by Kennedy Fox
“Excuse me?”
“You’re more stubborn than the bulls that tried to buck me off. I’ve had dozens of injuries, been stomped on, and had one charge and flip me on my back. And still, I think you’re gonna be the hardest to break in. But I like a good challenge.” His smirk only fuels my annoyance even more.
“I’m not some animal you can train,” I snap with a scowl.
“No, sweetheart, you aren’t. You’re going to be more work. But Imma prove that I’m worthy of a real chance. Don’t worry, I’m up for it. But don’t you dare think I’m going away anytime soon, sweetheart.”
Gavin grabs my hand, presses a kiss to my knuckles, then winks before walking away.
I blink hard as I stare at his ass in jeans that fit him like a glove.
Wait, what in the hell just happened?
Chapter Seven
MAIZE
The last month and a half have been a mix of emotions, but mostly excitement and dread.
Lately, I’ve been trying to keep myself busy to ensure my mind focuses on anything other than Gavin and the way his lips felt against mine New Year’s Eve. Trying to forget him is proving to be a lot harder than I ever imagined. Nine times out of ten, I want to punch him for being so handsome and smelling so damn good.
As I’m cleaning up after the lunch rush, the night crew comes in and begins prepping dinner. They’re busy chopping onions and having a conversation about their teenage daughters, which has me snickering as I wash dishes. Over the past month, I’ve been doing a lot of soul-searching. I’m not getting any younger, and if I ever want to move out, I have to hustle harder. Though I’ve been dreaming about starting a catering business, I’ve done nothing to pursue it. I typically don’t make resolutions, but I promised myself I’d make it happen this year. It’s scary but exciting, and I’m not sure where to start, but I think I’m ready.
Once I finish cleaning, I tell everyone goodbye. Just as I’m heading through the dining room, Grandma Bishop enters as if an angel called her. “Hey, sweetie.”
I tilt my head, wondering what she’s doing here. Grandma’s always up to something and is in the know with all the town gossip. “So, I’ve got some news. A little birdie shared something with me today.”
My blood pressure rises, and I hope to all things holy she didn’t catch wind of what happened between Gavin and me because I’d literally die. “Oh really?”
I try to play it cool, but I’m actually crumpling as my heart rate rushes.
“So, I was at my quilting club meeting and was chattin’ with Rebecca Blanchard. She mentioned the rodeo was coming to town in a few months, which we all know is typically a big deal and brings lots of business to the B&B. But she also mentioned something else.”
My palms are sweaty, and my mouth goes dry. Any time someone mentions the word rodeo around here, Gavin’s name comes soon after. I nearly stop breathing as I wait, and the anticipation might kill me. Grandma eats it up as I wait. Sometimes she’s so dramatic.
“Come on, just go ahead and spit it out,” I finally say, the dramatic pause being too much.
“Maize Grace! Watch your manners. This is my story, and I tell it how I want.” She gives me the evil eye, then goes back to being nice granny. “Anyway. Rebecca told me about the barbecue contest, and she mentioned you should enter your famous smoked brisket. The one you did for the food drive fundraiser last year. It was incredible, Maze, and we all took a vote and believe you could win first place.” Grandma beams as if I already had the trophy.
“You really think I have a chance or are you just saying that?” I ask, nearly laughing that my food was the topic of their conversation at their meeting.
“I can admit I give a bunch of frivolous compliments, but honey, I’d never set you up to humiliate yourself. If your brisket wasn’t worth a lick, I wouldn’t mention it, because I can’t have you embarrassing yourself or the Bishop name,” she confirms with a nod. “You went to that fancy culinary school for a reason. So, you need to enter and kick some ass.”
I burst out laughing. “Grandma, you just said ass.”
“I’m old enough to have earned that right.”
“This is very true.”
She grins at me and places her hand on my shoulder. “The last day to submit the application is Friday, then the judges choose who qualifies to compete. I think the grand prize is five grand, and I know you’ve been wanting to start that little catering business, which I fully support. So I think this could help with startup costs. Even though I’ve offered to fund it, I know how proud and independent you are, just like your dad.”
My whole face lights up thinking about what that money could buy for my business. While Grandma has been super supportive, she’s right. I want to do this on my own. It’s the Bishop way.
“So whatcha think?” she asks, beaming.
“It would be an amazing opportunity. And if you think I have a chance, then heck yes, I’ll do it,” I say, and she wraps me in one of her infamous hugs.
When we break apart, she looks me in the eyes. “Honey, I think you’re a shoo-in to win. Plus, once you start your business, there are tons of ladies at church who want to hire you. They’ve got daughters who are getting married, birthday parties, and holiday events that none of them wanna cook for. Don’t blame ’em, though. It’s easier to have someone else do it these days.”
I snort. “You all deserve to be pampered.”
“I’m no spring chicken anymore. It’s why I love my grandbabies so much. Always willing to help.” Grandma pulls a packet of papers from her giant purse and hands it to me. “Here’s everything you need. Turn this into the Chamber before the deadline.”
“Yes, ma’am,” I say, flipping through the big packet. “I’ll make sure I fill it out tonight.”
Grandma waves goodbye, and when she’s out of sight, I let out a loud squeal. I’m smiling so wide my face hurts.
Dad rushes into the dining room and looks spooked. “Are you okay? I heard screaming.”
“Fine, just fine! Grandma thinks I should enter the rodeo’s barbecue contest.” I hand the packet to him, and he flips through it.
“So who’s gonna be on your team?” he asks.
My eyes go wide. “Team?”
“Yeah, it says here you have to put a team together and list their names. It has a place for five to ten people.” He gives the papers back to me, and I scan over them.
“Well damn,” I mutter, and he doesn’t correct me. “Um, you wanna help?”
He chuckles. “Of course, as a last resort, though. You should ask your sister, Rowan, Elle, Riley, Zoey, Knox, Kane, and force Diesel to help too. And if they say no–”
“Then I’ll threaten them,” I say.
“If you want, but I was going to say, I’ll get your uncles involved. And either they’ll cook because I’ll tell Mama you need to put together a team, or they’ll force their kids to help.”
“Good idea! Guess I’ve got some work to do once I get home,” I say, wondering if I should group text them or do it individually. I’m not in the mood for excuses, but I think they’ll be on board to help without kicking their asses. One thing’s for certain, us Bishop’s usually stick together.
“Let me know if you’re able to round them up or not.” Dad grins, and I leave with a pep to my step.
It’s been a few days since my cousins said they’d help me at the rodeo, and it only took a few friendly threats. Elle was even able to commit after she told her sexy as sin boss she needed off. I’ve got Riley, Elle, Kenzie, Kane, Knox, and even Diesel. Rowan’s planning to close the bar during that week because it’ll be really busy. I should find out any day now if I’ve been accepted, and if not, Grandma will have a few choice words with the Chamber of Commerce. No one crosses that woman when it comes to her grandkids, and I mean absolutely no one.
Today is Valentine's Day, and I’m already dreading it more than usual. I’ve decided not to go onto social media so I can avoid the ridiculous photos of coupl
es so happily in love with candy and flowers. I’m already gagging thinking about it. Even though I’m a known love hater, as Rowan says, I still like making the day fun for the B&B guests.
The weather is brisk, and I crank the heat on full blast on the way to work. When I step out of my truck, frost crunches under my feet as I walk, and I honestly can’t wait for the spring flowers. Once I’m inside, I immediately get started. After I mix the strawberry pancake batter, I pull out the giant heart molds and the smaller ones for the sausage patties. Each year, we get tons of compliments by keeping the theme.
My employees arrive, and it’s a madhouse when breakfast starts, but then again, when is it not? We’re running back and forth between the buffet and the kitchen, and I swear we make hundreds of heart-shaped pancakes. The next time I go into the dining area, I see Riley and Diesel ragging on each other as Knox and Kane instigate the situation.
“He totally called you a pussy,” Kane taunts.
“I did not.” Diesel shakes his head.
“Shhh,” I say, rushing over to them and grabbing Kane by his ear like he’s a kid. “We have guests in here, so you need to shut the fuck up,” I whisper. “I will tell your mama in a heartbeat that you’re using that language in the B&B.”
He rolls his eyes but straightens up as soon as Dad comes into sight. “Y’all behaving?”
“Yes, sir,” they all say in unison. I give them an evil look, then smile sweetly at my dad. He nods and walks away as I return to the kitchen.
Just after eight, my cell phone buzzes like crazy on the counter. It’s from an unknown number, but I answer it anyway.
“Is this Ms. Maize Bishop?” a man asks.
“Yes, it is.”
“Great, I just wanted to call and congratulate you on being accepted to compete in the barbecue contest at the rodeo. We would’ve gotten back to you sooner, but we had a ton of applications to sort through this year. You’re still interested, correct?”
My heart flutters with happiness. “Oh my God, yes, absolutely!” I throw my hand up in the air, giving a fist pump as Jane and Sandra glance over at me.
“Fantastic. We’ll have a pre-meeting in a few weeks that you’ll need to attend. Please make sure you read over the rules for your team so you’re not disqualified. We’re happy to have you on board and can’t wait to try your brisket.”
“Thank you. Thank you so much.”
The call ends, and I let out a hoot. I know I’m being loud as hell, but this is the best news I could’ve received today. I thought I wouldn’t get picked for a few days because I hadn’t received a call yet, but now that I have, that means I need to start preparing.
Knowing I have to tell Dad the good news, I go and search for him. He’s in the dining area pouring coffee into a mug.
“What’s going on?” He grins.
“They chose me for the contest!” I’m so excited my voice is an entire octave higher than usual.
He gives me a side hug. “See, told you! You’re gonna win this, sweetie! I just know it!”
“That would be incredible,” I admit, imagining it, then notice we need more bacon and biscuits. “Gotta get back to it.”
I’m floating on cloud nine as I slap bacon strips on the griddle. Since Grandma mentioned it, I’ve been trying to perfect my honey barbecue sauce, but honestly, the meat is so juicy and tender that it’s not even needed. When I deliver the food to the buffet, I see Gavin enter. His eyes meet mine as I carefully stack a pile of hot buttermilk biscuits under the lamps.
He winks at me, but I can’t let his presence distract me, so I immediately turn around. I know what he’s doing, so I’ll keep avoiding and ignoring him the best that I can.
Twenty minutes pass, and Dad announces that we need more coffee. After I grind some beans and fill the giant container, I carry it out there, and that’s when I overhear Gavin and Grayson’s conversation.
“Yeah, I’ll be at the rodeo for sure,” Gavin says, then continues. “I’m still training Cooper. He’s trying to qualify so he can compete at the next level.”
“Oh yeah, hasn’t he been riding for a while?” Grayson takes a huge bite of pancakes.
“He’s determined and listens. He has what it takes,” Gavin tells him.
“Well, he’s got a world champion giving him instruction. I might come watch.” Grayson smiles.
Gavin pauses for a second, and I don’t even dare to look at him, though I don’t mind eavesdropping. “Determination can be deadly, though. Most don’t realize how dangerous it really is out there, and the moment you get sloppy, is when you could lose everything, including your life. Rodeo life, though, I really loved it.”
I swallow, fill the sugar packets and stirrers, then go back to the kitchen, not wanting to hear any more. If he loved it so much, why would he want to stay on the ranch? Eldorado is small and simple. Moving from big town Houston to here is probably nothing more than a temporary getaway for him. I give him a year before he gets bored and finds some other place. I wasn’t good enough for Timothy. Considering Gavin’s history, I don’t think I’m enough to make him stay. Or at least that’s what I keep telling myself while keeping my distance. At this point in my life, I’m not looking for a fling.
The rest of the morning goes by in a blur. As I’m preparing for lunch, I call Grandma to tell her the good news, and she’s ecstatic for me.
“If you ever need a taste tester, call me,” she says with a laugh before we say our goodbyes.
Sandra washes the dishes, and considering how many people were in and out today for breakfast and lunch, I decide to do a deep clean. It’s something I typically do once a week. Since Jane has already swept, I grab the mop and bucket and then drag it out to the main room.
I freeze in place when I see a dozen white roses in a vase on the buffet table. I look at them like they’re a poisoned apple, then glance around, confused. Slowly, I walk up to them and notice a card is attached with my name written in chicken scratch. My eyes go wide, and I just hope Dad isn’t around to witness this because it would cause too many questions.
I open the envelope.
Happy Valentine’s Day, Maize. If you’d let me, I’d make it worth your while, since you no longer have amnesia.
I hurry and tuck it in my back pocket, and then grab the roses and take them into the kitchen.
“Whoa!” Sandra says with wide eyes.
“I know, I know.” I set them down because while they’re beautiful, they’re also heavy. The sweet smell fills the kitchen, and I try to steady my breathing. My heart pounds hard because there’s only one florist in town, which means Gavin had to speak to them about sending flowers. This is exactly how rumors start around here.
“Who are they from?” Donna questions, pulling me from my thoughts.
“Didn’t say.” I’m being truthful because his name wasn’t actually written, just insinuated.
“Someone’s got a secret admirer.” Dad speaks up from behind me, and I nearly jump out of my shoes.
I roll my eyes, wishing I could disappear. “I guess.”
“Hmmm.” Dad rubs his chin. “I wonder who it could be.”
“I dunno!” I look around, trying to find my escape. “I gotta get back to mopping.”
I rush to the dining room and have never moved so fast in my life. I’m thankful I took the card because I know Dad would’ve peeked, and that’s the last thing I need right now. After I’m done with my tasks, I grab the roses and tell everyone goodbye.
I’m tempted to text him on the way home and demand he stop, but I realize I don’t have his number. Truthfully, it’s probably a good thing because it means I can’t drunk text him. Knowing we’ll be at the rodeo together excites me but also makes me anxious. He’s well-known in the area, and the last thing I want to witness is women flocking to him. Hopefully, I’ll be too busy to even notice.
When I park, I look over at the roses. It was a sweet thought, and while I want to be angry, I’m not sure I can. If we were two differen
t people, maybe we could work. Part of me wishes it was possible, but the other knows it’s not.
Chapter Eight
GAVIN
“He’s bein’ a bastard, ain’t he?” Jackson asks, hanging on the railing.
“Oh yeah,” I respond, nearly breathless.
A new colt was delivered last Monday, and he’s my special project. They named him Demon for a fuckin’ reason too ’cause he’s a little shit and doesn’t want to cooperate. If he keeps it up, we’ll be doing laps around the corral for the next two weeks. One thing I’ve learned while training horses is to have patience and be gentle. These animals don’t trust humans on instinct. It’s something that’s earned.
“Rodeo’s next week, right?”
I glance at him over my shoulder. “Yes, sir.”
“Good deal. I’m gonna try to watch your trainee ride. Hopefully, he places. Anyway, I’ll let you get back to it.”
“Alrighty, thanks,” I say, then slowly walk up to Demon as he backs away. Eventually, his curiosity gets the best of him, and he takes a few steps forward. Holding out my hand, I let him sniff me and keep my movements slow. The last thing I want is to spook him.
I touch the softness of his nose, then create some space so he can get reacquainted with learning. Right now, he’s ready to bolt, and if the gate was open, he would.
After a minute of staring each other down, I grab the rope and start lead practice. He trots around in circles, and I swing the extra ends of the rope in the other direction, and he turns around. We do this for thirty minutes, and then I give him a break. Demon eyes me.
I click my tongue, encouraging him to come toward me. I clip the rope to his halter and lead him around the pen, then we go back to our training.
As he makes his way around the pen, I notice Maize from my peripheral. She’s watching me train, and a smile forms on my face. She’s no different than the horses—resentful, hesitant, but also interested—and I’m determined to break her too. The chase keeps me going, but I also like the thought of being with her too. I may be a retired bull rider, but I’ll always be a champ, and I’m ready to win her over.