My eyes widen in shock when I study the spread. I can hardly contain my excitement to try it all.
“Strawberry-stuffed French toast with maple syrup…” She points at the second plate. “Cheesy grits ’n sausage and blueberry streusel coffee cake.”
“Maize, wow…” I look at the breakfast my grandmother used to make. Every Saturday morning, I’d go for a visit, and without fail, she’d cook this feast. Unfortunately, she passed away five years ago. I wished Mimi would’ve been able to meet Maize. She would’ve loved her.
Maize takes a step back, but I grab her hand and pull her close. “How? How’d you know?”
“I did my research.” She smiles proudly. “Told you I was serious.”
“Serious about what?” Grayson blurts out, trying to tear off a piece of my streusel.
I smack his hand away. “None of your damn business.”
“Oh like I can’t put two and two together.” He scoffs.
Looking up at Maize, I smile wide. “Thank you. It smells amazing and really means a lot to me.”
“You’re welcome. I hope I did it justice.”
Standing, I cup her face and press my lips to her. She melts into me, but I pull away all too quickly. Normally, she would’ve freaked out because she’s at work, but she didn’t this time. Though I’m sure her dad wouldn’t appreciate the PDA.
“I’m sure you did. Thank you.”
With flushed cheeks, Maize goes to the kitchen, and I sit.
“What the…?” Grayson’s jaw hits the floor. “You wanna explain what is goin’ on?”
“She’s tryin’ to win me back,” I reply with a shrug. “I need to know she’s not gonna run away from me again.”
“You got a Bishop to admit she wants you, and you’re not jumping at the opportunity to have her right now? You have some strong willpower.” He chuckles.
“I’ve been chasing her for a year, and after being told it was a mistake, I’m a little hesitant.”
“So you’re playing hard to get?” He chuckles.
I nod. “Something like that.”
The next day, she’s bubbly and full of smiles, which makes me think she has something up her sleeve.
“Mornin’, beautiful,” I greet and quickly plant a kiss on her lips when no one’s looking.
“Morning. You have plans after work?” she asks softly.
“Hmm…” I brush my fingers over the stubble on my jawline. “Stripper joint, beers, and hookers.”
Maize groans, crossing her arms with an unamused expression. “That sounds like a productive Tuesday night.”
“I mean, unless you have something else in mind? I’d cancel for you.” I flash her a wink, and her cheeks tint red.
“Well, since you didn’t call me last night to say you were taking me back, I do. Way better than a guys’ night out. And if you wanna join me, be ready by eight.”
I chuckle at her annoyance. “Alright. Where should I meet you?”
She licks her lips, then smirks. “I’ll pick you up.”
By the time the workday is over, I’m a giddy, anxious fool. I have no idea what Maize has planned, but I can’t wait to find out.
I drive home and shower. Without knowing how I should dress, I play it safe by wearing jeans, boots, and a dress shirt. At eight, a knock sounds on the door, and when I open it, Maize nearly takes my breath away. Her hair is in two braids with loose strands around her face, showing off her new blond highlights. She’s wearing cutoffs with a Texas tank top that leaves nothing to my imagination.
“I feel a bit overdressed,” I tease, scanning down her body again. I’m not used to seeing her like this, but I’m not complaining.
“As long as you’re comfortable, that’s all that matters.” She smiles in return. “I hope you’re ready.”
“I don’t think I have a choice.” I chuckle, closing the gap between us and kissing her cheek. “You’re so pretty. I love your hair.”
Maize flips one of her braids and blushes. “You do? Thank you. Elle and I got our hair done over the weekend.”
I hold a piece between my fingers and imagine how it’d look spread across my bedsheets.
“You better take me somewhere quick before I come up with another idea.”
She snorts, shaking her head. “Is this all it’s gonna take for you to give me another chance?”
“I don’t know. I guess we’ll both see.” I wink, then close and lock the door behind me.
Following Maize, I squint when I see a jacked-up truck. “What’s this?”
“I’m borrowing it for the night.”
“You know how to drive that thing?”
“Well, mostly.” She laughs. “C’mon, Cowboy. Don’t you trust me?”
I help her into the driver’s side, and when I round the truck and hop into the other, she hands me a blindfold.
“Are you serious?”
“Yes!” She laughs. “It’s a surprise, so put it on.”
“Hmm…alright.”
After a bumpy ten minutes and hearing her laugh at my uncertainty, she finally parks.
“We’re here.”
“Can I take this thing off now?”
“Yep.”
I open my eyes and squint as I look around the partially wooded area. There’s a large firepit surrounded by grass and hay bales.