Chasin' Eight: Rough Riders, Book 12

by Lorelei James

  Damn smartass man.

  “Good idea,” Kane said. “We’ll be in the kitchen.”

  She’d forgotten Ginger and Kane were in the room.

  Chase set his feet on the floor and scooped up his clothes. He muttered, “I don’t remember getting undressed.”

  “Me either.”

  He squinted at her over his shoulder. “I take less time in the bathroom so I’ll go first.”

  “Fine.” Soon as she heard the bathroom door close, she jumped up. Ooh. Too fast. Made her woozy. She slipped on a pair of Capri-style yoga pants and her Santa Clara community college sweatshirt.

  As she passed the bathroom, she paused. Her mouth tasted like ass. The shower was running and Chase probably wouldn’t notice if she just popped in and grabbed her toothbrush and toothpaste.

  Ava turned the door handle. Unlocked. She slowly pushed the door open and came face-to-face with a completely nude Chase. Her eyes followed the dark line of hair—his treasure trail—stopping when she hit the mother lode. Wow. Chase was aroused. And well hung. Very well hung.

  “Jesus, Hollywood. Do you not understand privacy at all?”

  Rather than reminding him the door had a lock, she said, “I need my toothbrush.”

  He stomped closer, which caused his dick to jump against his belly. “Get out.”

  “God, Chase, relax. It’s just a penis. And here’s a newsflash for you. I’ve seen other penises, so it’s no big deal.” Such a liar, Ava.

  “It’s a big deal to me,” he snarled. “Get the fuck out of the bathroom and wait your turn.”

  “Let me grab my toothbrush and toothpaste and I’ll go.”

  “Get your eyes off my junk and you’ll see that I have your toothbrush and toothpaste in my hand.”

  Oh shit. She raised her gaze only high enough to see, yes indeed, Chase was holding her oral hygiene supplies. She snatched them from him and exited the bathroom.

  The door slammed behind her. She heard the lock click and some pretty choice swear words.

  She stopped outside the kitchen upon seeing Kane and Ginger in a private moment. His lower back rested against the counter with the front of Ginger’s body pressed to his. He had one hand fisted in her hair as he kissed the side of her neck and he’d jammed his other hand in the back pocket of her jeans. Everything about the way they were entwined together screamed love, not just lovers.

  Despite Ava’s joy that Ginger found a man who loved her so completely, Ava felt a smidgen of jealousy. Would she ever find that total love and acceptance for herself?

  She cleared her throat and the couple parted.

  Kane grinned unrepentantly. “I tend to get carried away when I have alone time with my beautiful wife.”

  “I imagine,” she said distractedly, staring at the section of skin where Ginger’s blouse had slipped down. “Since when do you have a tattoo?”

  Ginger’s fingers brushed her left shoulder. “I got it after the twins were born.”

  “What is it?”

  “The McKay brand.” Ginger rolled her eyes. “Oh, don’t look so appalled. It’s not a symbol of ownership. It’s become a tradition for the women who marry into the McKay family.”

  “Who started the tradition?”

  “Keely. When she was the only McKay girl. After she married Jack Donohue, she insisted that he, like the other spouses who married into the family, should be tattooed with the McKay brand. Jack refused—not surprising if you knew Jack—and insisted Keely tattoo his initials on her body, since she was no longer a McKay.”

  “How’d that work out?”

  “Keely had India put Jack’s initials below the pair of lips tattooed on her butt.” Kane shook his head. “And Jack thought once they were married she’d become docile. That girl is about as tame as a mountain lion.”

  Ava grinned. “I knew I liked her. Now if you’ll step aside, I need to use the sink.”

  Kane squinted at her.

  “What?”

  “It’s weird. Watchin’ you on TV you always look so much smaller. I forget how tall you are in person.”

  “I look short on Miller’s Ridge because my costar, Alex Summers, is six foot six. He’s the first man who makes me look petite.” But he’s not the first guy who made me feel small.

  Dammit. No negativity today.

  After she washed her face and brushed her teeth, Ava started a pot of coffee. A jolt of caffeine would lessen the pounding in her head. She stared out the window, lost in thought, and only roused herself when she heard Chase join Kane and Ginger’s conversation about other McKay family members.

  Ginger sidled up next to her. “Sorry about the Chase mix- up.”

  “It’s okay. I didn’t give you a choice. And I really do appreciate you guys letting me crash here.”

  “Have you figured anything out?”

  She gave Ginger a wry look. “Besides that I’m never drinking Maker’s Mark again?”

  “Smartass.”

  “Actually, I’m shooting things that interest me with my video camera. Don’t know what I’ll do with any of it, but that’s the whole point. Trying to figure some of this out. Who I am when I’m not in Hollywood. What I want to do when I go back, right?”

  “Right. I hope you’re not factoring Chase into your plans for the time you’re here.” Ginger dropped her voice. “Chase is a great guy for the most part. A little too self-involved to the McKays’ liking. But they’re all so damn proud of him they’ll forgive his neglectful behavior. That said, Ava, do not get mixed-up with him. Woman trouble follows him everywhere and you don’t need that after what you’ve dealt with lately.”

  “Is Kane giving Chase the same advice? Don't get mixed up with Ava because man trouble follows her everywhere?”

  “Shit, Ava, I didn’t mean—”

  “No need to worry because nothing is going on between us. I swear. We’re just friends. We had a blast hanging out yesterday. And to be honest, Chase understands better than anyone what I’ve gone through with the press since he’s gone through the same thing.”

  Ginger seemed surprised by Ava’s observation. “I hadn’t thought of it that way.”

  “That’s because you still see me as the clueless seventeen-year-old girl who stumbled into your law office by mistake.”

  “That’s where you’re wrong.” Ginger bumped Ava with her hip. “While you’re contemplating life and your place in it…do something about that chip on your shoulder, eh?”

  Ava laughed. But it felt forced, not that Ginger noticed. “So, tell me all about the McKay brood.”

  Kane and Ginger were enamored with their offspring but clearly exhausted. Maddie’s temper was a testament to her red hair. Hayden had christened the corkscrew tufts on Maddie’s head her “mean curls” and lamented the fact Paul was a climber and constantly pulled the chess board to the floor. Since Ginger’s father lived with them, he was a big help to keeping some semblance of order in the house. But the way they described it, it sounded more like a zoo.

  “Oh, before I forget, Ava, did you leave your car parked out front yesterday?”

  Ava looked at Kane. “Only for about five minutes. Why?”

  “Chase’s brother Ben passed by and wondered if someone was staying here. He called this morning, so I had to tell him you were in town, but to keep it quiet.” Kane looked at Chase when he opened his mouth. “I told them about Ava to cover your ass, cuz, so no complaints from you. But I suggest you keep your truck outta sight.” Kane stood and held his hand out to Ginger. “Come on, Red. I need your help checkin’ that gate before we head home.”

  Ginger looked confused. “What gate?”

  “You know, the gate we talked about on the way over here?”

  “Oh. Oh! That gate.” She blushed. “Ah, sure. I’d be happy to help.” Ginger paused at the door. “If you need anything, call.”

  “Will do.”

  As soon as the door shut, Chase snickered. “Fixin’ a gate, my ass. Kane is fixin’ to have his way with his wi
fe in his pickup.”

  “Is ‘gate’ some kind of country euphemism for sex?”

  “Nope. But I believe our bein’ in their love nest has forced them to get creative for their marital activities.”

  She really had no response for that.

  “Ever done it in a pickup, Hollywood?”

  “No.” Don’t ask. “Have you?”

  Chase’s I-can-rock-your-world grin turned her knees weak. “I was born and raised in Wyoming. Never had any vehicle that wasn’t a truck…so what do you think?”

  “I think imagining you and me fogging up the windows and rocking the wheels until the suspension squeaks isn’t helping get sex off my brain.” Ava set her coffee cup on the table. “My turn in the bathroom.”

  He yelled, “Don’t forget to lock the door.”

  Doubtful he saw her flip him off.

  Later that evening, they were playing a rousing game of Go Fish when headlights swept the kitchen window.

  “Were you expecting someone?” Chase said.

  “I’m not from around here, remember? What about you?”

  “No one knows I’m here, remember?” He pulled back the living room curtain and froze. What the fuck was his brother Ben doing here? He grabbed Ava by the elbow and dragged her out of sight.

  “What the hell are you doing, Chase?”

  “Ssh.”

  “Don’t shush me. Who’s here?”

  Four insistent raps sounded on the screen door.

  “Ava? I know it’s late but I wondered if you were still up? It’s Ben McKay, Kane’s cousin. Don’t know if you remember me, but we met at Kane and Ginger’s wedding.”

  Ava smirked at Chase and yelled, “Of course I remember, you, Ben. Hang on, let me throw on some clothes and I’ll be right there.”

  “Are you fuckin’ serious?” Chase hissed in her ear. “You cannot let my brother in.”

  “Sure I can. And if you don’t want to be found out as my dirty little secret, you’d better stay in the bedroom.” Ava sidestepped him, slipped on her Juicy jacket and fluffed her hair. Then she made a shooing motion at him. “Go.”

  “I don’t believe this,” he muttered, stealthily snagging his duffel bag. He left the bedroom door ajar, hoping the hallway had decent acoustics.

  “Ben! Wow. You look great. Thanks so much for taking the time to check on this poor city mouse.”

  “It’s no trouble. Just bein’ neighborly.”

  Bullshit. Ben lived twenty-five fucking miles from here. Maybe Ben would see Ava was fine and skedaddle on home. Chase just hoped Ava wouldn’t offer him a beer.

  “Can I get you something to drink?” Ava asked with entirely too much cheer for Chase’s liking.

  “A beer would be great.”

  Dammit. They sat in the easy chairs, which meant Chase had no way to see them and could only hear his brother making charming small talk with Ava.

  “Kane and Ginger swung by today, and told me you’d seen my car out front.”

  “Gotta admit I was surprised that we had a beautiful celebrity in our midst again.”

  Jesus. When Ben spewed that lame bullshit, he actually got laid? Unbelievable.

  “More like a fugitive than a celebrity since I’m on the lamb from my life.”

  “I read about that nasty business with your ex. You okay?”

  “Getting there. Needed time to clear my head and there’s too much smog in LA to do that, so I headed for wide-open spaces.”

  “You’re not finding it too isolated out here?”

  Why don’t you just come out and ask to spend the night so you can keep her safe?

  “Not yet.”

  “If you get bored or lonely, or hell, just hungry, call me. I’m a decent cook and I get tired of cooking for one.”

  “Thank you, Ben, I may do that.”

  Their voices dropped. All Chase could hear were Ben’s deep murmurs and Ava’s occasional trills of laughter. He fumed, wondering how Ben’s impromptu visit had turned into an extended stay.

  Then Ben’s voice reached him, clear as a bell. “You might as well come out, Chase. I know you’re back there. I recognize that damn cologne you bathe in. And your boots are by the door.”

  Chase wandered out of the bedroom and faced his older brother. Even as a kid Ben owned an air of fortitude. Since Ben smiled and laughed more than their oldest brother, Quinn, everyone assumed Ben was easygoing. Laid-back.

  But he wasn’t. Not by a long shot. Ben had a level of intensity that could be downright scary. Luckily Ben hadn’t inherited the tendency to use his fists to solve problems, a trait some of their McKay cousins shared. He didn’t mince words, didn’t have time for bullshit or lies. When a man was defined by how hard he worked, Chase always thought of Bennett McKay first.

  “Would you excuse us?” Ben asked as he stood. “I need to talk to my little brother outside for a minute.”

  Ava tossed off a breezy, “Sure.”

  Ben exited the trailer. He kept walking until they were by the barn. Then he faced Chase, hands on his hips, his tone as cold as steel. “What the hell is wrong with you? You come home and stay at Kane’s place and don’t let any of your family know you’re here?”

  Chase’s brain started to form a lie, but his mouth wouldn’t give voice to it. “Sorry.”

  “Sorry? You too good for us now? Do your country kin embarrass the big time PBR bull rider?”

  Shame made heat flare in his cheeks. “Goddammit, Ben, no, I ain’t that way, you know that. I got kicked off the tour and didn’t want you guys to know because I don’t want any of you to think less of me than you already do.”

  Ben stared at him. Hard. With such a mix of emotions swimming in his eyes that Chase couldn’t look away. Then he said curtly, “The truth about what went down. All of it. Right now.”

  Chase relayed everything.

  His brother walked to the fence. Gazed across the pasture. Walked back. “Okay. I believe you.”

  That stung. Ben’s first thought was he’d been lying? Right. Ben had caught Chase in lies more times than he cared to admit.

  “But you don’t get to toss off the ‘think less of you’ bullshit comment because that’s a total lie. We’re all proud of you, Chase. But the fact is, you ain’t proud of yourself. And I get sick and tired of us—your family—bein’ dead last on your list of priorities. You should’ve come to us first.”

  “Really? Last time I came home, I ended up staying with Tell because Mom was having the entire inside of the house repainted, Quinn and Libby’s kids were sick, and you had ‘plans’, so don’t give me that I should’ve come to you first crap. You don’t know what it’s like not to have a home you can go to whenever you feel like it.”

  Ben seemed surprised by Chase’s explanation. “Regardless. Mom is worried about you because of the injury announcement, and you weren’t forthcoming about it.” He pointed at Chase. “Then no one hears from you for two weeks? Beyond the ‘I’m fine, more later’ texts you’ve sent to all of us. That’s bogus and you know it.”

  “Yeah, I suck, I’m sure that’s a big fuckin’ shocker,” he muttered. “Are they pissed?”

  “Not as much as they might’ve been in the past. A whole lot changed between them after Aunt Joan left Uncle Casper.”

  His aunt and uncle being Splitsville after so many years of marriage was hard to believe. “Like what?”

  “I dunno, I don’t…” Ben sighed and studied his boots. “It’s like they’re in a honeymoon phase. That sounds stupid, but whenever I see Brandt and Jessie, I realize Mom and Dad are acting just like them. Maybe it has to do with Dad retiring.”

  Not realizing things had changed in his family made Chase feel guiltier yet.

  “As far as you sneaking into Wyoming because you thought I’d judge you? Yeah, I probably would’ve chewed your ass. Reminded you that when things go to hell you don’t run from your family, you’re supposed to run to them. Reminded you that we talked about some of this distraction shit last year. You didn
’t listen to me. Or Quinn. But I figure I’m entitled to givin’ you what for now, bein’s I’m the older, wiser brother and all.”

  Chase grinned. “Thought I saw some new gray hair on that stubborn head of yours.”

  “Bite me.” Ben’s smile faded. “I’ve said my piece. But there’s one thing I ain’t letting you off the hook for.”

  He expected Ben to bring up Ava and braced himself. “What?”

  “You’re gonna make a ‘surprise’ visit to Mom and Dad before you leave.” Ben frowned. “I’d call first just to make sure they’re not goin’ at it on the living room floor.”

  “Thanks for that mental picture, bro.”

  “Hey, I got to see the live version, so consider yourself lucky.”

  “No. Way. Mom and Dad? Doin’ the nasty on the floral rug we weren’t even allowed to walk on?”

  Ben nodded. “They didn’t see me and I backed away quietly when I saw them. Then went home and drank until I passed out. Quinn wasn’t happy I was worthless the next day. So I gave him a much more graphic version of what I’d seen than what I’m telling you. And while you’re out and about, stop and see Quinn, Libby and the kids.”

  “I’m never gonna get outta town tomorrow,” he grumbled.

  “I’m glad you’re leaving. I hoped you had a better plan than holing up in this trailer and spending the summer sulking.”

  He knew Ben was worried, and the way he showed concern was to provoke him. Weird, but it always worked.

  “Where you off to?”

  “Cash Big Crow is gonna help me figure out what I changed in my ridin’ style. Guess I’ll be getting on a lot of bulls to try and fix it.”

  “Smart. Then what?”

  Chase couldn’t tell his “don’t lie” brother about his bogus PRCA card and his intent to ride as many bulls as possible in the next month. “Honestly? I don’t know. I’m gonna try like hell to stay off the radar. Maybe the PBR will commute my sentence.”

  “Be interesting to see what happens. Just don’t keep me outta the loop, okay?”

  He had the sense there was more to it. Was Ben somehow…lonely? “So. You been winning at the McKay poker games?”