Wrangling the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 3)

Maize: Guess I deserved that. But no. I genuinely want to talk to you.

Gavin: Alright, I’ll be there.

Once I’m home, I take an extra-long, steaming hot shower. My mind races with the possibilities of what Maize wants to talk about. Considering her sudden change of tune, I’m half wondering if she needs me to donate a kidney or something.

I put on a black T-shirt and blue jeans with boots. Making sure I don’t reek, I add cologne and put some gel in my hair. Once I’m finished, I grab a beer and eat something. With some time to spare, I decide to watch TV to keep my mind off her, but it’s no use. My thoughts wander as the memories of us together play on repeat. Talking and laughing at the bar and rodeo, then falling into bed together. Waking up with her next to me was a nice contrast to the first time, and I wished it weren't so short-lived.

At twenty after seven, I jump in my truck and drive to the B&B. I’m nervous to hear what she has to say, but I don’t let her know that. Once I park, I walk in with all the confidence I can muster and look around.

“Hey.” Maize greets me in the dining room. I hold back a smile as I take in her beauty. She’s in a sundress that makes her blue eyes pop, and I resist the urge to lean in and kiss her.

“Hello,” I say, pushing my hands in my front pockets. “You look beautiful.”

She brings her gaze to mine with a smile. “Thank you. So do you.”

I furrow my brows because the sudden flip in her attitude is confusing. “So, wanna tell me why I’m here?”

“I want to talk about us but not in here. Outside.” She glances over her shoulder to the back door that leads to the wraparound porch.

“Alright.” I motion for her to lead the way.

The moment she opens the door, I spot a small round table filled with food.

“Take a seat.”

I sit across from her and look down at the spread. “What’s all this?”

She blushes nervously and shrugs. “Wanted to make you dinner.”

“Okay, I’m gonna be honest with you. I feel like I’m in the twilight zone right now, Maize. After everything, I’m not sure what the hell is goin’ on.” I swallow hard. “One minute you’re hot and the next you’re cold. Your mood swings are givin’ me whiplash.”

She nods. “You’re right. I have been, and it’s what I want to talk about.”

“Okay, well I’m all ears then,” I tell her.

Maize grabs a roll and pulls it apart. “I’m sure you know by now that I’m not great in the sharing my feelings department or talking things out when my emotions get the best of me. While my past is no excuse for how I’ve treated you, it really messed me up. I had basically given up on dating, and the morning after our night together, I was embarrassed I jumped into bed with a man I had just met. We didn’t know that much about each other, and I was judging the shit out of myself.”

She stuffs her mouth with food, and I silently wait for her to continue. I can tell she’s nervous, so I don’t want to speak until she’s done.

“It was really shitty of me to pretend I didn’t know you. I should’ve owned up to it long before I did. You didn’t deserve that kind of treatment, so for that, I’m truly sorry. Even though I’m in my mid-twenties, I’m not experienced with dating or having one-night stands. I get shy and anxious, so I resorted to playing dumb instead of acknowledging you. The fact that you even wanted to talk to me after that shows what kind of man you are. I should’ve realized you had good intentions.”

She pauses to take a sip of her drink. I look down at my untouched plate and dig in while she continues.

“I’m far from perfect, and while you don’t owe me a damn thing, I’d really like it if we could start over. I’d love for us to get a second—well, third—chance. No more ignoring or avoiding you, no more acting like a brat, and I’ll definitely work on communicating better.” She chuckles, and it makes me smile to hear that sound again.

“Well…” I swallow. “Honestly, I’m not sure if that’s possible. You’ve been running this whole time, and I’m kinda tired of chasing you. I thought we started over at the rodeo, and then you blindsided me and pulled a one-eighty on me. So...” Shrugging, I hold back a smirk as I watch her squirm. As much as I want to give in and taste her lips, I won’t make this easy for her.

“Okay, well first, Leo is just a friend, and I didn’t know it was your birthday until after. Don’t forget you brought Sarah Cooke to the family Fourth of July party!”