by Kennedy Fox
Maybe it’s not just the heat that’s annoying me.
It’s been a month since I moved to the ranch, and though I’ve settled in comfortably, Maize’s still trying to convince me she doesn’t remember who I am. When we’re in the same place, she actively dodges me as though I have a contagious disease.
And perhaps it pisses me off more than it should, but I’ve never had a woman who wasn’t eager for my attention. She claims to have no memory of our night together, but I don’t believe her, considering she screamed my name and begged me to fuck her hard. I haven’t been able to get it out of my mind since it happened almost two months ago.
With working on the ranch and training Cooper advanced bull riding skills a few times a week, one would assume I’d be too damn exhausted to think about her, but every morning I see her at the B&B, and it’s impossible not to. Maize barely glances my way as she walks in and out of the kitchen, refilling the buffet with her delicious pancakes and sausage patties. When I speak, she acts as if I’m wasting her time, and her responses are short. I’d be amused if she weren’t lying to me. Regardless, I always smile at her, and though she tries to remain unfazed, the blush on her cheeks gives her away.
“That’s a good boy,” I tell Racer once I secure the bit in his mouth and put the bridle over his head. I slowly pet him and give positive reinforcements until he’s used to the sensation. We’ve been working together for a couple of weeks, and he’s already making good progress.
I train him for another hour—setting the saddle on his back and adding some weight so he can get used to it. Eventually, Racer will be used on guided tours.
After we’re done, I put Racer in the main pasture to graze, and I get a text from Grayson.
Grayson: Meeting for brunch in ten.
On the early mornings when we’re too busy to eat breakfast, we go after the rush. That usually means Maize isn’t as busy, and I can attempt to get more than one-word responses from her.
Gavin: I’ll be there.
I park at the B&B, a place that’s become my second home, and get out of the truck. After I stroll inside, I immediately scan the area for Maize. Though I don’t see her, I can hear her laughter. Once I’m in the dining area, I see Grayson sitting at a table with Riley and Diesel, and he’s chatting with Maize and John.
“Mornin’,” I bellow, tapping my hat toward Maize as she glares at me. “You look pretty today.”
She sighs, then rolls her eyes before walking away without a word.
Yeah, I’m used to that reaction. Not sure why she’s hell-bent on ignoring me or denying our night together, but I’m determined to figure it out no matter how long it takes.
“Tell me again how much game you’ve got.” Diesel barks out a laugh.
“Trust me, it’s not my game that’s the issue. It’s her,” I counter, flashing an apologetic look at her dad before he murders me for talking about his daughter.
“I’ve raised that girl for twenty-five years, and I’m still trying to figure her out, so good luck.” John chuckles before leaving us to ourselves.
“Great,” I mutter.
Once I’ve filled a plate with food, I take a seat next to Grayson.
“Dude, I’m telling you. These Bishop women are as complicated as hell. Don’t waste your time trying to figure them out because you’ll go crazy tryin’. It’s a goddamn miracle Diesel ended up with one,” Grayson says, stabbing a hash brown with his fork.
“Hey, that’s my sister,” Riley warns. Before I arrived, it came out that Diesel and Rowan had been secretly dating. While they were taking it slow, Diesel learned he was a dad. When Chelsea, the woman he had a one-night stand with, brought their son to visit, she made a move. Diesel confessed he was in love with someone else. Shortly after, the whole Bishop family knew, and Riley blew a gasket, punching Diesel in the face. I would’ve loved to have seen it all go down.
“I’m just callin’ it how I see it.” Grayson shrugs, then looks at me. “Take it from someone who’s under Kenzie’s wrath for no damn reason, just walk away before she fucks you up for good.” I can tell he’s talking from experience by the pained expression on his face. “Thank God she’s back at college now. I won’t have to deal with her devil glares and bad attitude until Thanksgiving.”
“Maize’s too nice to hate you for no reason,” Diesel says, then eyes me. “So, there’s gotta be more to this story.”
I haven’t told anyone about our night together and don’t plan to. Considering she won’t acknowledge what happened, she probably wouldn’t appreciate them finding out from me.
“She hasn’t had the best dating experience,” Riley explains. “And she won’t give anyone who works on the ranch a chance.”
“All I’ve tried to do is talk to her,” I counter. “That’s it.”
“It’d be in your best interest if you didn’t,” Riley adds. “Trust me. I nearly knocked this one’s teeth out when I found out he was sleepin’ with my sister behind my back. I’m not sure I could actually hurt you, but I’d try if you broke Maize’s heart.”
I arch a brow at his cocky bluntness, and though he’s right—he wouldn’t leave a single mark on me if he tried—I’d rather not piss off the men I work with.
“Still bummed I didn’t get to see it go down.” I laugh as I dive into my scrambled eggs.
When our plates are nearly empty, Alex enters and gives us all a look. “There y’all are. We on a break I didn’t know about?”
“Just re-fueling, Dad,” Riley explains. “We’re almost done.”
“Good. We’re running behind and have a shit ton to do today.” He turns around and leaves before they can reply.
Diesel groans as he cleans up his mess, then puts on his hat. “Grayson, hurry up.”
“I am!” he says around a mouthful, rushing.
Since their cousin Ethan left to finish his senior year of college, they’ve been shorthanded. Well, not really, but they were just used to slacking while Ethan was home for the summer.
“I really can’t wait to train horses,” Grayson mutters, popping the rest of his biscuit into his mouth.
“Why? Horse shit ain’t much different than cattle shit.” Riley snorts. “You’ll be cleaning barns either way.”
“I know, genius. But at least with horses, I’m bonding with them as I train and ride. Cows couldn’t care less if you’re around, and I’d argue that their shit is very different. Ever step in cow shit?”
Riley chuckles.
“Sorry to say, Grayson, but you aren’t leaving me for a while,” Diesel tells him with a crooked grin. “I need your assistance with all my bitch work.”
Grayson rolls his eyes, and I wave before the three of them head toward the door. I’m fortunate enough to make my own schedule as long as I get my work done each week. Jackson and Kiera focus on their tasks, and I focus on mine.
Since the dining room is empty, I look for any opportunity to get into the kitchen with Maize. I notice the dirty dish tub is full and decide to take it back there. She can’t yell at me if I’m helping.
I peek through the little window in the door to see if she’s alone. When her employees are nowhere to be found, I kick it open and waltz in. Maize immediately spins around and pins me in place with a death glare.
“What do you think you’re doin’?” She scowls, putting her hands on her hips. It’s the cutest fucking thing ever.
“Helpin’ you with these,” I explain, glancing down at all the dirty dishes. “I’m a gentleman, ya know?” I set the tub by the dishwasher and spin around to face her.
“I didn’t ask for your help, so you can leave,” she tells me sternly.
“What’s your problem, Maize Bishop?” I cross my arms over my chest and narrow my eyes. “You throw daggers at me like you hate me or something.”
“I never said I hated you.”
I take a step toward her. “So you like me then?”
Her nostrils flare. “Definitely didn’t say that either.”
&nb
sp; “Then what is it? It’s either one or the other.”
“I don’t know you well enough to have an opinion.” She takes a step back as I inch closer.
Smirking, I continue, “Now that’s not true. I think you know me quite well. You’re just afraid to admit it.”
“I honestly have no idea what you’re talkin’ about. As I’ve said before, you must have me confused with someone else.”
I shake my head in amusement. “Trust me, Maize. I’d never forget you. Or our night together.”
“Sure you weren’t dreaming or something?” She barks out a laugh, but it’s fake.
“Alright then, why don’t you give me a chance? Let me take you out,” I offer, watching her throat tighten as she swallows hard.
“I don’t date men who work on the ranch,” she informs me with a mediocre grin. “It’s not personal.”
Furrowing my brows, I move closer, studying her. “Is that so?”
“Yep.” She quickly walks around me, and I turn to watch her unload the dishes. “I have a lot of work to do, so if you don’t mind…”
“I don’t mind. I already offered to help,” I gloat, then stand beside her. “So let me.”
This time, I don’t give her a chance to deny me and quickly take over, rinsing off the crumbs before putting them in the dishwasher.
“Fine, whatever. I need to chop veggies for lunch anyway. Since Sandra and Jane are both sick with the stomach flu, my hands are full.”
Realizing she’s taking care of everything alone makes me want to do even more. I go back to the dining area and pick up the rest of the dinnerware, then load the dishwasher again. Thank goodness it’s a large commercial one that only takes minutes to cycle through. After that, I wipe down each table and make sure they’re set for lunchtime.
Once the dishes are finished, I have a hell of a time trying to figure out where they go. After a solid minute of looking, Maize finally takes pity on me.
“Over there.” She points at a shelf. “On the right.”
I look, and sure enough, there are the others. “Thank you.”
“You really didn’t have to stay.”
“Seems like you needed some company today. It’s quiet in here.”
“I don’t mind being alone,” she says. “Silence doesn’t happen much ’round here. My family usually stops in, or I turn on some music. I enjoy listening to it while I cook.”
“You’re really a great chef, you know,” I tell her genuinely.
“You’ve chosen to eat the same things for the past month, so I can’t really trust your judgment.”
I cock my head with amusement. “So you notice what I put on my plate every day, huh? Interesting.” I stroke my jawline, knowing I’m getting to her.
“No, and you’re a lunatic. It’s time to go now.”
She’s right. I’ve been here for over an hour and have a ton of shit to do, but I don’t want to leave. “Okay, fine. Same time tomorrow?” I quirk a brow.
Maize huffs. “No! I already told you, I don’t date men who work on the ranch, so you can stop doing”—she waves a frustrated hand in the air—“whatever it is you’re doing.”
“Only tryin’ to be your friend.” I cross my arms over my chest.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Why? You don’t have any guy friends?”
“Not exactly,” she breathes out. “And you’re reminding me why I don’t.”
I slam a palm to my chest. “Ouch.”
“Well, I warned you.”
For a moment, I thought she would let her guard down, but she’s smarter than that. As soon as she showed a sliver of her vulnerabilities, it’s like she realized it and locked it away.
Maize Bishop isn’t gonna make this easy, but I do love a challenge.
Once I’m back in the barn, Jackson strolls in with Knox and Kane behind him. They’re laughing and smacking each other, but immediately stop when they see Kiera. I hold back laughter at how obnoxious they are, but even at twenty-one, they know to quit playing when their mother’s around.
“What are you boys doin’?” she asks as Jackson kisses her.
“Making them clean stalls and organize the tack room. Then after that, they’ll be washing all the work trucks and tractors.”
Kiera’s hands fly to her hips, and she scowls as if she knows this is a punishment. “What’d they do now?”
“Stole the Cotton’s goats last night and hid them in our sheep barn,” Jackson explains, shaking his head, but I can tell he’s trying not to burst out laughing.
“Seriously?” she scolds, but then her expression softens. “That sounds like somethin’ you’d do.” Kiera teases Jackson. “Have them wax my car, too.” She smirks before walking to the office.
“You’re making this way too big of a deal, Dad,” Knox complains. “The goats are back safe and sound. No one got hurt.”
“Except when you pushed me and I tripped, nearly doing a face-plant in the gravel,” Kane interrupts.
Although they’re identical twins, they have different personalities. Knox reminds me a lot of myself, confident and ready to take on the world, whereas Kane is more reserved and loyal. Though I have a feeling he gets roped into doing crazy shit with his brother, then has to deal with the consequences later.
“Too bad Kaitlyn isn’t here. I’d pay her to do my half.” Knox barks out a laugh.
“Who’s Kaitlyn again?” I ask.
“Our little sister. She left for college right before you arrived,” Kane explains, but I remember Jackson telling me about her.
“How old is she?”
“Nineteen. Just started her second year of college,” he answers.
“Don’t get any ideas,” Jackson snaps.
My eyes widen at his demanding tone. “No, sir. Absolutely not.”
Aside from the fact that Jackson’s my boss and I wouldn’t want to lose his trust, nineteen is too young. Plus, the only woman on my mind right now is Maize Bishop. Her being twenty-five is pushing my minimum dating age limit, but she’s mature, and our chemistry is undeniable. I find so many things about her sexy as hell. Though I’ve had flings with younger women, I’m done with all that foolishness. I want to put down some roots and start a family—sooner rather than later.
Perhaps Maize’s not at that stage of her life yet, but she was the one who pointed out she was behind because she’s not married with kids. She laughed as if it were impossible for her to find a partner in five years, yet here I am. I’d be willing to let her call the shots if she’d actually give me a damn chance to prove that what we had that night was real.
Chapter Five
GAVIN
TWO MONTHS LATER
I’ve been working at the ranch for three months, and I thought Maize would’ve admitted she remembered us being together by now, but she hasn’t budged. I’ve helped her in the kitchen a few times, but she went back to pretending I didn’t exist afterward. Though I don’t have time to play her childish games, I’ve come to accept Maize Bishop’s stubborn as hell.
Way more stubborn than most of the wild horses I’ve trained.
I try not to let it bother me, but every time I see her, memories of her soft skin pressed against mine flash through my head. It’s damn near impossible not to think about when she’s around. I could understand if she was embarrassed or even regretted being with me, but why lie? I’m determined to find out, even if it takes me years.
Now it’s the day before Thanksgiving, and all the Bishops are working double-time to finish their chores so they can eat and be with their families tomorrow. Luckily, I don’t have as much to do—the stalls are shoveled, food and water stocked, and the tack rooms organized. Though I’ve been working with Cooper, he went to visit family in Alabama this week, so I just have to worry about the horses.
“Gavin! Wait up,” Grayson shouts as I walk toward the B&B.
“What’s up, man?” I’m already on the porch, reaching for the door.
�
�You got holiday plans?” he asks.
“Not really. I’ll call my parents and work out after I feed the horses, but that’s it. Why?”
“John and Mila invited me to eat at their house. You should come,” he says as we walk inside.
“Not sure that’s a good idea. Maize hates me enough as it is.”
He shrugs. “So? Kenzie wants to murder me, and I’ve been invited for the past three years. We shoot daggers at each other, then eat pie.”
I snort, heading toward the buffet. I’m starving, and the turkey potpie Maize made for lunch smells delicious.
“You don’t think John and Mila would mind an extra person?”
“Nah, they told me to invite you too. Everyone eats with their families, then we show up here for dessert.”
I like the idea of seeing Maize outside of the B&B, where she can’t disappear or make excuses for why she can’t stick around. She’ll have to play nice in front of her parents.
“Alright, I’ll go.”
I load a plate, and Grayson fills his too. “Cool, I’ll let Mila know to add a chair for ya. But get ready to nap for three hours after.”
Chuckling, I find a table and take a seat. I look around, wondering where Maize is today because she’s usually in the dining area during the rush.
“She’s in the kitchen,” Grayson tells me without asking. I blink and furrow my brows. “Maize. She’s prepping all the desserts for tomorrow. Kenzie’s helping with dishes while Sandra and Jane refill the buffet and prep for dinner.”
I skipped breakfast and opted for a protein shake, so I didn’t get to see her this morning. “So I assume you ran into Kenzie then?”
She’s been away at college and came home a couple of days ago.
“Like an asteroid.”
Laughing, I shake my head and dig into the best potpie I’ve ever had.
“So, tell me the truth about you and Maize. There’s way too much…” He waves around his fork. “Sexual tension. Did you two meet before or something?”