Total pages in book: 296
Estimated words: 284055 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1420(@200wpm)___ 1136(@250wpm)___ 947(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 284055 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1420(@200wpm)___ 1136(@250wpm)___ 947(@300wpm)
“So how’s it feel to be back for good? Think you’ll miss going to Houston?” Maize asks as we hang out in the B&B kitchen. She’s making one of her Southern specialities for the guests and putting her amazing cooking skills to good use. Maize graduated from culinary school a couple of years ago and became the head chef at the bed and breakfast. It happened at a good time too since the previous cook in charge was retiring.
“Nah, I don’t think so. Actually, it’s not as bad as I was anticipating,” I say honestly, reaching for one of the paninis. “After Nick the Dick ruined my life, I thought life would suck.”
She perks up a brow, knowing there’s more to the story. More that I can’t tell her. “But it doesn’t?”
I shrug, purposely not making eye contact with her. If I do, she’ll know I’m keeping something from her. She’s two years older, and we’ve always been close. She knows all my tells, and I hate having to lie to her.
“Nah, I guess not. It’s nice to be back home and working for the fam. At least I’m not having to help with ranch chores.” I chuckle with relief. When I was still in high school, I would do whatever was needed during weekends and summers, which meant a slew of bitch work. Didn’t matter that I was a girl and half the weight of the guys, my dad made sure I had a good work ethic.
“You have been in a pretty chipper mood,” she states as if she’s implying there’s a reason, but I play dumb.
“I’m not gonna let some cheating asshole bring me down.” I take a large bite of my sandwich so I can’t speak.
“Too bad there are no men around here for you to rebound with,” she taunts, waggling her brows. “In fact, there are no men here period. We’re all gonna be alone with a handful of horses. Horse ladies.”
I snort and cover my mouth with my hand to prevent food from spewing all over her. After I chew and swallow, I laugh. “Well, you need to get out of the kitchen every once in a while to find someone. All you do is cook.”
She shoots me a deadpan expression. “It’s my job, brat.”
“I’m working tomorrow night. You should stop in. It’ll be busy,” I tell her.
“And do what? Be the loser in the corner drinking alone?”
“Well, with that charming attitude, I’m shocked you’re still single!” I gasp dramatically, placing a hand over my chest.
She grins and throws a piece of bread at me. “I hate you.”
I scoff, waving her off. “There are like two dozen ranch hands. Pick one and make him your sex slave for the night.”
Maize makes a gagging noise that has me doubling over. “Oh my God. I’m related to like half of them. Plus, I don’t shit where I eat, okay? ”
“Gross.” I stick out my tongue.
“You don’t mess around with men you can’t escape from, which means all guys on the property are off-limits. That’s my one rule,” she explains.
“Oh really? So if a superhot and charming cowboy starts working here and is sweet-talking your panties off, you’d still say no?” I challenge, raising a brow.
“Well…” She hesitates a moment. “I didn’t say it was a hard rule.”
We’re both laughing when my mother walks into the kitchen wearing her scrubs. She must be heading into work soon. “I thought I heard some giggling in here.” She smiles, then comes over and kisses my cheek. “What’re you girls talkin’ about?”
“Boys,” I tell her.
“Or lack thereof,” Maize adds with a groan. “We’re staying single forever and joining a convent.”
“That is not going to give me or your mother—” She points at Maize. “Grandchildren.”
“Riley and Zoey just gave you a grandson!” I remind her. “Shouldn’t that hold you off for a while?”
“Nope. He only made me want more,” she retorts with a smug grin.
“Well, don’t look at me!” I tease. “I’m not like Riley who just goes out for a weekend and finds someone to marry.”
My mom snorts, shaking her head. “Your father too,” she reminds me. I think it’s adorable how they met, but that’ll never be me. “It’s the Bishop male gene. Too bad you weren’t a boy. You’d be married with a baby already. Maybe even two.”
I roll my eyes. “Thanks for the reminder that my biological clock is ticking, Mom.”
“Oh, you have time, sweetheart. Ten years or so. But the sooner, the better.” She shrugs. “Especially if you want more than one.”
“Alright, got it. Find a husband, then get knocked up ASAP.”
“Your words, not mine.” She smirks. “But your grandmother did say she was hoping to have another great-grandchild before she kicks the bucket.”
“Oh my God, Mom!” I scowl at her. “Grandma isn’t dying for a long, long time.” Although she is in her mid-seventies, she still has a lot of life left in her. She’s too stubborn. The woman will probably live until she’s a hundred and twenty.