Sweet-Loving Cowboy--A Kinky Spurs Novel

by Stacey Kennedy

  “Perhaps that’s simply his mindset, though,” Chase offered. “It makes sense to marry her.”

  “Yeah, but does life always have to make sense?”

  While he understood Harper’s side of this, he smiled softly. “For a logical person, yes, and Brody is a logical person.”

  Her brows drew together with her long, deep breath until she turned her attention to the stars again. “I guess that’s true.”

  He gave her a further examination, noting the tight set of her mouth. “What’s going on in that head of yours?”

  When she turned to him again, he saw a thousand unanswered questions in her pretty eyes. “Oh, I’m just lying here thinking how much of what we do in life is because we really want it or because the events in our life made that outcome the only feasible one.”

  Chase frowned. “Explain that a bit more.”

  “I mean that, yes, I believe Faith and Brody are meant to be together. But would they have been married sooner if my parents had been here? Would Brody be happier if he hadn’t had to raise me?”

  “That’s a lot of what-ifs.”

  She smiled softly. “I know. I just want him to be happy after all he’s done for me.”

  With her heart bared to him and the warmth of that affection spilling out over him, he stroked his knuckles across her cheek. “He will be happy. There is no one better for Brody than Faith.”

  “Yeah, yeah, I know. I guess I’m just being emotional.” She avoided his gaze again, glancing down at Houdini between them. He was flopped on his side, his small belly lifting and falling with his heavy breaths. She slowly stroked down between his eyes, her voice gentle. “Imagine if life was this easy. Play until you’re all tuckered out, then sleep, then eat.”

  Chase examined her. Hard.

  Harper’s clear focus had been the first thing he noticed about her when she came home from Denver, so the statement caused him to pause. “Life is what you make it,” he told her.

  She kept stroking down over Houdini’s neck. “I learned a lot time ago that’s not true. It’s easy to believe you can control your life, but then in the next second, you realize you don’t control shit. That no matter how much you plan, in the end, sometimes your plan simply won’t work out.”

  She spoke of her parents’ death, he knew that. “If I’ve learned anything from my father’s passing, it’s not to waste time,” he said. “Do what you love. Live your dreams. Because you have no idea how long you have.”

  Her hand slid down over Houdini’s belly. “I used to think that too, but you know what else I can’t help think about?”

  “What’s that?”

  She looked at him, and he caught the emotion in her eyes, filling his chest with warmth, when she added, “The people in your life are more important than even your own dreams. That’s the thing that changes. You can plan your entire life around you, but without those people, what you thought was important no longer matters.”

  Chase listened carefully, watching the confusion cross her face. She appeared to be thinking of Brody and her parents. “You need to live your life for yourself, Harper. Not for any other reason but that.”

  She lifted her head and smiled, the warmth never reaching her eyes. “You’re right, I do.”

  “And that’s why you’re going to Vegas. To follow your dreams.”

  A cold void slid over him as she looked up at the stars. “And that’s why I’m going to Vegas.”

  This woman, he knew her inside and out, in ways he logically couldn’t explain even to himself, since he’d only really gotten to know her beyond being Brody’s little sister over the past three months. He knew he saw the real her, as much as he knew that she had just lied to him.

  Chapter 10

  Wednesday went by in a blur of sweat and hard work. Chase and his team worked day and night, and they hadn’t even made a dent in Todd’s list. He returned home later that night exhausted and miserable. Though when he discovered Harper waiting in his bed wearing a heated smile and nothing else, they lost themselves in each other before he crashed into a deep sleep. Early on Thursday morning, he woke to Harper doing her thing in the kitchen. She had made him a delish mushroom omelet breakfast with piping-hot coffee. While that started his morning off right, and his mood had improved dramatically from the night before, the ringing of his cell phone stopped him from getting into his truck and driving to the ranch to meet his crew to fix the stairs. Leah’s news that she had found a foster family for Houdini had brought heaviness into his stomach. And by the time he was driving toward the vet clinic, with Harper next to him and Houdini on her lap, that weighted feeling had moved to his chest.

  When he reached the clinic and parked at the curb, he turned to Harper. She had been unusually quiet on the drive over. He understood. Because he had been unable to find words to explain his racing thoughts either. “We should go in,” he told her.

  She sighed and glanced up at him with sad eyes. “Yeah, I guess so.”

  He followed her into the clinic, tension vibrating between them. His feet felt oddly like they were going in the wrong direction.

  Once they were inside, the receptionist greeted them behind the counter with a kind smile. “Go on out back. Everyone’s waiting for you there.” Her gaze flicked to Houdini, and her smile warmed. “Lucky boy gets a home today.”

  He’s already had a home crossed Chase’s mind. He hastily shut down that thought. This was the good news they had been hoping for. And this was in Houdini’s best interests. Chase’s life wasn’t suited for a puppy, especially one with special needs.

  Harper silently headed down the thin hallway with small exam rooms on either side until she reached the back door. Chase followed her out, and the sunny day welcomed him back. He noted that the outdoor space had a chain-link fence blocking off a grassed area with a few trees, a kiddie pool, and toys littering the space. Harper put a wiggling Houdini down. Unsurprisingly, he went straight for the toys, latching onto one before climbing into the pool.

  “Thank you for bringing him.”

  Chase turned, discovering Leah and a man and a woman, looking to be in their early forties, sitting at the small circular patio table behind them. The man’s shiny loafers and the woman’s perfectly styled auburn hair and long, painted pink fingernails suggested to Chase that they weren’t from around there. “Chase Blackshaw,” he announced, offering his hand to the man. “I take it you’re the foster family?”

  “Jack Hodge.” He returned the handshake and gestured at the woman. “This is my wife Dina.”

  “Good to meet you.” Chase shook her hand, then nodded at Harper. “Harper McKinney.”

  “It’s nice to meet the both of you,” Dina said with a soft smile. “We were so touched to hear about Houdini’s story. We’ve got an older guy at our house who also has diabetes, so we are very understanding of his situation.”

  Chase glanced next to him, discovering Harper giving the couple a very thorough once-over.

  “Are you from River Rock?” she asked.

  Jack shook his head, leaning back in his seat, resting his arm on his wife’s chair. “Colorado Springs, actually.”

  Harper nibbled her lip. “How many pets do you have?”

  “Four dogs and three cats.” Dina smiled when Houdini ran over then, shaking his body and sending water spraying through the air. “They always seem to only do that where they’re around people.”

  Harper’s eyebrows drew together, and her expression hardened. “Do you have any children? A big family?”

  Chase gave Harper a deeper look. Her arms were crossed, eyes focused on the couple. Why was she interrogating them?

  Jack replied easily, “Nope, no children. And we’re both only children, so we don’t have a particularly large family.”

  “Do you live in the city in Colorado Springs?” Harper asked without hesitation. “Or do you live on a farm?”

  Leah began to frown at Harper.

  Dina gave a sweet soft smile, obviously understand
ing where Harper’s concerns were coming from. “We live in the city.”

  Harper’s lips flattened before she asked, “You’ve got a big backyard, though?”

  Jack nodded. “Big enough.”

  When Harper’s lips parted again, Leah rose. “We could not ask for a better family to take Houdini in. I’ve known the Hodges for what . . .”—she glanced at Jack—“ten years now?”

  Again, Jack nodded. “Sounds about right.”

  “They’ve taken in many fosters,” Leah said in a soothing voice. “Houdini will fit right in at their place.”

  Harper made a soft sound and shifted on her feet. A quick look sideways and Chase saw the slight quiver of her chin. He wrapped an arm around her, pulling her in close. “Do you mind if we have a few minutes with him before you go?” he asked Dina.

  “Not at all,” Dina said. “We’re in no rush. Take as much time as you need. We’re also not that far of a drive. You’re more than welcome to visit Houdini whenever you’d like. Our door is always open.”

  “Thank you for that.” Chase scooped up Houdini then and took Harper’s hand, leading her to one of the shade trees, putting distance between them and the others.

  Beneath the tree, Harper released Chase’s hand and sat down. She picked up a toy and tossed the rubber chicken. Houdini barked and pounced on the toy.

  “They seem nice,” Chase said, noting that her shoulders drooped and her spine bowed.

  Her voice broke. “I guess so.”

  Chase took a seat next to her, running a hand across her back. “Talk to me. Do you not think they’re a suitable family for him?”

  “There are only two of them.” She kept her gaze on Houdini, who shook the rubber chicken from side to side. “They don’t have a big family or lots of land. Houdini likes all that. He’s been so happy with us and then out at the farm.” The puppy ran over to her. She cupped his furry face, staring at him intently, and her voice trembled. “Uh-oh, I’m going to cry.”

  Chase cringed, rubbing her back harder. “Please don’t do that.”

  “I can’t help it.” She sniffed, her head bowed as she patted Houdini’s back, big fat tears running down her cheeks. “We found him together and saved him. And to think that I won’t ever see him again.” She reached for him and kissed his nose, then stared at him intently. “I’m sorry I can’t keep you. I would in a second if I could. But Vegas isn’t the right place for you. You would be so unhappy there. You’ll be happier with this new family. I promise.”

  Houdini licked her nose.

  Chase watched the exchange, a cold sweat beginning to form on his face.

  Harper rose. “I guess I shouldn’t drag this out. It’s only going to make it harder for me.”

  Chase pushed to his feet, and her red-rimmed teary eyes came to him. “Do you want to say goodbye?” she asked.

  He reached down and gave Houdini a scratch on the head, the words he thought he should say staying trapped in his throat. His hand began to shake, and he quickly shoved it into his pocket, clenching his fist.

  Tears spilled down Harper’s face before she turned away and approached Jack and Dina again. Leah’s arms were folded, and her expression was soft and sad, obviously feeling for Harper.

  Chase followed, time slowing around him. A bitter coldness spread over him, his thoughts running away. His life wasn’t suited for a puppy. He was out of the home more than in it. Though Houdini had hung around during this week at the ranch and seemed fine. Maybe Chase could take him to work with him. But then there were the insulin shots, which might become complicated over time. But Chase had handled that, and Houdini seemed to be doing well. Adrenaline flushed through his body as Harper drew closer to Dina. He stopped behind them, planting his feet wide, dizziness overcoming him.

  Harper turned to Houdini, kissing his head again. The pup’s gentle green eyes locked onto Chase. Then they were gone as Harper handed the puppy to Dina, and Chase felt doused with ice. “Stop,” he shouted.

  Everyone startled, all five sets of eyes turning to him.

  “What’s wrong?” Harper gasped.

  “Nope. No. Hell no.” Chase shook his head, grabbing Harper’s hand and taking Houdini from Dina. He turned to the others. “I’m sorry for wasting your time, but he’s going to stay with me.”

  “Chase?” Leah asked.

  He kept his mouth shut and strode forward, not letting anyone stop him. There were things in life he didn’t know. So many things he couldn’t control, but there wasn’t a hope in hell he could let this puppy go. No one tried to stop them when he hurried out of the office and made it back to his truck. He opened the door for Harper and looked back at her.

  She finally blinked, looking startled. “What was that?”

  “You’re right.” He glanced at Houdini in his arms, all his earlier tension now gone. “We found him together. It’s only right that he stays with me.” He gestured to the passenger seat. “Now get in the truck before I realize this is complete insanity and change my mind.”

  Harper gave a beaming smile, grabbed his shirt with one hand, and planted a hard kiss on his lips. “You are a good man, Chase Blackshaw.” She jumped into the truck, and he placed Houdini on her lap.

  Chase began shutting the door, and Houdini’s sweet eyes met his. For the first time since he woke up that morning, he smiled.

  * * *

  A half an hour later, after dropping Harper off at home to continue with her packing, and greatly annoyed that he wouldn’t see her until late that night, Chase passed by the large wrought iron gate toward the ranch. The first thing he noticed was Shep leaning against his truck, arms folded, a frown on his face. Then he discovered his crew was nowhere in sight. His mother’s car was gone, but that wasn’t a surprise. Today was the day she played bridge with her friends downtown.

  His concern amplified by the tension in Shep’s expression, Chase parked the truck and scooped up Houdini, hurrying outside. He gently placed the pup down, and Houdini took off toward the grass. “Where is everyone?” he asked.

  Shep’s shoulders rose and fell with a heavy sigh. He opened the passenger side door of his truck with BLACKSHAW SURVIVAL written on the side. When he closed the door, he offered Chase a file folder. “I had to send your team home.”

  Hot adrenaline pulsed through Chase. He arched an eyebrow. “I hope you have a good reason for doing that.”

  “I do have a reason, but it isn’t a good one.” Shep’s brow wrinkled as he motioned Chase to follow. He took a seat in the closest Adirondack chair around the fire pit. Once Chase joined him, he gestured at the file. “Have a look for yourself.”

  When Houdini returned, running directly to Shep, Chase opened the file, reading the documents within. He studied the numbers on the page until he reached the final number: $10,352.00. That number hit Chase in the chest like a freight train. The guest ranch needed five thousand dollars after the grand opening for their startup. They had also budgeted for another five thousand to have some cushion. “Please tell me I’m not seeing this right.”

  Shep gave Houdini a final pat then leaned back in his seat, crossing an ankle over his knee. “Like I said, I don’t have good news.”

  “We’re out of money?” Chase asked. “Already? How can that be possible?”

  “Believe me, I was surprised the funds ran out so quickly too.” Houdini jumped up against Shep’s leg, wanting more attention. “But I triple-checked the numbers. They’re not wrong.” He reached down, scratching Houdini’s ear. The puppy opened his mouth, tongue wagging out. “We knew we were extremely tight going into this. There simply wasn’t room to redo the work that has happened because of the inspector.”

  Chase inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly to keep his cool. There was always a simple way forward, even in the most complicated situations. While Shep had the experience running a business, which was why he’d taken over the financial management of the guest ranch, Chase knew this project inside and out. “I don’t think it makes sense to put more money i
nto this venture by dipping into the emergency fund. We need that money there, so we don’t fold after we open.”

  “I completely agree,” Shep said with a nod.

  Chase glanced out as Houdini took off running after a bird flying low by the cabins before addressing Shep again. “I’m going to have to do the work myself.”

  Shep’s brows winged up. “Can you finish this job by yourself?”

  “We don’t have any other choice if we want to make the grand opening.” Chase’s gaze roamed over the numbers laid out before him on the paper again, especially the cost of the extra work the inspector had cost them. “If it comes down to crunch time, and I’m not done, I’ll bring in the team and use my savings to finish up what I can’t get done.”

  Shep’s lips pressed together in a firm line. “I don’t think that makes sense either. To drain your business right out of the gate won’t do anything to help your future.”

  Of course, Shep was right. Chase ran a hand over his eyes. “So, basically, I either get the job done or we’ll need to delay the grand opening?”

  Shep gave a slow nod. “I think that’s the only two options we’ve got. Anything else makes this messy. We don’t want messy.”

  “No, we don’t.” And yet, messy seemed to be a perfect description of Chase’s life right now. He dropped the file onto his lap to run his hands over his face, absorbing all this.

  One step forward. Ten steps back.

  Whatever crossed his expression when Chase lowered his hands caused Shep to frown. “I know that Nash and I will only be in your way while you’re trying to get this done—since we’re both good with a hammer but that’s about it—but whatever we can do to help, we’re here for you. Meals delivered to you, hardware store shopping trips, whatever you need, use us to help you.”

  “The meals will help.” Chase pondered the tasks ahead of him. Six sets of stairs and a few toilets needed to be aligned. Suddenly, his thoughts went to Harper. How would she fit into all this?

  He wanted more time with her, not less.