The morning began as any other, but for the anticipation of the start of Chad’s first clinic of the season. Hannah arrived just after breakfast carrying a large box containing several Tupperware tubs, and Marty holding a stack of large china plates and stainless steel platters.
A short time later he and Chad left for the barn, and as Cassie helped Hannah set up the large dining room table, she could sense Hannah wasn’t quite herself.
“Do you want to talk about?” Cassie asked.
“I, uh, yeah, maybe,” Hannah sighed. “I snapped at Marty and got my butt burned,” she confessed.
“Uh-oh,” Cassie grunted.
“Totally my fault. I was so, I don’t know, just so wired about making sure everything was perfect for this orientation, and I’d been cooking for ages but hadn’t eaten myself, and I lost my temper.”
“Seems to me Marty should have been more understanding,” Cassie frowned.
“That’s just it, he was, he was an angel. He was even helping me, gave me hugs, told me everything was going to be perfect and how great I could cook…”
“So, what went wrong? Why did you get mad?”
“I just couldn’t seem to calm down and I was pulling a tray out of the oven and the towel slipped. Of course my hand hit the hot metal, I screamed, dropped it, and when Marty came over to help I lost it, I told him he didn’t understand crap and to just leave me alone.”
“Hannah, that’s not like you,” Cassie declared.
“I was a mess. He told me he’d been patient enough and the only thing that would calm me down was some time over his knee.”
“Ouch, I can feel it,” Cassie cringed.
“Thing is, he was right. After he spanked me I felt so much calmer, but I also felt guilty. I’d been so mean to him. If I’d known I was going to get so crazy I wouldn’t have asked Chad if I could do this job.”
“How do you feel now?”
“Well, my butt hurts,” she said sheepishly, “but I feel fine. In control again, but I still feel a bit guilty.”
“I’m sure you’ll find a way to make it up to him,” Cassie winked.
“I’m sure you’re right,” Hannah grinned.
“It’s so good for us to be able to talk to each other about this stuff,” Cassie remarked. “It’s not like we can open up to our hairdressers.”
“Oh, my, gosh, no kidding,” Hannah laughed, rolling her eyes.
“They’d call the men in the white coats,” Cassie giggled, “but other than that, it sounds like things are really good with you and Marty.”
“They are, but…”
“But what?” Cassie pressed.
“We’re really happy, but I want more,” Hannah complained.
“Oh, you want him to pop the question,” Cassie said quietly.
“Yeah, I really do,” she admitted. “We can have a long engagement if he wants, but it’s time. It is, Cassie, it’s time.”
“Hmmm, well, all I can tell is that sometimes it takes them a while to figure things out.”
“I know, but I’m not going to wait forever,” Hannah frowned. “He wants me or he doesn’t, and one day soon, if I have to tell him that, it will be too late.”
“Shit, look at the time,” Cassie declared. “Everyone will be here in less than an hour. What else do you need me to do?”
“Holy cow, you’re right. Come back in the kitchen and I’ll show you.”
They hustled and bustled with Hannah directing, and when Chad returned from the barn to wash up and change everything was ready.
Plates of bite-sized snacks graced the dining room table, and squares of chocolate cake and coconut macaroons were waiting on trays in the kitchen, ready to be served with coffee after Chad had given his welcoming speech.
“Looks great, Hannah,” Chad grinned. “Really good. Nothing like homemade food. Marty’s just stopped off to clean up, he’ll be here shortly.”
He disappeared down the hallway, and Hannah flopped down in a chair.
“Wow,” she sighed, “I’m exhausted.”
“I don’t know how you did all this,” Cassie remarked sitting next to her. “You’re a wonder.”
A short time later Marty wandered in through the kitchen door, finding the girls still drinking coffee, taking their well-deserved break at the kitchen table.
“Sure smells good in here,” he commented.
“Go look in the dining room,” Cassie suggested.
He ambled his tall frame past them, and a moment later they heard him let out a low whistle.
“You did a super job,” Marty called proudly, “there’s so much food here we’ll be set with leftovers for a week.”
The doorbell signaled the arrival of the visitors, and barking a welcome Mickey bounded to the door. As Marty moved to answer it, Cassie and Hannah stood up and closed the kitchen door; this was to be Chad and Marty’s show, and neither girl wanted to be in the way.
Cassie heard Chad’s voice as he welcomed his guests, and in a few minutes the dozen people, both men and women, had surrounded the table and were filling their plates with Hannah’s delectable appetizers.
Curious, Cassie winked at Hannah, and moving to the door she opened it just a crack. As her eyes scanned the group she saw an extremely pretty blond girl; she was standing back from the table, and her eyes were fixated on something across the room. It wasn’t until Chad moved into view that Cassie realized the blond girl had been staring at him.
Frowning, she opened the door a little wider, and watched as the girl walked across to him and looped her arm through his, then leaning her body close pecked him on the cheek.
Cassie felt her face redden, and as she studied the girl she decided she didn’t like her one bit. She had long, shimmering blond hair, and was a cowgirl, the kind Shania Twain sang about. Wearing a close fitting, pink and white plaid shirt that was tucked into tight jeans, a large flashy belt buckle at the waist, and calf-high white cowboy boots, the girl looked like she belonged on the cover of a country and western magazine.
“Hannah,” she whispered, turning her head. “Come and look at this.”
“What?” Hannah asked softly as she headed across the kitchen.
“You’ll see,” Cassie assured her as she stepped away.
Hannah took her place, watched for a minute, then softly closed the door.
“Shit. She was all over him.”
“I hate her,” Cassie spat.
“Don’t worry, you’re engaged,” Hannah reminded her.
“I hate her,” Cassie repeated.
“Stop it, you can trust Chad. He’s one of the good guys.”
“I still hate her,” Cassie said again, and stepping in front of Hannah she pushed open the door for a second peek. “Goddammit, why doesn’t he push her away?” she breathed. “I’m going in.”
“No, you’re not,” Hannah said quickly, grabbing her arm and pulling her back. “Don’t be stupid. I’m sure Chad knows how to handle her. I’ll bet he had women coming on to him all the time when he was on the road, and here too, in his clinics before this one.”
“I’m not happy,” Cassie growled. “Come on, let’s go to the barn and check on the horses. If I stay here-”
“Excellent suggestion. We just have to make sure we’re back here in an hour though. That’s how long Chad said his lecture is. Then you’ll have an excuse to go in with me. We’ll need to clear those plates and put out the desserts and coffee urns.”
“One last look before I go,” Cassie insisted, pushing the door ajar. “Shit, she’s still hanging on him, and he’s on the opposite side of the table talking to other people. She’s acting like his fucking girlfriend.”
“Get away from there,” Hannah insisted, grabbing her arm. “Come on, we’re going.”
Grudgingly Cassie allowed herself to be pulled away, and they headed out the back door and into Hannah’s car for the drive up to the barn. When they arrived Hannah jumped out and stared at the green and white building.
“
I still can’t believe they can do this in three days?” she declared.
“It’s amazing, isn’t it?” Cassie grinned. “It all comes in pieces, and they bolt it together.”
Walking across to the paddocks they saw Cassie’s three horses, and Hannah’s quarter horse happily grazing.
“I really want to get back into jumping,” Hannah remarked, “but I’m going to need another horse. Maverick is great but he’s never jumped.”
“I’ve been thinking about that,” Cassie frowned. “I think Randy might have the perfect horse in his barn. His name is Ranger, and he’s a real solid citizen. He’s older, around fifteen I think, but he’s got a lot of get up and go, and will really take care of you.”
“Ranger? I remember Ranger. Randy still has him? Wow, he was so young when you and I started. I guess we were too,” she giggled. “Do you think Randy would want a lot for him?” Hannah asked, her eyes lighting up.
“Um, not too much, because he’s older,” Cassie said thoughtfully. “He’ll need maintenance though, but this place would be ideal. He deserves to be out of a stall after all his hard work on the show circuit. I’ll call Randy and see what he says.”
“I’m afraid to get my hopes up,” Hannah remarked, “but I know I will anyway.”
“Come on, let’s go give our kids some carrots,” Cassie grinned. “I brought some up here earlier, but I need to go into town tomorrow and get some more.”
“Can I come with you?” Hannah asked. “I need to get some things myself.”
“Sure, of course. We can ride first, and go when we’re done. Marty will be having lunch with the clients, right, so you don’t have to worry?”
“Yes, he’s already told me that he’s out for lunch most days.”
“That’ll be a nice break for you,” Cassie commented.
“I guess, but I think I’ll miss the big lug,” Hannah sighed.
“Let’s get those carrots,” Cassie declared, moving into the barn. “Our kids are waiting.”
As she moved into the barn towards the tack room, she couldn’t help but wonder about the blond girl who’d been moving in on Chad.
I’ll find a way to back you off, whoever you are, and you can take that to the bank!
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
When Cassie and Hannah entered the kitchen an hour later, the only sound was that of Chad’s voice. Moving quietly into the dining room they found the double doors that led to the living room were closed. They stood and listened for a moment, and from what the heard they decided that Chad was at the tail end of his lecture, running through the rules.
“Let’s clear the table and get the desserts out quickly,” Hannah whispered. “I think we got back in the nick of time.”
It only took them a minute to clear away the plates, and Cassie wasn’t surprised to see most of Hannah’s delicacies had been consumed. Sharing the weight of the coffee urn, the decaf urn and the hot water urn, they had the three of them on the table in just a few minutes, and while Hannah laid out the dessert trays, Cassie carried in the mugs and plates, replenished the napkins and made sure there were enough dessert forks.
“I think that’s it,” Hannah smiled.
“Listen,” Cassie said softly, “he’s finishing up.”
“So everyone, have a great week, and remember, no gloves, no handlin’, no smokin’ on the property, and always, always, safety first.”
There was a smattering of applause, and the girls hurried from the room back into the kitchen.
“Wow, that brought back memories,” Cassie exclaimed, keeping her voice low.
“No shit,” Hannah giggled.
“We’ve come a long way, girlfriend,” Cassie sighed, and impulsively hugged her friend.
“We have,” Hannah breathed wistfully. “Who would have thought that not having a driver to transport your horses up here for the show last year, would have resulted in finding your pot of gold.”
“Not me,” Cassie replied, shaking her head. “Not in a million years.”
“They’re back,” Hannah declared, turning her head towards the dining room.
The sound of laughter and conversation floated through the air, and Cassie moved quickly to crack open the door and sneak another peek.
“Cassie…” Hannah warned, but it was too late. Cassie was already at the door and had pushed it open a couple of inches.
“I don’t believe it,” she breathed through clenched teeth.
“What, what do you see?” Hannah asked, hurrying across to join her.
Cassie moved away, gesturing for Hannah to take her place.
“Prepare yourself,” Cassie bristled as Hannah pressed her face to the gap.
“Oh…my…God…”
Chad had passed out the T-shirts bearing the new logo that Cassie had designed, and the blond girl had taken the liberty of changing into it. The reason for Cassie’s outrage and Hannah’s shock wasn’t that she’d chosen to switch shirts, but that she wasn’t wearing a bra, and her large nipples were anxiously attempting to poke a hole through the thin, soft, cotton silk fabric.
Closing the door behind her, Hannah stared at the fury crossing Cassie’s face.
“Now, Cassie-”
“No,” Cassie interrupted, “you know me, we’ve been friends for years, and Chad may have calmed me down a bit but I’m still me. You think I’m going to let that, that, that fucking tart bounce around my fiancee looking like that?”
“Please don’t do anything stupid,” Hannah said fearfully. “I know you have a temper, but that’s one of Chad’s clients. You have to leave it alone.”
“Hah, the hell I will,” Cassie hissed. “Sorry, I’m not snapping at you, I’m snapping with you.”
“I know, it’s okay. My advice? Talk to Chad, tell him how upset you are. That’s the best thing to do, actually, it’s the only thing to do. He’s probably just as pissed at her as you are, maybe more, and I’ll bet the women in there are as well.”
Cassie stared at her friend, then reaching for a piece of smoked salmon wrapped around some cream cheese sitting neatly on a cracker, she popped it in her mouth and chewed thoughtfully.
“Man, that’s good,” she sighed. “You know what, Hannah, once again you’re the voice of reason. You’re absolutely right. I’m going to talk to Chad tonight. I’ll tell him exactly how I feel, how upset I am that this, this-”
“Brazen hussy,” Hannah volunteered, “that’s what your mother would call her if she were here.”
“Yes, I’ll tell him exactly how upset I am about this brazen hussy running around. Who knows, maybe he’ll kick her out of here.”
“Maybe he will,” Hannah nodded. “Try the stuffed avocado.”
Feeling better, and not needing a second invitation, Cassie loaded up a plate and sat at the kitchen table. Hannah followed suit, and they’d just finished eating when Marty and Chad wandered in.
“How did it go?” Hannah asked.
“Good, real good,” Chad replied. “Seems to be a decent group, a couple of real beginners so I’ll be takin’ care of them. I’m starvin’. I spent so much time talkin’ I had no time to eat.”
“Me too,” Marty complained.
“There’s plenty left,” Hannah grinned. “Help yourself.”
As Chad filled his plate he noticed that Cassie was unusually quiet, and as he sat next to her he put an arm around her shoulder and gave her a quick hug.
“Everythin’ okay?” he asked quietly.
“Sure,” she mumbled.
“So, no then,” he whispered.
She glanced at him, and in spite of her ire she broke into a smile.
“Well, yeah, no,” she nodded.
“You’ll tell me later,” he said firmly.
“Uh-huh,” she nodded, then rose from the table to put more food on her plate.
After they finished their makeshift meal, Cassie stacked the dishwasher while Hannah placed the leftovers into plastic containers, putting half of them in the refrigerator for Chad and Ca
ssie.
“Best be headin’ off,” Marty declared. “I guess I’ll see you bright an’ early.”
“That you will,” Chad nodded. “Hannah, you did a great job, thanks for everythin’.”
“It was fun, thanks for the opportunity,” she beamed.
Cassie walked them to the kitchen door and waved them off, then turned back to Chad still sitting at the table.
“I’m going up to put the horse’s in,” she said wearily. “I won’t be long.”
“Not yet,” Chad declared. “You’re not going anywhere until you tell me what’s bothering you.”
“Can’t I put the kids in first, come back, take a shower, and then tell you? Please? Pretty please? I’m tired.”
Her eyes were wide, and Chad felt himself soften.
“Okay, since you said pretty please,” he smiled, “but I’m comin’ up to help. I’m not real happy about you bein’ alone up there right now, and let’s take the Rover. It’ll be more comfortable.”
“Great,” she grinned. “Then I’ll be done in half the time.”
Grabbing some carrots from the fridge, they headed into the garage, Mickey jumping in the back seat excited to be going out. They brought in the horses, fed them, and were cleaning up the paddocks when Cassie paused for a moment, and looked up at the house that would soon be her new home.
“What’s up?” Chad asked, moving to stand beside her.
“I was just remembering Christmas,” she said softly, “and I’m just so looking forward to being in that house with you. I’ve loved all our romantic evenings, but to be actually living there, looking at the lake every day…it’s going to be heaven,” she sighed. “Chad, you’ve made me so happy. Thank you.”
“Hey sweet girl, that goes both ways,” he said soberly, then added, “you seem better.”
“I am,” she admitted. “It was good to come up here and do this with you. I always feel close to you when we’re doing something horsey together.”
“Horsey?” he laughed.
“Yes, horsey,” she firmly.
“Let’s get finished,” he grinned. “It’s been a long day.”
They wheeled their barrows of manure around to the back of the barn, ready for Jeb and Tommy to empty into the gator and haul down to the manure dumpster behind Chad’s barn, then headed for home. Cassie opted for a bubble bath as Chad stepped into the shower.
The Cowboy's Rules: 2 (Cowboys After Dark:) Page 8