Wrangling the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 3)

Maize flashes me a little wink. “Told you I did my research.”

Then she walks away.

It’s Thursday, and I’m meeting Maize at the pub in an hour. Since she wants us to recreate the night we met, I wear the same shirt. The real test will be if she notices.

By the time I arrive, she’s sitting at the bar talking to Kenzie and drinking. I walk up to her, and Kenzie’s eyes light up when she sees me. Maize quickly turns and releases a gasp before I cup her cheeks, and our mouths collide.

Our tongues tangle together, and before we get lost in the moment, we break apart.

“What was that for?” she asks, doe-eyed.

“Just a thank you for the delicious cake.” I smirk. “Grayson’s all butt hurt I didn’t share, but I refused. Best carrot cake I’ve ever had.”

She blinks up at me with a shy smile.

“I don’t recall that happening last time,” Kenzie blurts out, watching us closely. “Am I getting the R-rated version?”

A blush hits Maize’s cheeks, and I laugh at Kenzie’s boldness.

“Might be X-rated. Not sure yet.” I shrug, stepping closer and wrapping an arm around Maize. “One thing’s for certain, I’m not wasting any time tonight. Plus, I’m like an elephant and remember every detail. The conversation about you becoming a nun, crooked dick pics, and—” I lean in so only Maize can hear me. “Spanking your ass.”

She gulps and bites down on her lower lip.

“But right now, we have drinks to order and a game of pool to play.”

“Dude.” Grayson slams his palm on the table. “I can’t believe you still haven’t put her out of her damn misery. She’s given you the first-class treatment all damn week, and you still haven’t agreed to give her a second chance?” His eyes widen with disbelief.

I shrug, scanning the dining room for Maize and frown when I still haven’t found her. We’ve been here for almost twenty minutes.

“Trust me, I appreciate her effort. I’m shocked, honestly. And I want to be with her. I’m just concerned she’ll change her mind next week. But I’m enjoying every second.”

“You better stop makin’ her chase you before she gives up and the tables turn. This back-and-forth shit is giving me a headache. It could all backfire because Maize isn’t that patient.”

His words nearly gut me, and I realize he’s right.

“Shit, I didn’t think about it that way.” I rub my sweaty palms down my jeans, looking around for her again but only see Jane.

“Hey,” I say, grabbing her attention.

Jane walks over with a bright smile and rests her hand on my shoulder. “Hey, Gavin. How’s your breakfast?”

“It’s delicious, ma’am. Do you know where Maize is this mornin’? I haven’t seen her yet.”

She gives me a suspicious look. “She took a vacation day, so Sandra and I are handling everything today.”

“Oh. Is she sick or somethin’?”

“Not that I know of.” She shrugs.

After she walks away, Grayson points at me with his fork. “Told ya. You got greedy.” He snorts.

I brush a hand through my hair before putting my hat on. Then I set my plate in the dirty dish bin and leave.

If Grayson’s right, I’m gonna kick my own ass. Or better yet, let one of the horses do it.

Chapter Nineteen

MAIZE

I’m standing in Gavin’s cabin wearing red lingerie with black cowboy boots, and though I’m not snooping, I feel like I’m invading his privacy.

But maybe he should’ve thought about that when he started this whole prove I’m ready to be with him crap. For the past four days, I’ve gone out of my way to create some memorable moments.

Has he put me out of my damn misery and taken me to his bed? No.

Gavin kisses me like his life depends on it, then leaves me hot and bothered.

That ends tonight.

He’ll give me a damn answer about us being together or I’m walking out of here.

I have candles lit, his favorite music playing softly, and my outfit doesn’t leave anything to the imagination. Either I’ll successfully seduce Gavin or he’ll turn me down for good.

If the latter happens, I’m never going to be able to face him again.

When I hear the front door open, I lick my lips and wait for him to find me.

“Uhh, hello?” His voice echoes.

“In the kitchen,” I respond sweetly as our dinner warms in the oven.

I even made dessert, assuming we’ll have the energy for it later. I lean against the counter and hear his footsteps down the hallway.

“Holy fuck.”

I blink at him with a small smile.

“Uh…” Gavin brushes his hand over his scruffy jaw, and I blush as his eyes study me. “H-how did you get inside?”

“My uncles have a master key for all the housing.” I shrug. “I decided to borrow it.”

He swallows hard and looks around. “You wanna explain what’s goin’ on here because I’m…”

I boldly step toward him. “I’ll tell you exactly what’s happening. I’ve been doing my best to show you just how ready I am to be with you and how I’m not gonna run, yet each night, I wait for your call and nothing. So I decided to try one more time—a less subtle approach,” I say, placing a hand on my hip. “But it comes with an ultimatum.”