I shrug, trying to ignore whatever is about to come. “I’m not in a bubble. Just… taking care of things.”
She raises an eyebrow, setting the spoon down in the cup and folding her arms across the table. “Taking care of everything except your own life. You know what I mean.”
I force a grin. “No, I don’t.”
She looks at me, eyes softer than usual. “I mean… when was the last time you actually did something for yourself? Not for the ranch, not for Dad, not for anyone else. Just for you.”
I feel a slight flush creep up my neck, and I shift in my seat, suddenly uncomfortable. I know exactly what she’s getting at.
It’s the same thing she’salwaysgetting at.
“You mean, like, dating?” I ask, trying to keep it light.
Maggie’s mouth quirks up a little. “Well, yeah. That too.”
I huff out a short breath. “I don’t exactly have time for that.”
“Come on,” she presses. “I’m not talking about jumping into a whirlwind romance. I’m talking about taking a chance. Asking someone out, putting yourself out there. Is there anyone out there who has caught your eye?”
I blink, caught off guard by how straightforward she is. There’s no hesitation in her voice, no games.
Thank goodness Mom and Dad have started to talk among themselves about something else so I can be a little more honest.
“I…” I stop myself, the truth hanging between us. “I do. I met a woman recently. Dakota Fletcher. But it’s complicated.”
Maggie rolls her eyes. “It’s always ‘complicated’ with you. Make it simple.”
I offer her a one-shouldered shrug. “I think Reid might like her. Clint too.”
Maggie nods slowly. “Hmm, yeah, that’s a little complicated. But no one’s married yet. No one’s locked in. You’re allowed to put yourself first for once.”
I rub the back of my neck, feeling the tension there. “I don’t want to mess things up, especially with Clint and Reid. They’re?—”
“They’re your friends, Sawyer. They’ll understand.” She leans back, giving me a small, knowing smile. “And if you’re really waiting for the ‘perfect moment,’ well… it might never come. You’ve gotta take a risk sometimes.”
I stare at her for a long moment, her words sinking in. She’s right. I’ve been so focused on everyone else’s needs, sodetermined to keep things controlled, that I haven’t even looked at what I want. What I deserve.
“You’re saying I should just ask her out?” I ask, half in disbelief, half in relief that it might actually be this simple.
She shrugs. “Why not? What’s the worst that could happen? You should at least give it a shot. See if there’s something there.”
I let out a breath and rub my jaw, thinking about it. There’s a knot in my chest, the fear of rejection, the possibility of upsetting my friends.
But Clint hasn’t said a word, has he? I might be reading into nothing. And Reid… he’s never serious about anyone. He might only like Dakota because she’s the shiny new toy in town.
If I gaveusa chance, me and her might actually have something. And I don’t really want to turn my back on that.
“I’ll think about it,” I say finally.
Maggie’s smile widens. “You should. Just remember: Sometimes, taking the risk is the only way you’ll find out if it’s worth it. If you want me to give you a ride once we’re done eating, instead of taking you home, you could make your move right now…”
I look over at my dad, his presence a reminder of the quiet stability he’s always been. But as I meet his eyes, I wonder… maybe it’s time to stop playing it safe. Maybe it’s time for me to take that risk.
To see if there’s any chance she might just say yes.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Dakota
