“Where are you?” Kenzie asks. “Brisket has been resting for thirty minutes, and we’re waiting for you to cut it open, or at least that’s what Grandma says.”

“I know, I know. I’m heading that way now,” I say, grinning as a rush of excitement streams through me, but I stay calm.

“Okay, hurry your ass up. It’s your time to shine, sis,” she tells me before ending the call.

Gavin’s eyes meet mine. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, just fine. I need to get back,” I admit.

“I’ll walk with you.” He turns to Cooper and Sarah. “I’ll meet up with y’all at the arena in about thirty minutes.” Without waiting for a reply, Gavin walks away with me.

“You were quiet back there.” He glances at me.

I give him a smile, realizing we’re alone. “I am now.”

We’re almost to the competitive cooking are, and I stop walking and turn to him.

“Thanks for lunch,” I say before continuing.

“Anytime. Least I can do, considering you feed me nearly every day.”

This makes me laugh because in a roundabout way, it’s true. Time seems to sit still as the warm breeze brushes against my cheeks.

“What are you doing later? After you submit your entry?”

My heart races at the prospect of him wanting to hang out with me at his stomping grounds. “Cleaning up, then probably going home. Won’t find out anything until tomorrow when they make the official announcement.”

“After you’re done, I’d love it if you came with me and watched the guys ride the bulls tonight. Starts at five.”

I brush fallen strands of hair from my eyes and grin. “Yeah, I’d like that.”

He seems pleased with my answer, considering I’ve been pushing him away for months. “Oh, I don’t think I have your number.”

My smile widens. “Of course, you don’t.”

With raised brows, he pulls his phone from his pocket, and I take it, plug in my number, then hand it back.

“Text me when you wanna meet up,” I say, tucking my lips in my mouth, then turning away.

“You better believe it,” he says, but I don’t look back at him.

Chapter Ten

GAVIN

As soon as Maize’s out of sight, I send her a text.

Gavin: This is my number. Lemme know when you’re free.

I imagine the little smirk she likes to throw at me.

Maize: Will do.

Gavin: Good luck! See you soon!

When she makes it back, I know it’ll be hectic for her. Maize’s a perfectionist when it comes to her cooking, so I can only imagine how anal she’s being right now. I’m sure Riley and Diesel will tell me all about it, considering they were wrangled into helping.