“Hi.” I don’t stop my training session even though I want to do nothing but pay attention to her right now. Not sure what it is about Maize Bishop, but the chemistry we share and the way she makes me feel are different from all the other women I’ve ever been with. She’s not the type you have a one-night stand with and forget, but rather the kind of lady you bring home to meet your mama.

“What’re ya doin’ for lunch?” she asks.

“No plans,” I say with a half-grin.

“Why don’t you come down to the B&B and eat? I know this sounds silly, but you lived rodeo life for a long while, and I’d like your opinion on something.”

I lower my arms, and instantly, Demon stops trotting and stands twenty yards away and stares at me. Bringing my gaze to her, I walk closer. “About what?”

“I cooked the brisket I’m entering into the contest and want you to try it since you’ve been all over the state. Barbecue is a whole food group in Texas, and I know you’ve probably eaten truckloads of it.” She hesitates. “I just don’t want to go embarrassing myself. The only thing is, you’ll have to promise to be truthful no matter what.”

I study her lips, then meet her soft eyes. Something about Maize drives me absolutely fucking crazy, and right now, all I want to do is swipe my lips against hers until we’re both breathless.

“So, what do you say?” she finally asks.

“Sure. I’ll be there, but you owe me one,” I tell her with a wink.

She chuckles, a sound I don’t get to hear too often. “Add it to my tab. See you at eleven.”

Once Maize is out of sight, I go back to Demon, and we try saddle training next. When I look down at my phone, I realize it’s nearly time to meet Maize. Quickly, I finish up, then I pop my head into the office and let Jackson know I’m going to the B&B for lunch in case he comes lookin’ for me.

On the way over, I can’t stop smiling because this is a step in the right direction. Though Maize and I have played tug-of-war for months, her reaching out for my help feels like progress. She’s smart to ask me because I have eaten a lot of barbecue over the years. It’s a staple at every damn rodeo I’ve ever been to.