“My parents live on the outskirts, not downtown or anything. But yeah, there’s a lot of riding that goes on, and the Houston Rodeo is one of the biggest in Texas. It’s a popular thing to do. When I watched the bull riders there as a kid, I immediately knew that’s what I wanted to do when I grew up. Plus, I’m somewhat of an adrenaline junkie.”

Riley laughs. “You’d have to be to get on the back of one of those animals.”

We pull into the parking lot, and a small smile touches my lips when we walk inside.

“Looks like Diesel’s already here,” Riley mutters as we walk toward the bar. He’s chatting with people, but Riley interrupts him. “Uh…anyway.” He clears his throat. “This is Gavin. He’ll be working with Jackson training horses.”

Kenzie’s eyes go wide, and recognition flashes behind them. I wonder if she remembers me from the bar that night, but she doesn’t say a word. Neither do I. My heart races, and I wonder if Maize is here too.

I meet Rowan, and when I turn my head, I see Maize sitting there as pretty as ever. I have so many damn questions I can barely contain myself.

“This is my other cousin, Maize. She’s the cook at the B&B.”

I smirk, realizing I was eating her food this morning. “Ooh, the one who makes the amazing pancakes.”

Maize slightly turns to shake my hand, and that’s when she sees me. She blinks hard, as if she expects me to disappear. I wish she’d say something, and I open my mouth, but Rowan interrupts me, thankfully. There are too many people around to ask her what the hell happened that night.

“So, Gavin, where’re you from?” Rowan asks, moving the conversation away from Maize, who’s acting awkward as hell.

“Houston. But I’ve traveled a lot in the past twelve years or so. I’ve been all over the state.”

“Gavin’s a retired bull rider,” Riley explains. “Trains riders now on the side.”

“Oh my God,” Kenzie gushes in the same tone she did the night I first met her. “That is so cool. I would love to see you ride.”

I’m well aware of her personality and how she acts, and I smile at her. She has to remember me.

Taking a seat at the bar, I order a drink as Rowan walks up to Diesel. She’s obviously Alex’s daughter, and I don’t doubt for a second he wouldn’t kick Diesel’s ass if he hurt her. Noticing the way they look at each other, though, I can tell it’s the real deal. While I’m sipping my beer, Maize gets up and walks away, then Rowan follows her.