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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.”
I exaggerate a gag. “Gross, Mom.”
“What? You think just because we’re older, we don’t need alone time?” She quirks a brow. “We had to get creative when you girls were younger.”
“Aaaaaand that’s my cue to leave.” I kiss her cheek, then grab my bag and hop in my truck.
By the time I arrive at the bar, the parking lot is packed, and I have to park on the street. I enter and squeeze my way through a ton of people drinking and dancing.
“Finally!” Kenzie scolds when I manage to find a seat. “Thought you were gonna bail on me.”
“Are Rowan and Elle here yet?”
“No, but they’re on their way. Hopefully, this crowd weeds out soon, though.”
Ethan comes up and hands me a coaster. “They will. Most of them stop in and have a few drinks before they go to house parties.”
“Start me off with a Jack and Diet,” I tell her.
Moments later, Elle walks in, and I hug her. “I’m so happy you could make it.”
“Only because Dr. Dickhead gave me off tomorrow.” She rolls her eyes like she’s surprised.
“Which means you need to take full advantage and drink!”
She orders a cocktail, then turns to me to catch up. “So, you gonna tell me more about this Gavin?”
“There’s nothing to tell.”
Kenzie snorts, then strolls to the other side to help a customer. After Kenzie embarrassed me at Thanksgiving, I told her to butt the hell out. She’s the only one who knows the whole story, and though Elle is aware of the one-night stand, I’ve kept the details to myself. I was with her and Rowan the morning after it happened. Elle begged us to help birth a calf, so I arrived hungover as hell and asked them if they knew anyone named Gavin. Since they didn’t, I had hoped he was just passing through, and I’d never have to see him again.
My luck would have it otherwise.
“When we were officially introduced at the ranch, I acted like I didn’t know him, and he’s been torturing me ever since,” I say quickly before sucking down half my drink.
“But you do know him.”
“Yes, but I don’t want him to know that! I want to pretend our night never happened, but he’s hell-bent on not letting me.”
Elle laughs, sipping her own drink. “Well, it sounds to me like Gavin wants round two.”
I groan, shaking my head. “Not happening. I’m already embarrassed enough.”
“Perhaps you’re just so memorable, he can’t get you out of his head.” She shrugs with a cocky grin. “I mean, you are a total babe.”
“Well, he can find another babe because it’s not gonna be me,” I say matter-of-factly.
Elle smiles and chews on her straw, looking behind me. “Speakin’ of the devil.”
I quickly glance over my shoulder and see Gavin with Grayson, Diesel, and Rowan behind him.
Fuck me.
Of course they’d invite him. Dammit.
“Hey!” Rowan rushes toward us and wraps her arms around us.
Kenzie squeals and takes their drink orders.
“Hey, Maize.” Gavin’s hoarse voice makes me shiver.
“I see you’ve turned your obsession into stalking.”
“Is it really stalking if this is the only pub in town?”
I turn and see his flirty grin, which causes me to look away and motion for Kenzie to refill my glass.
“Let me buy you a drink,” he says, taking the seat next to me.
“That’s not necessary.” I inch away from him.
“Maize, shut up and order the expensive shit.” Kenzie waggles her brows.
