“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.