“Sure you weren’t dreaming or something?” She barks out a laugh, but it’s fake.

“Alright then, why don’t you give me a chance? Let me take you out,” I offer, watching her throat tighten as she swallows hard.

“I don’t date men who work on the ranch,” she informs me with a mediocre grin. “It’s not personal.”

Furrowing my brows, I move closer, studying her. “Is that so?”

“Yep.” She quickly walks around me, and I turn to watch her unload the dishes. “I have a lot of work to do, so if you don’t mind…”

“I don’t mind. I already offered to help,” I gloat, then stand beside her. “So let me.”

This time, I don’t give her a chance to deny me and quickly take over, rinsing off the crumbs before putting them in the dishwasher.

“Fine, whatever. I need to chop veggies for lunch anyway. Since Sandra and Jane are both sick with the stomach flu, my hands are full.”

Realizing she’s taking care of everything alone makes me want to do even more. I go back to the dining area and pick up the rest of the dinnerware, then load the dishwasher again. Thank goodness it’s a large commercial one that only takes minutes to cycle through. After that, I wipe down each table and make sure they’re set for lunchtime.

Once the dishes are finished, I have a hell of a time trying to figure out where they go. After a solid minute of looking, Maize finally takes pity on me.

“Over there.” She points at a shelf. “On the right.”

I look, and sure enough, there are the others. “Thank you.”

“You really didn’t have to stay.”

“Seems like you needed some company today. It’s quiet in here.”

“I don’t mind being alone,” she says. “Silence doesn’t happen much ’round here. My family usually stops in, or I turn on some music. I enjoy listening to it while I cook.”

“You’re really a great chef, you know,” I tell her genuinely.

“You’ve chosen to eat the same things for the past month, so I can’t really trust your judgment.”

I cock my head with amusement. “So you notice what I put on my plate every day, huh? Interesting.” I stroke my jawline, knowing I’m getting to her.

“No, and you’re a lunatic. It’s time to go now.”

She’s right. I’ve been here for over an hour and have a ton of shit to do, but I don’t want to leave. “Okay, fine. Same time tomorrow?” I quirk a brow.

Maize huffs. “No! I already told you, I don’t date men who work on the ranch, so you can stop doing”—she waves a frustrated hand in the air—“whatever it is you’re doing.”

“Only tryin’ to be your friend.” I cross my arms over my chest.