little groggy without my coffee.

“He’s engaged!” She screeches. “Did you see the article?”

“Who’s engaged?”

“Heath!” She shrieks.

“Heath Macabe?” I question because he’s still naked in my bed right now after we had sex not once but twice. “What article?”

“It’s on the rodeo network, social media is havin’ a field day, and his fiancé–who’s stunnin’ by the way–announced it on her feed.” Her words are like a slam to the stomach. I knew I should have driven him back to The Raven. I should have listened to my gut.

How could he be engaged and not tell me?

“Spencer!” Lucy shouts, reminding me I’m on the line with her.

“Lucy Loo, I’ll call you back,” I don’t give her the space to argue, hitting the button to end the call and pull up the internet. The Wi-Fi’s spotty and really only works in certain parts of the house. Moving to the couch, I sit, preparing myself for whatever I’m about to read.

Typing in his name brings up the word fiancé, and my stomach sinks to the fucking floor.

THE PLAYBOY OF RODEO, ENGAGED!

Footsteps sound outside of my bedroom, but I don’t bother looking.

“Get out,” I breathe. Just two words–but fuck, they hurt. I don’t know why I thought I could do this whole one-night stand thing. I’m a relationship guy, and I wasn’t looking for one of those in the first place.

So why does this feel like he’s punched a hole right through my body?

“I can explain,” he starts, and I look at the ceiling with a humorless chuckle.

“Isn’t that a cliché if I ever heard one,” I lash. “ ‘You can explain’ . I’m sure you can, but I don’t want to hear it.” He walks closer, and I stand, turning so I can face him. “Get your stuff and start walkin’, Cowboy.”

“Spen–”

“No. I have no desire to end up wrangled and tangled in your mess,” I holler. “Especially when you’re engaged . I should have listened to Lucy when she told me you were bad news. But silly me, I thought, ‘damn, this fine ass cowboy thinks I’m worth his time.’”

“Please–” he says, stepping closer and reaching his hands toward me.

“Get. Out.” I rumble, as fury radiates from my body.

His dark eyes are lined in silver as he steps up to the front door, and I have to shake my head to keep from getting teary-eyed myself. Last night made me feel like a piece of me clicked into place like I could enjoy myself and connect with someone for the first time since Briar's mom died.

“For the record, you are worth my time, more than, actually,” he says, opening the door and then pulling it shut behind him.

The smell of burning eggs makes me gag. Rushing to the stove, dumping the whole damn pan in the sink, and running cool water over it, I hang my head.

I wish I wasn’t the man I am. I should let him walk all the way back to the rodeo grounds.

He deserves nothing more from me. Instead, I grab my phone and text Scott to pick him up from The Raven and give him a ride back.

I’ll have to face Lucy at some point, not to mention, Briar. I’ve got to get this off my mind before Briar shows, or she’ll sniff it out of me like a bloodhound. Dressing quickly in sweats and a tee, grabbing my keys, I hop on the side-by-side and cut through the pasture to Lucy’s to hash this out.

I’m only going to relive it once, and then I’m moving on.

So help me God, I will.