“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…”