The anger firing through her voice causes me to chuckle. She really didn’t like me bringing her.
“You told me to move on, so I was just following orders.” I smirk, stabbing a piece of meat and taking a bite.
Maize groans with an eye roll, and it’s adorable how worked up she’s getting. “The only reason I said that was because I overheard a conversation and got spooked. I should’ve talked to you about it, but I didn’t.”
I tilt my head, curiously. “What are you talkin’ about?”
“Knox and Kane asked about your job offer with Cooper, and you confirmed it. I knew if you took it, we’d be over, so I thought if I ended it before anything started, then maybe I’d save myself from heartbreak.”
Fuck. If I had known that, things would be different between us right now.
“Wow. I’m glad I finally have an explanation at least.”
“I’m sorry. I know I fucked up big time. My sister and cousins basically had to smack some common sense into me before I lost you for good. Or perhaps I already have...to Sarah.”
The sad expression on her face is just too much, so I put her out of her misery. “Sarah and I are just friends. She understands I have no romantic feelings for her.”
“Okay.” She flashes a small, relieved smile. “We weren’t friends in school, and she made my life hell. Seeing her with you made me hate her even more.”
I frown. “I’m sorry to hear that.” Had I known that, I would’ve never invited her. Now I’m twice as glad I turned her advances down.
She shrugs. “It is what it is.”
“This is really delicious, by the way,” I admit as I inhale another bite. “Beef tips are one of my favorites.”
“That’s a relief. I wasn’t sure.”
“I’m not picky, but you’re an amazing cook, Maize. If I hadn’t picked you up at the pub that night, I definitely would’ve tried after eating your pancakes.”
Maize snorts and laughs again. This is the side of her that I adore. I’m just not sure if it’s here to stay.
“You picked a great spot,” I tell her, looking out at the sunset.
“I love it out here.” She watches the clouds float across the sky. “Figured if you were gonna tell me to take a hike, at least I’d have a nice view to console me.”
Smiling, I shake my head. “You knew feeding me would keep my ass here until my plate was at least cleared.”
“Ha-ha.” She playfully rolls her eyes.
Once we’re both finished eating, I’ve made up my mind. Standing, I lean in and grab her hand, then place a soft kiss on her knuckles. “Thanks for dinner. It was delicious.”
She looks up at me in confusion. “You’re welcome. Thank you for coming.”
Then I push in my chair.
“Are you leavin’?” she asks in a panic.
“Yep. I accept your apology, but I’m not sure where we stand right now.”
She quickly rushes to her feet when I walk down the porch steps toward my truck.
“Wait, you’re leaving before we finish our conversation?” The hurt and shock in her voice along with her scrambling to keep up with me has me holding back a smile. It’s the first time she’s chased me.
When I make it to my truck, I spin around to face her. “I’ve accepted your apology, but if you want to start over, then it’s time for you to work for what you want.”
Maize folds her arms over her chest and narrows her eyes. “Are you serious?”
Smirking, I open my door and hop in, then roll the window down. “Sure am, Maize Bishop. I’ve been chasing you for months. It’s your turn.”
“What?” She throws her arms to her sides.
“Gonna have to prove you’re serious, sweetheart. You’re a smart girl. You’ll figure it out.” I flash her a shit-eating grin and reverse out of the parking spot.
Her jaw drops, but before I drive off, I add, “Appreciate dinner. Already lookin’ forward to breakfast.” I throw her a wink, then speed off.
Watching her pout in my rearview mirror has me releasing a bellow of laughter. I can’t imagine the thoughts running through her mind right now.
I’ve never stopped wanting her, but if she truly wants us to be together, she’ll have to show me she’s one-hundred-percent committed this time.
And I can’t wait to watch her try.
Chapter Seventeen
MAIZE
Dust flies in the air as my jaw drops in shock. I can’t believe he fucking left!
Gavin drives off, and the anger pumping through my veins has me stomping my feet back to the table where I poured my heart out to him. If he forgave me, then why do I need to prove I want to be with him? Shouldn’t my apology and spilling my truths be enough?
Ugh!
Did I need to spell it out for him? I thought I was clear when I said I wanted to start over. Didn’t he realize that meant I wanted us to go out on a date or hang out and get to know each other again?