After an insane and busy Christmas, I’m excited I get to spend New Year's Eve with my cousins because I’m not working for once. I did an enormous dessert bar on Christmas Eve and then served a special brunch on Christmas Day. Since I gave my employees the holidays off, my mother and Kenzie helped. Having them around is always fun since we love baking cookies together, but it took four twelve-hour shifts to prepare everything.

Having Gavin at our house for Thanksgiving was awkward and tense. Thank God that pregnancy test Rowan made me take months ago came back negative, or shit would be hitting the fan right now. Giving him a tour and then him later confronting me was irritating as hell. I don’t understand why he won’t drop it and put the past behind us. It’s been four months, and if I have to see him every day, I’d rather him not have the satisfaction of knowing I do remember.

How could I forget?

Still doesn’t mean I want to admit it.

Denial, denial, denial.

That’s my motto.

It wouldn’t be that hard if he’d just stay out of my way, but he shows up at the B&B every damn day looking like a Southern temptation. If I don’t push him away with my attitude, I’ll end up right back in his bed.

And that cannot happen.

The last time I let a smooth-talking cowboy sweep me off my feet, I paid the price. Seeing him every day afterward was hell, and I won’t allow it to happen again.

But tonight, I’m going to let loose and drink away my thoughts of Gavin Fox. It’s no wonder they called him “The Fox” when he was bull riding. Not only was he talented, but he had the looks to back it up too.

The worst combination.

My phone dings with a text, and I see it’s my sister.

Kenzie: You coming soon? It’s starting to fill up!

Kenzie and Ethan are bartending tonight, so Elle and Rowan are supposed to meet me there to drink and hang out.

Maize: Be there in 30.

I finish getting ready, leaving my hair down in beachy waves, then put on some red lipstick. It’s a contrast from my everyday look, which consists of a ponytail and mascara. It’ll be nice to dress up and hang out with the gang.

Before I leave, I find my mom in the kitchen and wrap my arms around her. “Happy New Year, Ma.”

She pats my hands before spinning around with a smile. “You headin’ out?”

“Yep. Gonna keep Kenzie company.”

She snickers. “I doubt she’ll need it at the bar.”

“True.” I laugh. “Dad at the B&B?”

“He should be home at any moment. I told him the house would be empty tonight, so he better hurry. And hopefully, he’ll bring wine.”