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Her eyes came up to his. “And you’re sure?”
Chet rubbed his thumb over the back of her hand. “I don’t have any intention of returning to the rodeo in that capacity.”
“In that capacity?”
“The traveling. The circuit.” He made himself say it. “I may want to compete locally again someday. I don’t want to lie to you about that.”
She drew her hand back and rested it beside her glass. “I’m not asking you to give up everything you enjoy.”
“Then tell me what I can do.”
“Talk to me before somebody else has to explain what you mean.”
He stared at the spot where her hand had been. Now she sat beyond his reach, and he couldn’t tell whether saying more would bring her closer or make her leave.
Lydia reached for her purse, then stopped with her hand resting on the strap.
“I wanted to hear this from you,” she said. “I still do. But I can’t sit here and keep asking while you tell me there’s nothing to worry about.”
“I’m trying to tell you I love you.”
Her eyes filled. “I love you, too. That’s why this hurts.”
She stood. “I don’t think we should keep seeing each other right now.”
Chet rose halfway from his chair. “Lydia.”
She shook her head, her fingers tight around the strap. “Please. I need to go.”
He let his hand fall to his side. Lydia hurried out, and he watched until the door closed behind her.
He sat back down. Her glass stood beside the menu she’d set aside, and the second chair angled away from the table. He’d wanted to take her hand and carry on with the evening they’d planned. Now he couldn’t remember what either of them had intended to order.
He reached for his phone, then left it where it lay. She’d asked to go. He couldn’t make her listen to another promise tonight. Across the room, Jordan started to rise, and Chet shook his head once. He wasn’t ready to explain any of this to his friends.
Chet stood up and left enough money for the drinks and a tip. At the other table, he stopped long enough to say, “I need to head out. It was good seeing you.” Then he headed for the door, his phone heavy in his pocket.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Chet hooked the empty feed scoop over the edge of the bin and checked the list beside the tack room door. Exercise both mares. Clear the spare stalls. Pick up feed in town.
He’d rewritten the list each morning since the dinner with Lydia at The Steer House, crossing items off as he finished them. Today, he added a reminder to check the latch on the back paddock before turning the horses out.
He reached for the second lead rope on the hook, then stopped. Usually, Lydia would take Lola while he brought Misty along. He left the rope where it was and turned toward the stalls.
Both mares needed exercise, and he wanted someone on Lola for Misty’s next trail ride. Jason had said he’d be around today, though Tate needed his assistance with a few rodeo students later. Chet could get the stalls ready for the new arrivals while he waited for him.
He grabbed a couple sugar cubes and stopped in front of Lola’s stall. Immediately, she moved to the window opening. He ran his fingers through her coarse hair, scratching her neck as he leaned into her. She nuzzled him back, bumping her nose into him. He rested his forehead against her for a moment before straightening.
Chet offered her one of the sugar cubes and her lips grabbed the sweet before she nuzzled him once more. He chuckled and nudged her away.
Then he moved to the next stall and waited for Misty to approach. For a moment, she eyed him. Then she pawed at the ground, tossed her head, and crossed over toward him. She didn’t stick her head out of the stall fully, but she did sniff at him and nudge him with her head.
He grinned and offered her the other sugar cube. She took it without retreating to the back of the stall. He stayed where he was, rubbing her cheek until she lowered her head.
“She’s changed a lot.”
Chet didn’t stop scratching at Misty’s cheek when he murmured, “She’s had some good trainers.” He glanced over his shoulder and met Jason’s eyes. “I hope the clients are going to be impressed.”
