Slowly, I pull away and lick my lips. I blink, unable to look at him as we stand in the dimly lit hallway and try to catch our breaths.
“This doesn’t mean anything’s changed between us,” I blurt out, finally glancing up at him.
He slides his tongue along his bottom lip. “I beg to differ.”
“After a bad experience, I don’t get involved with men who work on the ranch, so get whatever thought you have in that head of yours out because it’s not happening,” I say sternly, though by the smug look on his face, he’s not buying it. “We had one night. Let’s just end it at that.”
“So that’s why you’ve been lying?”
Inhaling a sharp breath, I finally nod. “Fine, yes. I froze the day you showed up at the bar and decided to bail instead. I never expected to see you again, especially not on my family’s ranch.”
“Just to confirm, you do remember?”
Nodding again, I admit it. “Yes, but like I said—”
He dips his head and brings our mouths together again. Softly, our tongues tangle, and then all too soon, he backs away.
“Nothing’s happening,” he finishes my sentence. “Got it.” He flashes me a mischievous wink.
Hearing Gavin say those words is like a punch to the gut. Even though I’m the one who said them to him, knowing my secret is out in the open makes me feel more vulnerable than before.
“It’s not you, Gavin. I mean, it is but not because I wasn’t attracted to you. You’re older than me, you work for my uncle, we both work long hours, and if shit hits the fan between us, we’d be stuck seeing each other all the time. Trust me when I say that isn’t a good time.”
“Maybe if you’d give me a chance, it won’t end like your past relationship did.”
“I can’t risk that. I’m sorry.” My heart couldn’t take it again.
“Well, if you change your mind, you know where to find me.” He bites his bottom lip. Damn those lips are gonna get me into trouble—more trouble. Considering we’ve already hooked up and now have kissed again, I’d say it’s already messing me up.
“I’m sure you have no problem getting women. You had fun chasing me until I admitted I remembered you, but now that it’s all out in the open, you can stop this little cat and mouse game and go back to hooking up with belt buckle bunnies.”
Amusement is written all over his too-perfect face. “You’re gonna be fun, aren’t ya?”
“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.”