“Because we haven’t.” Her upper lip twitches, and it gives her away. It’s obvious she’s full of shit. It’s only a matter of time before she confesses the truth. The sooner, the better.

“Okay, have it your way then.” I shrug and walk away. Before going through the door, I look over my shoulder and smile. “I have a feelin’ you’ll be remembering very soon.” Then I flash her a wink and leave.

The B&B fills up with Bishops, and for the next hour, I eat Maize’s delicious desserts and chat with everyone. I hear her talking to someone behind me, but fight the urge to look since I can feel her eyes on me. She may not like that I called her out, but too damn bad.

“Gavin,” Grandma Bishop sing-songs my name as she opens her arms and wraps me in a tight hug. Though she’s not my grandma, it’s what everyone calls her.

“Happy Thanksgiving,” I say, squeezing her back.

“How was your dinner at John and Mila’s?”

“Delicious. Maize didn’t disappoint one bit,” I emphasize her name, knowing she’s listening close by. “Her desserts are even better.”

“She’s a precious gem, ain’t she? We’re lucky to have her.” Grandma Bishop smiles proudly. After another minute, she excuses herself to make her rounds.

“You keep talkin’ about me, then wonder why I think you’re obsessed with me,” Maize quietly says so no one can eavesdrop.

“Obsessed? You keep avoidin’ me and say there’s no reason for it,” I retort. “Our night together is nothing to be embarrassed about, Maize.”

“You’re absolutely delusional.”

I take my time and check out her body before meeting her intense gaze. “Then why do you always have goose bumps when I’m around? Coincidence?” I pop a confident brow.

She narrows her eyes while simultaneously rubbing her bare arms. “Shut up. I don’t.”

I chuckle, bringing a hand to her shoulder and sliding it down to her wrist, feeling the bumps against the pads of my fingers. “Right. I believe you.”

Maize groans, creating space.

“Stop denying it, sweetheart.”

“You’re so full of yourself. Even if we had met before, I doubt it would’ve been anything memorable. So perhaps my mind did me a favor and blocked it out.” She flashes an eat shit grin, then stalks off.

Moments later, Grayson comes over and pats my shoulder. “Wanted to officially welcome you to the Bishop wrath.”

Chapter Six

MAIZE

FIVE WEEKS LATER