“I’ve been chasing her since the day I got here, and all she does is run.” I sigh, chugging my beer. “I thought we’d gotten past all that at the rodeo, but then two weeks ago, she said it was a mistake and that I needed to get over it.” Doesn’t help my ego that I’ve never had to pursue a woman before, but Maize’s different. The connection we share isn’t like anything I’ve experienced before.

“Ouch.” Grayson cringes. “That’s not good.”

“Especially since I still want her.”

“These damn Bishop women are difficult, I’m tellin’ ya. Just when you think you’re making progress, they go and rip the rug out from under ya.”

I laugh at the truth of his words. I haven’t felt sparks with a woman in years, nothing like what I feel when I’m around Maize, and I hate that she won’t give us a chance. Some people never find love once in their lifetime, and it’s even more rare to find it twice. I’m not ready to walk away from someone who I’m falling so hard for—not after all this time. Especially not when I know how it feels to be inside her. I’ll always remember the way she screams my name as she comes. She felt it too, and I’ll do whatever I can to prove I’m worth the risk.

“Maize’s a sweet girl, and from what I know about her, she’s reserved and keeps to herself a lot. Don’t give up on her yet,” Grayson genuinely tells me.

“Trust me, I don’t plan on it.”

We leave the kitchen, and when I get to the door, I see a group of ladies walking across the yard toward Diesel and Riley.

“Ah shit.” Grayson says what I’m thinking. “Looks like they told their women about the party.”

Rowan, Kenzie, Elle, Maize, and Zoey come into view.

“Who are the guys with them?” I narrow my eyes at Kenzie and Maize as frustration and jealousy ripple through me.

“No idea, but I think they’re townies. I’ve seen them at the pub before.”

Just great.

We walk outside and say hello. Kenzie smiles at me but avoids Grayson, while Maize pretends I don’t exist.

“Sorry, man.” Diesel pats my shoulder. “Rowan overheard me and decided to invite the girls. Hope that’s okay.”

I nod. “Sure, no problem. Plenty of beer and food inside.”

Looking around, I realize my small gathering is now at least thirty or more people.

“Get used to it because nothing on the Bishop ranch is a small affair. Ever.” Grayson chuckles.

A few people walk inside and return with plates and drinks, but one guy has two bottles, then hands one to Maize. She smiles and squeezes his arm. What. The. Fuck.

Did she seriously bring a fucking date to my party?