After the Rodeo by Claire McEwen

Author:Claire McEwen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2019-06-05T13:51:32+00:00

CHAPTER TEN

JACE WATCHED THE last few cattle trot down the chute and closed the gate behind them. He shook hands with the truck driver, handed him a check and watched him pull away down the road toward town.

He wondered, again, how Vivian was doing after the stampede yesterday. She’d seemed to get over it pretty quickly, but she must have been scared. Nothing less than sheer terror would send her flying into his arms.

Not that he’d minded. Holding her like that had been an unexpected revelation. She’d fit against him like she belonged there. Like they should stay that way, holding each other, for a lot longer than they had.

Jace shook his head, trying to rid himself of the memory. It had too big of a hold on him, left him with hopes that were unrealistic. Someone like Vivian wouldn’t be interested in a guy like him. She’d just been frightened. That was all. Though there was that moment when they shook hands and agreed to start again...

How he got to all this wishful thinking he’d never know. He’d always been practical, definitely not some romantic daydreamer. He needed to get his focus back on his work.

Caleb was waiting for him, leaning on the fence watching the two dozen Angus. They were keeping close together, wary of their new surroundings but eyeing the good alfalfa Jace had set out for them. A few of the bold finally left the group and wandered toward the hay and the others soon followed, filling the afternoon with the comfortable sound of chewing.

“That’s a good-looking herd you have there,” Caleb said as Jace approached. “You’re off to a nice start.”

“I hope so.” Jace leaned his forearms on the top rail. “They’re all grass fed, and I intend to keep it that way.”

“It’s the best market around here. If you’re interested, down the road, maybe we can help each other market our beef. I’ve been thinking about growing my herd, as well.”

Jace elbowed his buddy. “I thought you were working with Annie Brooks on breeding some prize-winning sheep.”

“Well, I am. But I’ve got a big ranch. There’s room for both. Once I kick you off, that is.” Caleb shot him a grin. “Nah. Just kidding. Take your time. Your cattle are welcome here as long as you need a hand.”

“I appreciate your help,” Jace told his friend for probably the tenth time that day. The cattle represented hope to Jace. Evidence that his business was finally getting started. His future. The kids’ security.

“Happy to do it. You put up with so much from me this past year. It’s the least I could do. But there is one thing I want to talk about.”

Jace glanced at Caleb, instantly wary. Caleb wasn’t much of a talker. “What’s up?”

“I think you need more help.” He held up a hand when Jace opened his mouth to protest. “Look, I may not be great at math, but I’m sure you didn’t make a fortune during your rodeo career. Then you bought that ranch, but you haven’t fixed it up.

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