“No thanks,” Jade said as he poured their wine. She knew his questions were hanging heavy in the air. She wanted to answer them. She almostneededto tell somebody. No, not just anybody. But maybe Chase. “What shall we drink to this time?”
“The truth,” he said.
“The truth.”
They clinked glasses, and Jade took a sip of her wine. Chase took a bigger swallow and followed it with a forkful of rice. She cut up her quesadilla and took a bite. He picked his quesadilla up and bit into it. Needing fortification to build her courage, she took a bigger sip of wine before sampling the rice. The dinner Teresa had made was delicious. Another few sips of wine and Jade felt the tipsiness. Chase finished his entire quesadilla, and after she’d eaten three triangles of hers, she offered him the last one. He ate it, and since their wine glasses were empty, he indicated the wine bottle and lifted his brows in question.
“Half a glass,” Jade decided. He poured her half and a whole one for himself. Then, without making eye contact, she said, “Through a job search engine, I sent Dr. Mateo Spatafore, a local psychiatrist, my résumé. He flew me in to interview for a therapist position at his mental health clinic.” She busied herself with a sip of her wine. Maybe she’d told him enough for now.
“You work with children,” he said, and she nodded. “How?”
“I practice CBT, which is cognitive behavioral therapy.”
“What is that exactly?”
“CBT is a type of psychotherapeutic treatment that helps the therapist and client identify the disruptive thoughts and destructive emotions which can result in dysfunctional or even dangerous behaviors.” When he turned on the barstool to face her but didn’t respond, she looked at him to further explain and defend her career. “CBT is a psychosocial intervention that is highly effective to treat depression and anxiety disorders. I teach my clients, even though they are young, coping skills.”
“Interesting,” Chase said and nodded. “I had psychology and sociology classes in college, but I graduated from Colorado State University up in Fort Collins with a dual bachelor’s degree in agricultural management and animal science.”
“Also interesting,” Jade said. “And perfect for a cattle rancher.”
“It is,” he agreed. “So far, it sounds as if you like what you do.”
“Oh, I really do. I love working with the children, and I had hoped to add equine therapy to my practice, especially for those who have experienced trauma.”
“Like a little girl who tragically lost her mother and grandmother and had no father?”
“Ahh…” Jade said with an appreciative nod. “You’re very perceptive, Chase Cooper.” When he shrugged, she said, “Equestrian therapy is often successful with children who have suffered other types of trauma, such as neglect, abuse, or worse.”
“I’d need bail money if I caught somebody hurting a child,” he said with a growl. “So Dr. Spatafore offered you the job?”
“Yes. I didn’t think he would because Dr. Spatafore was initially looking for someone who practices DBT, which is dialectical behavioral therapy. That is a psychotherapy which focuses on treating personality disorders, interpersonal conflicts, mood disorders, self-harm, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation.”
“I wonder what changed his mind?” Chase asked. When she looked away, he put a finger to her chin and turned her head, bringing her eyes to meet his royal blue ones. “Did you include a photograph?”
“Only because his job advertisement required it.”
Chase smiled. “Let’s face it, buttercup, you’re a blonde bombshell.”
Jade shrugged that off. “I wanted to be hired on my qualifications alone.”
Sitting back and taking a swallow of wine, Chase asked, “So what’s the downside of this work situation?”
“Dr. Franco Spatafore,” she said bluntly and gulped the rest of her wine.
Chase cocked a brow as she held out her glass for more. This time, he said, “Another half a glass makes two.” He poured her a half glass and filled his glass. “Who is Franco Spatafore?”
“Mateo’s plastic surgeon brother and my other boss.”
Chase squinted appraisingly. “Since youmayhave been hired at least partly for your looks, your beauty comes naturally and isnotdue to Dr. Spatafore’s skills. Correct?”
“Correct. I’ve never had plastic surgery or any kind of surgery for that matter.” Jade could feel her discomfort rising. “That’s exactly why Franco has become so demanding and possessive. Mateo helps him keep track of me by setting and monitoring my work schedule.”
“The Spatafore bosses are who you don’t want to hear from on your birthday weekend,” he said, and she nodded. “But why would it cause trouble if they knew you were here?”
“Because…because…” Jade scooted away from the granite counter and clutched her hands in her lap. Twisting her hands, she said, “My photos are splattered all over Franco’s office as if I’m his patient. At the very least, it’s false advertising. And also because…” she shrugged.
Chase placed a cool, calm hand over hers. “Because?”
