“It’s a wonderful spot, Chance. Just like we used to imagine.”
They’d talked about having a ranch, raising some horses. At the time it had seemed such an unrealistic dream. But Chance had made his dreams come true. Libby hadn’t.
“Are you planning on raising horses?”
“I’ve got one brood mare I’m hoping to breed. She’s got good quarter horse bloodlines. I’m lucky to have neighbors who are willing to board my horses. I don’t get to ride much when I’m out on the road, but as soon as I get home, I’m usually on one of my horses.”
“It sounds promising.” And safer than rodeo.
“I don’t have time to devote to breeding right now. But I’m thinking ahead to when I can’t rodeo anymore.”
“Can’t?” She tried to keep the concern out of her voice. Was he waiting for some calamity to befall him before he stopped?
“I’m guessing that someday the choice to stay and work the ranch will be made for me. Like most sports, bronc riding is a young guy’s game—at least for making big money. I doubt I’ll ever give it up completely, but competing at the circuit level isn’t the same. At least I’m planning ahead. What about you, Libby? What are you planning for?”
Home. Family. You.
“Right now, finding a job.”
Chance winced. “Hell, I never even asked you. How did the interviews go?”
The interviews. It seemed like they’d taken place in another time, given how much things had changed in just a few hours.
“Good. At least I think they did. I’ve been asked back for a final round.” She forced a smile. Not that she wasn’t happy about it. She most definitely was. But her world had gotten way more complicated.
“That’s great, Lib.”
A warm, cozy feeling filled her. He hadn’t called her Lib since…five years ago. “Yeah. I was pretty happy.”
And despite the interlude with Ben, she couldn’t deny she was pretty happy now as well. The sex had been incredible, even if the circumstances had been less than ideal. But she’d known what she was getting into and what she wasn’t. If this was the only way to be part of his life, for now, she’d just have to accept it. No strings. No regrets. If she said it enough, maybe she’d believe it.
“If you get that job, any chance you can put in a word and get me a good draw at their next rodeo? Nothing like starting a new season with a good ride on a rank horse.” He winked at her as a slow smile teased his lips.
Her insides went mushy.
She shook her head. “I’ll just be a lowly promotions person. Besides, I’m sure it doesn’t work that way. I’m afraid you’ll just have to take the luck of the draw.”
He slid his hand across the table and covered hers, warm and protective. “I’m willing to take my chances, as always.”
So was she.
*
The ring of the doorbell woke him. He glanced at the clock. Nine thirty blinked back at him. Who could be at the door? Everyone he knew would have come around the back. He struggled to clear his head.
Next to him, snuggled against his side, Libby stirred as the doorbell chimed again.
Hell, he’d probably worn her out last night. They’d gone at it right after pizza and once again earlier this morning. He couldn’t get enough of her. He’d never been able to get enough of her. That was the problem. But damn if he didn’t feel good, even if his ribs ached.
The doorbell rang again.
“Who is it?” Libby mumbled, only opening one gorgeous blue eye.
“Don’t know. But you go back to sleep. I’ll see to it.”
He flung the blankets back and sat up, grabbing his jeans from the heap beside the bed.
The bell rang two more times before Chance, limping, reached the door. Whoever it was, they weren’t particularly patient, since he’d called out he was coming.
He flung the door open. And went from feeling good to feeling lousy.
“Where is she?” Sam Brennan stood there in all his huffing and puffing glory, looking like a bull ready to charge. The man was dressed in short sleeves and dress pants, somewhere between work and casual.
“Libby’s sleeping.”
Sam gave Chance a once-over glance. “In your bed, no doubt.”
“Good morning to you too, Sam.”
“Nothing good about this morning, Cochran.”
Chance shook his head. Same old Sam Brennan. Ornery as ever. It had been five long years since Sam last showed up at his door. He wondered if this time the outcome would be different. Only Libby would know. “Come in. I’ll get her.”
Sam crossed the threshold, looking around as he did so. Despite the circumstances, Chance felt a little pride infuse him. No doubt Sam had expected Chance to hole up in a one-room shack or something equally as sorry. Nothing sorry about his ranch.
“This yours?”
“Bought and paid for.”
Chance closed the door behind him. “I’ll get her.”
But as he turned around, Libby appeared in the hallway.