Now I’m left deciding if I’ll take Cooper’s offer or stay at the ranch. Though I’m tempted to live the rodeo life again, even if I’m not the one competing, I’m also not ready to give up on Maize Bishop. She’s running because she’s scared I’ll hurt her, but that’s the last thing I want to do. I’ve given her space as she requested, but when I catch her staring at me, I know something’s still lingering between us.

In the next twenty minutes, the family vet is coming to check on a horse with an infection. Sugar and Georgia got into a little tiff, and now Sugar has a nasty bite on her back. I’ve separated them and won’t allow them in the same pasture.

“Dr. Wallen, hey,” I say, reaching out my hand, and he shakes it. “I’m Gavin Fox.

“Gavin, how’s it goin’? I’m Connor.”

“Nice to meet you. It’s goin’ alright. Just dealin’ with these horses fightin’ each other. Ya know the drill.”

He chuckles, grabbing his bag and following me into the stables. “I sure do.”

“Jackson tells me you’ve been working with the family for a while,” I say as I lead him to the barn.

“Yeah, several years. Big family.”

“I didn’t realize that until Thanksgiving last year. It was a never-ending line of Bishops.”

Connor grins as I take Sugar’s lead rope and bring her out. He examines her, softly petting her to calm her as he inspects the area.

“So Elle works with you?” I say after he injects an antibiotic.

“Elizabeth? Yeah, she’s been working with me for a couple of years now.”

“I’ve only seen her a few times, but she seems nice. I hear she’s brilliant, too.”

“She is a very smart young lady.”

His expression tightens as he talks about Elle, and I wonder if there’s a reason for it. I’ve overheard Elle call him a dick, but Maize and Kenzie think he’s a hot piece of ass.

If I had to guess, he’s around my age, and since the majority of the friends I have here are much younger than me, I invite him to my party tonight. He seems friendly enough and as though he’d get along with everyone.

After he finishes with Sugar and packs his things, I put her back into the stall and turn toward Connor.

“So I’m having a little get-together tonight with a few of the Bishop guys. You should stop by for a beer if you can,” I offer as we walk to his truck.

“Uh, sure. I should be able to swing it.”

“I’m staying at one of the ranch hand cabins on the east side,” I tell him.

“Yeah, I know where those are. I’ll see you later.”