Chapter Nine
Chase had beenfaithfully rehabbing his shoulder and getting stronger by the day. He had started out slowly when he got the okay to ride again. Not because he wanted to but because the doctor had convinced him that there was nothing to be gained, and possibly a lot of progress to lose, if he pushed himself too hard too fast. But he was done with the sling and knew he’d be going back to the rodeo, and he intended for that to be sooner rather than later.
“I’m going to check the far pasture fences for breaks,” Marshall said one day. “Want to come with?”
“Sure.”
They saddled up, Chase on Hector, one of the geldings, and Marshall on Cappuccino. Marshall and the stallion shared a special bond, Cappuccino being the first stud and foundation of their business.
They rode in companionable silence for a while, the air crisp and cool in a way it wasn’t often in their part of Texas. Not until late fall, at least. They shot the shit for a while and then Marshall asked Chase if he thought Ella would be ready to take over all the manager duties once he went back to the rodeo.
“Yes.” He didn’t have a doubt about that. “Why, don’t you?”
“Yes, but you’ve worked with her more.”
“I’d have told you if I didn’t think she’d be ready.”
Spying a break in the fence, they dismounted and started to mend it. “You’ve got the hots for her, don’t you?” Marshall asked Chase.
“Who?” He knew damn well who, but he wasn’t sure how he was going to answer the question.
Marshall shot him a wry glance. “You must think I’m blind.”
“Hoped you were.”
Marshall laughed. “So, you do.”
Chase looked at his brother, trying to decide how much he wanted to open up. It dawned on him that Marshall might be looking that way himself. Which bothered the shit out of him. When Marshall fell, he fell hard. And his brother could be pretty damn charming when he wanted to be.
“Hands off,” he said.
“Hey, if you don’t want her—”
“Do you want to die?”
“Nah, I was just yanking your chain,” Marshall said laughing. “You have it bad, bro. You realize what will happen if you and Ella hook up.” Chase didn’t think his expression showed anything but his poker face must not have been working. “Hell, you already have.”
Why deny it? “One night. Before she interviewed. Neither of us knew she was planning on interviewing for the job here.”
“Holy shit, Chase. Yet you hired her anyway.”
Irritated, he snapped, “She’s the best damn ranch manager we’ve had since the folks left.” Their parents had retired from ranching, leaving the ranch to their kids and moving to the mountains of Colorado. They still visited often but seemed happy with their new lifestyle.
“I’m not disputing that. But still, it could get messy.”
“Duh. Thanks for the news flash.”
“Does Ella feel the same?”
“I think so.”
“You think?”
“Yes, damn it.”
“What are you going to do?”
“Try like hell to forget her.”
