“Not yet, but I’m considering it because I love the lifestyle. It’s been in my blood for years, but then again, I also love being on the ranch, so I haven’t made up my mind yet. Right now, I’m juggling working here and training him, and it’s hard to balance both. He wants me full-time, or he’ll search for another coach.”

“Tell him to find someone else then,” Kane blurts out.

Gavin chuckles. “It’s not that easy, but once I make a decision, I’ll let y’all know.”

Crossing the line with him was a mistake. I should’ve stood my ground, but the more I pushed him away, the more he pursued me.

Stupid, stupid, stupid.

I should’ve learned my lesson in getting tangled up with cowboys, but I obviously didn’t. My heart can’t take this.

Before any of the guys can catch me, I sneak out of the barn and go back to the B&B. Trying to keep busy, I decide to text my sister.

Maize: We’re drinking tonight.

Kenzie: Uh-oh. What happened?

She’s the only one who knows Gavin and I hooked up after the rodeo and the only one I can talk to about him. Kenzie graduated from college a few days ago and is home now, thankfully. I missed having her around.

Maize: Gavin. I’m an idiot for getting my hopes up.

Kenzie: Why?

Maize: I just overheard him tell Knox and Kane that he got a job offer to work with Cooper full-time and travel with him. What was the point of chasing me if he planned on leaving? I’M SO STUPID!

Kenzie: No, you’re not, so stop that right now. Did you ask him about it?

Maize: No, I don’t want him to know I was listening, and I especially don’t want him to think he has to stay for me. If he wants to go, then he should. I refuse to hold him back. Plus, he should’ve told me himself.

Kenzie: Oh Maze. Tonight, I’m all yours. We’ll talk and watch movies.

Maize: I’ll bring the booze.

I should’ve known better. Why would a retired bull rider be content in small-town Texas after years of traveling? Gavin craves excitement and probably enjoys the attention of multiple women too.

As I finish cleaning up while Donna and Becky prepare dinner, I get a group text.

Riley: Just a reminder, Zoey and I are throwing Zach a birthday party this weekend. You’re all required, I mean expected to come. Yes, even you, Grayson.

I snort at Riley calling out Grayson. They already know I’ll be there since I’m helping with the food. Gavin will hopefully be too busy with Cooper to stop by since he’s having a hard time juggling it all.