by Kennedy Fox
Instead of turning around like I should, I quietly hide behind a stack of hay. They can’t see me, but I can hear them clearly.
“Hey, guys. How’s it goin’?” Gavin asks as they lean against the gate.
“We heard a rumor,” Knox says, crossing his arms.
Gavin chuckles. “Okay. And what’s that?”
My heart hammers because I don’t know who saw us together at the rodeo. If they speak my name, I’m going to have to make sure I keep my mouth shut. The dramatic pause makes me roll my eyes.
“Are you leavin’ the ranch?” Kane finally blurts out.
I blink hard, inching closer to make sure I heard correctly.
“Yeah, Dad said you got another job offer,” Knox adds.
What in the actual fuck?
Is it possible he’s leaving the ranch for me? Or for good? I have so many questions right now.
“I did,” Gavin confirms calmly.
“So you’re takin’ it?” Kane asks.
“Not sure.” Gavin moves to the other side of the horse to finish brushing it. “Cooper wants me to train with him full-time year-round, which would mean traveling around to all the competitions and rodeos in Texas.”
That news makes me sick to my stomach. He’d be gone most of the time, and a long-distance relationship would be complicated. Dating or even trying would be pointless.
“So you haven’t decided yet?” Knox kicks his boots against the ground, clearly upset about this. I guess they’ve grown close with Gavin. We all have.
“Not yet, but I’m considering it because I love the lifestyle. It’s been in my blood for years, but then again, I also love being on the ranch, so I haven’t made up my mind yet. Right now, I’m juggling working here and training him, and it’s hard to balance both. He wants me full-time, or he’ll search for another coach.”
“Tell him to find someone else then,” Kane blurts out.
Gavin chuckles. “It’s not that easy, but once I make a decision, I’ll let y’all know.”
Crossing the line with him was a mistake. I should’ve stood my ground, but the more I pushed him away, the more he pursued me.
Stupid, stupid, stupid.
I should’ve learned my lesson in getting tangled up with cowboys, but I obviously didn’t. My heart can’t take this.
Before any of the guys can catch me, I sneak out of the barn and go back to the B&B. Trying to keep busy, I decide to text my sister.
Maize: We’re drinking tonight.
Kenzie: Uh-oh. What happened?
She’s the only one who knows Gavin and I hooked up after the rodeo and the only one I can talk to about him. Kenzie graduated from college a few days ago and is home now, thankfully. I missed having her around.
Maize: Gavin. I’m an idiot for getting my hopes up.
Kenzie: Why?
Maize: I just overheard him tell Knox and Kane that he got a job offer to work with Cooper full-time and travel with him. What was the point of chasing me if he planned on leaving? I’M SO STUPID!
Kenzie: No, you’re not, so stop that right now. Did you ask him about it?
Maize: No, I don’t want him to know I was listening, and I especially don’t want him to think he has to stay for me. If he wants to go, then he should. I refuse to hold him back. Plus, he should’ve told me himself.
Kenzie: Oh Maze. Tonight, I’m all yours. We’ll talk and watch movies.
Maize: I’ll bring the booze.
I should’ve known better. Why would a retired bull rider be content in small-town Texas after years of traveling? Gavin craves excitement and probably enjoys the attention of multiple women too.
As I finish cleaning up while Donna and Becky prepare dinner, I get a group text.
Riley: Just a reminder, Zoey and I are throwing Zach a birthday party this weekend. You’re all required, I mean expected to come. Yes, even you, Grayson.
I snort at Riley calling out Grayson. They already know I’ll be there since I’m helping with the food. Gavin will hopefully be too busy with Cooper to stop by since he’s having a hard time juggling it all.
As I’m cutting potatoes to roast, I dodge Gavin’s calls and ignore his texts. I’m annoyed he hasn’t told me this news and that my cousins heard it before I did. If he’s leaving anyway, then I might as well cut things off between us before they have a chance to blossom.
Though my heart already feels like it’s cracking, so it’s probably too late for that.
At seven, I say goodbye to everyone and head to my truck. As soon as it comes into sight, I see Gavin leaning against it. He’s waiting for me.
“Can I help you, sir?” I keep my tone flat. He’s wearing dark jeans and a gray shirt. He looks good in anything, especially when it accentuates his muscles.
“As a matter of fact, you can, ma’am. I’ve been trying to get ahold of you all afternoon.” His arms are crossed as if he’s preparing to stay there until he gets an answer.
“I’ve been busy, ya know, working and all.” I shrug, not giving him the attention. “I have plans tonight, so I need to get home.”
“Why are you avoiding me again?” he blurts out, blocking me from my door.
“Look, Gavin,” I say with a straight face. “Hooking up at the rodeo was a bad idea. A huge mistake. It shouldn’t have happened, but it did, so let’s allow the past to be in the past.”
He squints, tilting his head as if he’s waiting for the punch line. “Well, I can’t say I’m surprised.”
Now it’s my turn to narrow my eyes at him. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Running away is your MO, Maize. The second things get too real, you bail. You keep people at arm’s length to avoid getting hurt again, and if you keep it up, you’ll never find love.”
I cross my arms over my chest, shaking my head in disagreement. “I’m not running or bailing. I just don’t think you and I will work.” I stand my ground, not willing to let him see this is breaking me.
He pushes off my truck and closes the gap between us, moving my chin up until I look at him. “I’m too old to play these games, Maize. You either grow up and take a real chance on us, or you don’t. I won’t chase you this time.”
“Good,” I blurt, my emotions boiling inside me. I’m seconds from telling him what I heard and have to stop myself from asking him not to go with Cooper. I won’t be that type of woman who stops him from doing something that makes him happy. I saw how his eyes lit up at the rodeo, and I’ll never take that away from him. “Being together meant nothing, Gavin. So let’s pretend it didn’t happen.”
“That’s what you really want?” His gaze burns into mine, and I swallow hard.
“Yes. Stop bothering me. It’s time you moved on.” I take a step back so I don’t do something stupid, like kiss him.
Gavin retreats, brushing his hand over his scruffy jawline. “Alright, Maize Bishop. Have it your way.” He sucks in a deep breath, then walks away.
I fight the urge to look at him over my shoulder and quickly slide behind the wheel, holding back tears. Even though this is what I told him I wanted, it nearly destroys me. But I have no right to be sad about it.
Once I get home, I take a long shower and let my thoughts wander. The only thing that’ll numb the pain is alcohol, and I plan to imbibe once I’m dressed.
“Hey,” I say, popping my head into Kenzie’s room.
“I’ve got The Longest Ride on standby.” She snickers, knowing damn well the premise revolves around a bull rider and a sappy love story.
“Hard pass.” Walking in, I hold up the bottle of whiskey I found in Dad’s liquor cabinet. “I’ve got the good stuff.”
Kenzie pats the space next to her and gives me a sympathetic expression as I sit on her bed.
“Don’t give me that look,” I scold, opening the bottle. “And we’re not watching anything from Nicholas Sparks.”
She laughs and flips through Netflix before landing on Scary Movie 4. It’s so ridiculous and stupid, and it’s just
what I need.
After twenty minutes of watching Anna Faris be a doofus while passing the whiskey back and forth, I finally speak. “Gavin was waiting for me by my truck after work.”
“What’d he say?”
“He wanted to know why I was ignoring him. Instead, I told him what happened between us was a mistake and to move on.”
“Maize!” she squeals. “What the hell is wrong with you?”
“I’m being smart, Kenzie!” I defend.
“No, you’re pushing him away before he can do that to you.”
“Duh.” I take another long sip.
“But you’re not even giving him a chance. He could stay. You don’t even know what he’s going to do yet.”
“No, but he’s considering it, which means it’s only a matter of time before he does leave. And at that point, I could be stupidly in love with him or some shit, and it’d be a hundred times worse. It’s better that I break it off now before anything more can happen,” I tell her matter-of-factly. “I have to be the rational one. Though I don’t want to hurt him, it’s better than getting in too deep where the pain is unbearable.”
“How’d he react to that?”
“I’d say less than pleasant.”
She snorts, shaking her head as I tell her his exact words.
“You’re too jaded and really will become a nun if you keep pushing guys away. Especially one who seems to like you and obviously wants to be with you.”
“We’re clearly at two different places in our lives, so it’s for the best,” I say with certainty.
“Or…” Kenzie grabs the bottle out of my hand. “You could just communicate, tell him you overheard his conversation, and ask if he plans to go or not. That way, you aren’t making an irrational decision to end things and can choose together.”
I flash her a glare, curling my lip. “Who the hell are you, and what have you done with my sister?”
She blows out a breath, then rolls her eyes. “I’m just being reasonable because someone has to.”
Now that has me snorting. “Oh really? Do I need to bring up Grayson?”
Kenzie scowls, taking a gulp of the booze. “Shut the hell up.”
Her sudden change of tone has me bursting into laughter. “That’s what I thought.”
“Guess we’ll both become nuns,” she confirms.
“Fine with me. I don’t believe in love anymore anyway.” I grab the bottle from her and take another drink.
“Yes, you do,” she says, trying to reason with me. “You’re just scared.”
The whiskey goes to my head and makes me dizzy. Leaning against the headboard, I close my eyes. “Maybe you’re right.”
“Hope Mom and Dad didn’t want grandchildren.” Kenzie laughs as she rests her head on my shoulder.
“They know I’m working to get my catering business off the ground. What will your excuse be?” I tease.
“Focusing on my teaching career,” she says with a giggle.
“You’re already hired at Mom’s school.”
“Exactly, I need to let lesson plans and teaching on my own be the center of my attention. I don’t want to disappoint her or the students.”
I shrug. “Alright, that sounds like an excuse she’d buy.”
We both laugh, are tipsy, and finish watching this ridiculous movie. It’s just the kind of night I needed—to let loose, complain about my pathetic non-love life, and have my sister—my best friend—by my side.
Chapter Thirteen
GAVIN
Three weeks ago, Maize was in my arms, and we had another amazing night together—a night I’ll never forget.
Two weeks ago, she told me it was a mistake and to move on.
Now I’m left deciding if I’ll take Cooper’s offer or stay at the ranch. Though I’m tempted to live the rodeo life again, even if I’m not the one competing, I’m also not ready to give up on Maize Bishop. She’s running because she’s scared I’ll hurt her, but that’s the last thing I want to do. I’ve given her space as she requested, but when I catch her staring at me, I know something’s still lingering between us.
In the next twenty minutes, the family vet is coming to check on a horse with an infection. Sugar and Georgia got into a little tiff, and now Sugar has a nasty bite on her back. I’ve separated them and won’t allow them in the same pasture.
“Dr. Wallen, hey,” I say, reaching out my hand, and he shakes it. “I’m Gavin Fox.
“Gavin, how’s it goin’? I’m Connor.”
“Nice to meet you. It’s goin’ alright. Just dealin’ with these horses fightin’ each other. Ya know the drill.”
He chuckles, grabbing his bag and following me into the stables. “I sure do.”
“Jackson tells me you’ve been working with the family for a while,” I say as I lead him to the barn.
“Yeah, several years. Big family.”
“I didn’t realize that until Thanksgiving last year. It was a never-ending line of Bishops.”
Connor grins as I take Sugar’s lead rope and bring her out. He examines her, softly petting her to calm her as he inspects the area.
“So Elle works with you?” I say after he injects an antibiotic.
“Elizabeth? Yeah, she’s been working with me for a couple of years now.”
“I’ve only seen her a few times, but she seems nice. I hear she’s brilliant, too.”
“She is a very smart young lady.”
His expression tightens as he talks about Elle, and I wonder if there’s a reason for it. I’ve overheard Elle call him a dick, but Maize and Kenzie think he’s a hot piece of ass.
If I had to guess, he’s around my age, and since the majority of the friends I have here are much younger than me, I invite him to my party tonight. He seems friendly enough and as though he’d get along with everyone.
After he finishes with Sugar and packs his things, I put her back into the stall and turn toward Connor.
“So I’m having a little get-together tonight with a few of the Bishop guys. You should stop by for a beer if you can,” I offer as we walk to his truck.
“Uh, sure. I should be able to swing it.”
“I’m staying at one of the ranch hand cabins on the east side,” I tell him.
“Yeah, I know where those are. I’ll see you later.”
I wave once he jumps in his truck and takes off. Next, I head to the shop where I know the guys sometimes hang out during their breaks. When I open the door, I immediately hear Diesel and Riley being rowdy and messing around, which causes me to laugh. Though they’ve been up since the ass crack of dawn, they’re always having a good time.
“Hey, Gavin,” they greet when they see me. “How’d it go with the vet?”
I shove my hands in my front pockets and nod. “Fine. He gave Sugar an antibiotic and said to inject her with it for five days. Hopefully, that does the trick.”
“Since it’s Friday, we’re gonna hit up the pub tonight,” Diesel says. “You should meet us there.”
“Actually, I was gonna have a party at my place and invite all the workers.”
“Party!” Riley shouts. “Hell yeah!”
“No, no…” I shake my head. “It’s just a small gathering for my birthday, so if you’d rather drink at the bar—”
“Are you kiddin’ me? We’ll be there!” Diesel slaps my back.
“With a cake,” Riley adds. “How old are you now, old man? Fifty?”
I snort at the way he gives me shit. “Thirty-six, asshole. I’ll bring the beer since I’m not sure you’re even legally allowed to buy it.”
They laugh, and I tell them to come around nine. I plan to have finger foods and play some horseshoes. I’m happy to just hang out with the guys since we’re always working and don’t get to relax too much.
“Let Grayson, Ethan, and the others know. Cooper will be there, too.”
“We’re on it,” Diesel confirms.
“But really, just a small gathering,” I tell them. “We all gotta g
et up for work tomorrow.”
Moments later, Alex comes in and scolds them for slacking off, so I head out and get back to work. I finish earlier than usual so I can get ready for tonight. When I picked up the alcohol and snacks, I grabbed extra just in case they came super hungry.
I throw on a button-up shirt and clean jeans with my boots. Tonight will be a nice distraction from thinking about Maize. Since no one knows about us, no one will bring her up.
At nine, Diesel and Riley come barreling in with a pan and whiskey.
“Hey! Birthday boy!” Diesel shouts, holding up the bottle.
“We made you a cake!” Riley adds, setting it on the counter.
“You made it?” I pop a brow, rounding the table to see this shit. “Is it edible?”
“Hell yeah, it is.” Diesel removes the tin foil, and I nearly bust my gut as I laugh at their “cake.”
“What the fuck is that?” I squint at the weird-shaped concoction.
“It’s a dick and balls,” Diesel tells me. “Well…kinda. It’s a little slanted because dumbass over here”—he throws a thumb in Riley’s direction—“messed it up.”
“And I’m guessing these brown squiggles are pubes?” I point.
“You betcha.” Riley grins. “It’s Funfetti.”
“Wow, I’m speechless.” I cackle. “Thanks, guys.”
I set the pan next to the sandwiches and chips. After I offer them each a beer, more people show up. Cooper comes, and I introduce him to the others. Ethan and Grayson arrive wearing grins, then soon we’re all standing around with bottles and paper plates full of food.
Thirty minutes later, we go outside and play horseshoes in teams. Of course, I’m kicking all their asses, which isn’t hard considering how much they suck.
When I purposely lose so others can play, I head into the house for more beer and to catch up with Grayson, who’s standing in the kitchen.