When it’s over, the big group of us burst out into applause while some hoot and holler. Considering nearly fifty people are here, it takes a while to tell everyone goodbye. I pick up the blanket, and we walk back to my truck so I can take Sarah home.
“Want to go to the bar and have a drink?” she asks when we climb in, and I start the engine.
“I’d love to, but I have to be up early. Should probably get some sleep.”
She sticks out her bottom lip and pouts as I turn toward her house.
When I pull into the driveway, I park and smile at her. “Thanks again for joining me. That was a lot of fun.”
“It was. Do you want to come in?” she whispers. She leans in and tries to kiss me, but I pull away before our lips can connect.
“Whoa, whoa,” I calmly say. “Sarah. Because I'm a gentleman and I don’t like to lead ladies on, I think I should set the record straight. While I think you’re a very beautiful woman, we’re just friends, and that’s all we can be.”
She rolls her eyes, obviously annoyed by the rejection. “Wow. Okay. Is it because of Maize?”
My heart rate quickens, and I meet her eyes. “All that matters right now is that you understand where you and I stand. I’m sorry if I gave you the wrong impression.”
She sucks in a deep breath and lets it out. “It’s fine. I feel really stupid now, but thanks for a good time.”
“I’m sorry.” I want her to know I genuinely mean it, but I don’t think her embarrassment will allow it. She gets out of the truck, turns, and gives me a wave before going inside. On the way home, I feel like an utter asshole. If I were in my twenties, just passing through, I probably would’ve followed her inside. I’m a different man now, and my door no longer revolves. The only woman I want pushes me away continually, and it’s frustrating as fuck.
By the time I walk into my house, I’m more than annoyed. I go to the fridge and pull out a beer, then sit on the couch. After I kick off my boots, my phone vibrates in my pocket, and I pull it out and see it’s Cooper.
I open the message he sent.
Cooper: Hey man. Just checking to see if you made up your mind about traveling the road with me and coaching me to pro level.
I read his text message a few times. I think about Maize and the way she looked at me with disdain today. Her words repeat in my mind, and how she’s said several times she wants me to just go away. Regardless of what I think, Maize believes we were a mistake, and it only fuels the fire burning inside me. Closing my eyes, I set my phone down and lean my head back.
I weigh the good and the bad. I loved rodeo life, but I hated how dangerous it was, and I won’t be risking myself. If Cooper wins, I get a percentage of his money. He’s a good rider, and he has learned quickly, taking all my instruction to heart.
My mind is made, and I know what I have to do. After finding the right words, I send a text to Cooper, lock my phone, and then go to bed. I don’t wait for his response because I already know what he’s going to say. Tomorrow is a new day, a new beginning, and I know I made the right decision.
There’s no going back now.
Chapter Fifteen
MAIZE
Rowan shows up carrying a bottle of tequila, and it makes me smile wide. She knows exactly what a girl with a broken heart needs, and it usually starts and ends with Patrón. In her other hand is a bag of limes, salt, and shot glasses.
“The traveling bartender. I love it!” I exclaim, helping her with the items. I move some things from the top of my dresser and set everything down. A minute later, Kenzie bursts through the door with cookies, popcorn, and a giant ass bowl of M&M’s. Elle’s trailing behind her, and she looks exhausted.
“This should do the trick,” Kenzie tells me.
Elle nods. “Booze, snacks, and reality TV. You literally can’t be upset after all that.”
“I hope you’re right,” I say, sucking in a deep breath as Rowan pours the shots.
Elle kicks off her shoes and sits on the bed, and Kenzie follows her.
“So, catch me up.” Elle waves her hand. “I need to know all the details of what happened, considering we’re having a drinking party over a man.”
I let out a huff and roll my head on my neck. I’ve been cautious to keep everything to myself—except for Kenzie, but she’d never spill my secrets. I’m grateful I had someone to talk to. Otherwise, I might’ve driven myself crazy over the past year while dealing with Gavin’s shenanigans.