As soon as six rolls around, the dining room quickly fills up with people. At seven, I check the buffet status, and that’s when I see Gavin. Our eyes lock, and I feel as if my feet are glued to the floor. I tuck my bottom lip into my mouth, wishing I would’ve just stayed hidden in the kitchen, then break the hold he has on me. When I glance over again, Gavin waves me over. While I contemplate turning around and pretending I didn’t notice him, it’s impossible with so many roaming eyes. My heart beats rapidly, but I push it down as I walk over to the table where he’s eating alone. I try my hardest not to raise suspicion especially with my cousins watching.

Gavin smiles and speaks in a hushed tone. “We’ve met before, haven’t we?”

Panic creeps in my throat, and I hope no one can hear him. Immediately, I shake my head. “No, I don’t think so.”

Gavin narrows his eyes. Damn those ocean-colored eyes seem to peer straight through me as he smirks. “I’m positive we ran into each other at the bar a few weeks ago,” he insists.

I shrug and force a smile. “You must be confusing me with somebody else.”

“You sure ’bout that?” He waits, giving me the chance to change my tune.

“I don't remember, sorry. But it’s really nice to meet you. Oh, and I apologize for running out the other night. I wasn’t feeling very well. But I hope you had a good time hanging out with everyone.”

He clears his throat, then sips a cup of coffee. “Hanging out with your sister and cousins.”

I keep a steady smile and don’t react.

“Well, welcome to the ranch. Hope you enjoy your breakfast. I gotta get back to work.”

By the time I return to the kitchen, my heart’s galloping at full speed.

“Are you okay?” Sandra asks, glancing at the cold sweat that’s formed on my brow.

“I’m fine. We need more ham and coffee,” I say, wanting to forget Gavin completely, but knowing that’d be impossible. Pretending I didn’t know him was dumb as hell, and I’m positive he didn’t believe me. But if I keep up the act, maybe he’ll drop it, and I can go on living in an alternate universe where I didn’t have the best sex of my life with him. The chemistry we shared was undeniable, but I lost control with him, and it can never happen again.

I’m pissed he wanted to bring it up here. This isn’t the time or the place, and it caught me off guard, which I don’t appreciate. Once breakfast is over, I text Rowan, knowing she’ll get a kick out of it.

Maize: So...I spoke to Gavin today.

Rowan: Did you? OMG! Details, now!