by Kennedy Fox
Her joke makes me laugh, and it’s exactly what I needed. “But then you wouldn’t be available for that hot boss of yours.”
She rolls her eyes. “Don’t even. He’s still being a total and utter dickhead. Because I took today off, I have to work the next three weekends. How in the fuck is that fair?” I can tell she’s upset.
“Oh no. I’m sorry,” I offer.
She shakes her head. “Not your fault. That’s just how rude he is.”
“Sometimes that attitude makes them even hotter,” Kenzie quips, giving her a nudge. When I hear Uncle Jackson and Kiera, I turn around with wide eyes.
“Oh my gosh, what are y’all doin’ here?” I ask.
“I had to come and see my honorary daughter kick some ass,” Jackson howls. He sometimes calls me his honorary daughter because I couldn’t tell Dad and Uncle Jackson apart when I was a baby. Honestly, though, some adults can’t tell them apart now, especially when Uncle Jackson reels it in and tries to trick people.
“I might not win, though. I’m trying not to get my hopes up,” I admit.
“You’re doing the best you can, sweetie. That’s enough,” Kiera says and grins. As we chat about the weather, I overhear Riley and Diesel talking to Grandma. “So when you gonna give me more babies?” She glares at Riley.
Immediately, his face turns red, and Diesel nudges him. “Oh, come on. Don’t pretend you’re not banging every day.”
Riley’s eyes go wide. “My grandma is literally right there.” He points at her, though she doesn’t look offended. She raised Jackson, who was a total hellion, so she’s pretty much immune to everything.
“And that’s why I didn’t say the f-word. I got respect for Grandma Bishop.” Diesel lifts his cowboy hat and gives her a curtsey. I snort and shake my head.
“Thank you, Adam. But we’re not done with this conversation, Riley,” Grandma continues.
Somehow, Riley finds his escape, and Diesel follows in his shadow. The two of them are hilarious together and will be best friends until they’re old and wrinkly. Now that Diesel and Rowan are more serious, so much more has been added to their friend dynamic.
I let out a calm breath, double-checking my phone, the meat, and starting all over. It’s the chef version of pacing. “Maize, why don’t you go check out the rodeo and walk away for a little while?” Dad suggests, noticing my unease. “We’ve got this under control. The boys are doing what they’re supposed to, and as long as Mama is over there watching them, they won’t mess this up. She’s literally your own Southern mob boss right now.” He chuckles.
I look at him with big blue eyes. “Daddy, you sure?”
“You need a break before you drive yourself crazy.”
Sucking in a deep breath, I nod. “You’re probably right.”
“Of course, I am, sweetheart. Fathers always know best.”
“Okay, okay, don’t go getting a big head or anything,” I say, then take off my apron and hand it to him. “The brisket needs to be pulled soon. Elle knows when.”
He salutes me, and I give a small wave, then walk past the rows of pits toward the main area. I make my way past horse trailers and temporary corrals.
In the arena, hooves pound against the ground, and when I’m closer, I see it’s barrel racing. The young teens’ age group is competing right now. It brings me back to riding when I was younger, and I realize how much I miss it. I can’t remember the last time I saddled up and took one of the trails. In high school, it was my escape and gave me a chance to think. Now, I spend most of my time in the kitchen.
Leaning against the gate, I watch this girl, who’s probably no older than twelve, race her horse. Her brows are furrowed, and she wears a serious expression as her ponytail sweeps in the breeze. When the young girl finishes, a small group of people stand and cheer, and that’s when I see Sarah Cooke.
Groaning, I roll my eyes. Even though it’s been years since I graduated high school, I will never forget how she treated me. Sarah was the real-life Regina George, all the way down to the blond hair and the clique of girls who followed her around.
I notice Gavin and Cooper sitting with them, and I shake my head. It slipped my mind that Cooper’s family was friends with hers. Though I shouldn’t be staring, I can’t help but watch the way she flutters her long eyelashes at Gavin when he speaks. He has her full attention as he sits next to her. She says something, and he gives her a smirk, and it’s more than obvious how intrigued she is by his presence.
My skin feels as though it’s burning when I see Sarah flirting with Gavin. Not being able to handle it, I walk across the stadium and keep my eyes forward. Outside of the arena, a carnival has small rides for kids and a petting zoo with ponies, chickens, a kangaroo, llama, and ostrich. I watch a few toddlers with their parents inside the pen, and it’s absolutely adorable. As I’m leaning against the cool metal, I feel someone stand close to me, way too damn close. I turn my head, ready to tell whoever it is to give me some space, when I see Gavin.
“Thought that was you,” he says with the same smile he gave Sarah.
“I was about to tell you to back the fuck up,” I say, putting my attention back on the kids. From my peripheral, I see Sarah and Cooper waiting for him. My jaw locks, but I’m not sure if he notices or not.
“How are things going so far?” He keeps his eyes on me. “Wait, aren’t you supposed to be cooking right now?”
I laugh and meet his gaze. “The brisket is almost done, just waiting for Elle to pull it, then we’ll plate it. My nerves were so bad that Dad forced me to take a break to get my mind right. Though I’m not so sure how much it really helped.”
“Gavin,” Cooper speaks up, then points toward the food area.
“Your friends are waiting,” I mumble, glancing over at them. Sarah looks like she wants to claw my eyes out, and it makes me smile.
“We were going to get corn dogs and sweet tea. Have you eaten yet?”
I shake my head.
“You should come with us,” he offers. His arm brushes against mine, and I hurry and tuck my hands in my pockets, hoping he didn’t notice the goose bumps.
“I don’t want to interrupt anything.”
A hearty laugh releases from him. “What’re you talkin’ about?” He turns and looks at an impatient Sarah and Cooper. While I don’t want to be petty, I will never forget what she did to me. Sarah stole the only guy I liked in high school just to prove she could. Because of her, I was forced to go to the Jingle Bell Ball alone. Bitch.
“Nothing,” I say, refusing to allow Sarah to get the best of me. He holds out his arm, and I hesitate but grab it.
“Ready?” he asks.
“Absolutely,” Cooper tells him. “I’m starving.”
Sarah’s eyes burn into me, but she doesn’t say anything. Gavin moves past them and leads us to the food truck area. Immediately, the sweet smells of homemade cotton candy and fried everything float through the air. We stop in front of one of the trucks that’s well-known in town.
“What would you like?” he asks.
I shrug. “Whatever you’re having.”
Cooper follows him as he waits in line, but Sarah stays behind. Though I haven’t spoken to her in over a decade, she moves closer to me.
“Hey, Maize. How’ve ya been?” she asks.
I don’t even look at her. “Great.”
She crosses her arms, and I notice she’s staring at Gavin. “The things I’d do to that man.” There’s a slight pause. “I mean, unless you two are a thing.”
“We’re not official,” I admit, just in case she asks him.
“So, are you two exclusive?”
This causes me to turn to her. “I’d rather not talk about this.”
Thankfully, before she can respond, Gavin walks up with two giant corn dogs in one hand and two bottles of water in the other.
“I thought you wanted tea?” I say as he hands me my food and drink. “Thank you!”
“They were out, and it would take twenty m
inutes. Didn’t want to wait.” He gives a quick eye roll, then grins.
“That’s a bummer.”
Cooper hands Sarah an order of cheese fries. With his mouth full, Cooper chats about competing later tonight and how he’s feeling nervous. I quickly check the time and realize I need to get back as soon as possible.
“I’m sure you’re gonna place,” Sarah says.
Cooper beams as he takes another big bite of a cheeseburger with a donut bun. My eyes go wide because I’ve never seen anything like that before.
“How’s that taste?” I ask. I’d never thought about combining those two things, and instantly my mind reels with how to incorporate that for breakfast at the B&B.
“Delicious,” he tells me with mayo in the corner of his mouth.
A breakfast sandwich served on a donut might be added to the menu next week.
Gavin chuckles and hands Cooper a napkin as he goes on about riding. Sarah glances at me, then she focuses on Gavin. She laughs in all the right places and looks up at him with her big brown eyes. It’s pathetic. After we finish eating, I listen to Gavin talk about rodeo life and how he nearly broke his hip.
My phone buzzes, and I pull it from my pocket then answer.
“Where are you?” Kenzie asks. “Brisket has been resting for thirty minutes, and we’re waiting for you to cut it open, or at least that’s what Grandma says.”
“I know, I know. I’m heading that way now,” I say, grinning as a rush of excitement streams through me, but I stay calm.
“Okay, hurry your ass up. It’s your time to shine, sis,” she tells me before ending the call.
Gavin’s eyes meet mine. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah, just fine. I need to get back,” I admit.
“I’ll walk with you.” He turns to Cooper and Sarah. “I’ll meet up with y’all at the arena in about thirty minutes.” Without waiting for a reply, Gavin walks away with me.
“You were quiet back there.” He glances at me.
I give him a smile, realizing we’re alone. “I am now.”
We’re almost to the competitive cooking are, and I stop walking and turn to him.
“Thanks for lunch,” I say before continuing.
“Anytime. Least I can do, considering you feed me nearly every day.”
This makes me laugh because in a roundabout way, it’s true. Time seems to sit still as the warm breeze brushes against my cheeks.
“What are you doing later? After you submit your entry?”
My heart races at the prospect of him wanting to hang out with me at his stomping grounds. “Cleaning up, then probably going home. Won’t find out anything until tomorrow when they make the official announcement.”
“After you’re done, I’d love it if you came with me and watched the guys ride the bulls tonight. Starts at five.”
I brush fallen strands of hair from my eyes and grin. “Yeah, I’d like that.”
He seems pleased with my answer, considering I’ve been pushing him away for months. “Oh, I don’t think I have your number.”
My smile widens. “Of course, you don’t.”
With raised brows, he pulls his phone from his pocket, and I take it, plug in my number, then hand it back.
“Text me when you wanna meet up,” I say, tucking my lips in my mouth, then turning away.
“You better believe it,” he says, but I don’t look back at him.
Chapter Ten
GAVIN
As soon as Maize’s out of sight, I send her a text.
Gavin: This is my number. Lemme know when you’re free.
I imagine the little smirk she likes to throw at me.
Maize: Will do.
Gavin: Good luck! See you soon!
When she makes it back, I know it’ll be hectic for her. Maize’s a perfectionist when it comes to her cooking, so I can only imagine how anal she’s being right now. I’m sure Riley and Diesel will tell me all about it, considering they were wrangled into helping.
I text Cooper and meet him at the barrel racing area where his cousin’s competing. My mind wanders, and my body buzzes from being with Maize, but I try to push it away. When I come into sight, Sarah and Cooper wave, and I climb the stadium stairs two at a time and sit. For the next couple of hours, we watch the teens compete like fearless savages. They take corners so tightly that they look like they’ll slide right out of the saddle.
Every so often, I pull my phone from my pocket to see if I’ve gotten a text from her yet. Tonight, she’ll either be in a great mood or a shitty mood, depending on how things go. Either way, I’m determined to show her a good time.
When there’s a break between age groups, Cooper stands and yawns. “I’m gonna go to the RV and take a nap.” He rubs his eyes. “Need to reset my mindset before I ride.”
“That’s a good idea,” I say. “Want me to come get you an hour before?”
“Yeah, that would be good.” He gives me a nod, then leaves.
Sarah grins when Cooper walks away, leaving us alone.
She scoots closer, and I can feel the warmth from her body. “So.”
I smile, and before I can say a word, my phone vibrates. Immediately, I pull it from my pocket and see a text from Maize.
Maize: Food is delivered, and we cleaned up. Judges are eating, and now I’m pacing. UGH.
Gavin: Awesome! So, you’re ready to hang out?
Maize: Yes! Please! I need to keep my mind busy.
A smile touches my lips, and I think of a few ways to do just that.
Gavin: Wanna meet me at the mutton busting area?
Wanting to be alone with Maize, I stand and politely excuse myself. Sarah’s face contorts, but she quickly smiles and tells me goodbye.
Maize: I’ll be there in 10 minutes.
Once I’m out of the arena, I hear a crowd yell, followed by an eruption of applause. Parents and spectators are way more excited watching the toddlers ride sheep than the stadium is watching teenagers race barrels. It’s adorable, and it’s where I first realized I wanted to ride bulls when I was older.
I lean against the metal railing and see a sheep loaded in the shoot. A boy, barely five, sits on top of the fuzzy animal with a helmet and full gear. He holds on for dear life with his arms and legs. They open the gate, and the sheep zooms into a full sprint, trying to get the kid off his back. Five seconds later, the little boy is on the ground throwing a fit with elephant-sized tears. I chuckle, and so does everyone else.
As I turn, I see Maize walking toward me wearing a sexy smile.
“There’s my champ,” I say when she’s closer and wrap my arm around her. For a second, I think she’s going to pull away, but she doesn’t. Instead, she leans in, giving me an awkward side hug, then creating space. Just like the curious horses.
“I haven’t won yet,” she reminds me, just as the next sheep bursts out with a little girl on its back. She holds on tight and ends up staying on until the announcer tells her to let go. There’s a time limit to stay on just like in bull riding. She gracefully slides off, gets up, and dusts the dirt from her jeans, then gives a thumbs-up to the audience.
“Yes!” Maize hoots and hollers, then throws a fist pump in the air.
I chuckle.
“I love seeing girls break barriers like that.”
“Around the states, mutton bustin’ is gender-neutral. But she totally kicked ass.”
When she walks past us, Maize claps loud and compliments her. I love her enthusiasm. A few more kids ride, and we decide to sit in the stands. We’re so close the softness of her skin brushes against mine.
“If you’re this excited about mutton bustin’, you’re gonna have a hell of a time in an hour.”
She licks her lips. “I’m sure I will. Honestly, I’ve never watched the bull riders.”
I tilt my head. “Why not?”
“Wasn’t interested in the big egos.” She shoots me a wink.
I clap my hands together and laugh. “Some of the assholes who ride love
being in the spotlight, but most of the people who hung out with my circle kept to themselves. It was more about winning than being a celebrity. Super competitive.”
She lightly elbows me. “I was just kidding. With my schedule, it just never interested me to take a day off and come out here. Plus, most of the girls my age flocked to the men who were in town just passing through. It’s not my vibe, if you know what I mean.”
I tuck hair that’s blowing in her face behind her ear. “I understand.”
“You were an exception,” she says. “The only exception.”
Placing my hand on my chest over my heart, I grin. “Means a lot. I’m honored. Shouldn’t I get a trophy or something, though?”
She snorts. “Sometimes you’re an ass.”
“I’m not trying to be. Scout’s honor.”
My phone buzzes, and I realize it’s the alarm I set to wake Cooper. He has an hour to get ready before he has to check in.
“Wanna walk with me to get Cooper?” I ask.
She nods, and we walk down the bleachers. I place my hand on the small of her back as we move through the crowd. There are more people here now than there were earlier, and that old excitement I’d feel before competing comes back. This time, it’s a little different. While I’m not riding, I still have skin in the game because of Cooper. If he places, he’ll get the qualification he needs to go to the regional championship, which is a big deal. Though it won’t be easy, if he continues to rank, he could follow in my footsteps and make it to the world championship.
We walk past rows of trucks and horse trailers, and I can hear the generators buzzing from the campers. Most of them are luxury fifth wheels or buses, all bought by rodeo winnings and sponsors, I’m sure. These guys travel across the state to try to rank, and each time they win a title, they get paid too.
Maize looks at the different rigs, and she’s amazed by how luxurious they are.
“Cooper is staying on-site even though he lives here?” Maize asks as we continue forward.