Jase nodded, excitement thrumming through him like an electric hum. “I didn’t realize a storm could do so much damage.”
“The weather is a rancher’s worst enemy.” The tone clearly suggested that Jase should already know this. “Every time we get a thunderstorm—and there are a lot of them in this part of Oklahoma—we end up spending a few days cleaning up the mess. We’ll head out as soon as you finish eating.”
In other words, eat quick or get left behind. But no, he was reading too much into it—Mason was just stressed about the storm and eager to get to work. Which suited Jase just fine.
He quickly finished his bacon, told Brighton goodbye, and followed Mason outside. He hoped he’d get to do more than just observe today. He needed to be a rancher and immerse himself in this lifestyle.
A storm was as good an excuse as any to jump in and help. He would make this his best performance yet. It wasn’t in him to give anything less than one hundred percent. Besides, while he wasn't sure what he wanted to do with his career, he wanted the decision to be his own, and maintaining his reputation as a professional was part of that.
“We’ll take the truck.” Mason strode off across the grass toward the back of the bunkhouse.
“We’re not taking a horse?”
Mason snorted. “It’d be mighty hard to carry everything on back of one of the animals. We’re not riding the range.”
“Oh. Right.” Jase felt stupid, but it quickly faded to anger at Mason. He was here to learn. If he already knew how ranch life worked, then he would’ve stayed in L.A.
An old and battered Ford pickup, the blue paint chipped and fading into rust near the tailgate, was filled to overflowing with wire, wooden fence posts, and tools.
“Hop in,” Mason said.
Jase nodded and opened the door with a loud creak, revealing a bench covered in a neutral brown fabric, frayed to the point of ripping. Dust filtered through the air, and the dashboard was dark from sun rot. A musty, humid smell filled the cab. Jase struggled for a moment with the hand-crank, finally getting the window lowered.
Mason revved the engine and they headed down a dirt road away from the main house and outbuildings.
“Nice truck,” Jase said. It was worn, but sturdy and hardworking, just like a cowboy. He liked the story this truck told.
Mason grunted. “It’s the ranch’s. My truck is a lot nicer kept than this one.”
Jase leaned his arm out the window, relishing the feel of the warm summer breeze playing with his hair. “I think this truck holds a certain charm. How often do the fences need repairing?”
“Depends.”
Jase gritted his teeth, trying to hold back his frustration. “On what?”
Mason shrugged. “Weather. If the cows knock them down. Lots of things.”
Maybe Mason was just a man of few words. That was a common trope in westerns, and tropes were usually based in reality. Jase took a slow, deep breath, then said nothing.
Mason drove for fifteen minutes down a well-worn dirt path, just wide enough for one vehicle. Tall grass blew gently in the breeze and fences lined both sides of the road. The land stretched out forever, trees visible in the distance. The flat expanse was so unfamiliar after the hills and beaches of L.A.
Jase saw the damaged fence moments before Mason pulled to the side of the road and parked the truck. The sun just crested the trees, bathing the ranch in golden light. Jase didn’t see any cows nearby though. Maybe they were in another pasture?
He got out of the truck, striding over to the damaged fence. It looked as though it had been trampled by the animals. Posts were at crazy angles, some of them knocked completely down, some of them snapped in two. A six-foot section of barbed wire had been stomped into the soft mud.
Jase reached out to examine the fence. “How do you keep the cattle from trampling the fence more often?”
“It’s electrified.”
Jase jerked his hand back, glaring at Mason. “Thanks for the warning.”
Mason chuckled—the first sign of amusement Jase had seen from the guy. “It’s not electrified right now. Lightning struck the fence and flipped the breakers—that’s how the steers got through. We’ll turn the fence back on once we’ve fixed it.”
Jase wasn’t so sure Mason would’ve warned him if it had been turned on. “So what do we do?”
Mason reached into the back of the truck and pulled out a shovel. “I’ll set the posts in the holes, and you’ll fill ‘em back up with dirt. If it’s busted, we’ll replace the post.”
“Easy enough,” Jase muttered. Too bad conversing with his teacher wasn’t as simple.
They worked for an hour in silence. Jase tried to begin a conversation, but Mason’s one-word grunts were definitely feeling personal. Jase thought back to the way Mason’s arms had lingered around Cassidy when they hugged and wondered if he viewed Jase as a threat.
The sun slowly rose, heating the air until sweat beaded on Jase’s forehead and soaked his collar. Mason did most of the work, only occasionally giving Jase instructions. They finished up the fence as the sun reached its zenith. Jase rested on his shovel and looked at the stretch of newly repaired fence, a deep sense of satisfaction settling into his bones. He’d helped fixed that fence, and while it would never win any awards, it was honest work that mattered.
“Let’s head back for lunch,” Mason said. “Then we’ll head into town and pick up the antibiotics the vet called in for the sick cows.”
Jase nodded. He helped Mason load up the tools, then climbed into the truck for the short drive back to the bunkhouse.
“What’s a typical day like?” Jase asked, letting his arm hang out the open window and loving the breeze on his face.
Mason shrugged. “Board with our assignments is posted in the administrative building each evening. I work with the horses a lot, but I go out on the range, too.”
“What do you do with the horses?”
“Train them. Ride them. Make sure they’re fed and cared for.”
All things Jase would love to learn about, but he doubted Mason would be a willing teacher. Jase ran a frustrated hand through his hair. “Did I do something to offend you, Mason?”
Mason flicked a glance his direction, eyes hooded. “No.”
Liar. Jase fixed the man with his own glare. “I get the feeling you don’t like me.”
Mason didn’t refute Jase’s claim. Instead, his scowl deepened. “I would think it was obvious why.”
“Enlighten me.”
Mason’s jaw flexed, as though he was trying to decide whether or not to be upfront. Then he said, “Seth Harrington.”
Jase didn’t know what he’d expected to hear—that Mason didn’t like actors, didn’t like people with lots of money, didn’t like Californians. That he worried Jase would make a play for Cassidy. Maybe even that he found city folk annoying. But Jase hadn’t expected to hear the name of the obnoxious actor he’d worked with on the latest box office hit.
“What does Seth have to do with anything?”
Mason flicked a glance at Jase, but this time his eyes were curious. “Hold up a sec. You really don’t know?”
Frustration made Jase’s shoulders tense, but he kept his voice even. “Obviously not. Why don’t you tell me so we can clear the air and I can get back to researching?”
Mason rubbed his chin, then pulled his hat down lower over his eyes.
“If you don’t tell me, I’ll just ask around until I find out,” Jase said.
Mason grunted. “Fine. I suppose you’ll find out sooner or later no matter what I do.
Jase held his breath, relieved to finally be getting to the bottom of why everyone on this ranch seemed determined to shut him out.
“Seth was Cassidy’s fiancé. He left the night before the wedding. That’s the last she heard from him.”
The air flew out of Jase in a whoosh.
“Clearly, Seth never told you about her.” Mason’s tone was dark and dangerous.
“No
,” Jase said. “He never mentioned a fiancée.”
Mason pulled to a stop in the grassy pasture behind the bunkhouse and turned his full attention to Jase. “Cassidy … well, Seth was sort of pressured into proposing by Randy because of the circumstances. The whole town was telling Seth to do right by her. They’d been together for a while, and Cassidy really loved him.” Mason cleared his throat and looked away. “She didn’t take his leaving well. Got real sick after he left. Caused quite a scandal around these parts for a while. She still blames him.”
Jase pieced together what Mason was saying between the lines. “There was a baby.”
Mason nodded.
“And Seth just left.”
Mason nodded again.
Jase ran a hand over his head and cursed. “And Cassidy knows about the movie Seth and I were in together?”
“The magazine articles call you his best friend.”
Jase wasn’t surprised to hear that Seth was spreading that particular rumor. Suddenly, Cassidy’s cold shoulder made so much sense. Jase clenched his jaw and stared at Mason, wanting the man to see the sincerity in his eyes. “Seth is a lying cheat. He did nothing but try and use me for my connections while on set. I didn’t like him much before today, and now I like him even less.”
“So you weren’t ever friends?”
“Not even close.”
Mason grunted, glancing at his hands, which still rested on the steering wheel. The two men sat in silence for a moment while Jase’s mind churned with this new information. Seth hadn’t mentioned Cassidy, or Sunset Plains, or a baby or fiancée or anything else. He had, however, showed up to work with a different girl every day and been photographed with a different woman every night.
“I’m sorry I’ve been unkind,” Mason said. “I was upset on behalf of Cassidy. We’re good friends. I shouldn’t have judged you without knowing the whole story.”
Jase held out a hand, and the two men shook. “I appreciate the apology. I’m not here to upset anyone, just to learn about ranching.”
“Guess I better start teaching you, then.” Mason opened the truck door. “We should get inside before all the food’s gone.”
Jase nodded and stepped out of the truck. He needed to talk to Cassidy and clear the air. He felt awful for goading her last night.
Mason was much friendlier during lunch. He introduced Jase to a few of the other cowboys and answered questions with more than a grunt. With Mason’s change in attitude, the other men became a lot friendlier, too. Several of them had seen Jase’s movies and enthusiastically asked about life as a movie star.
The men began to disperse, reluctantly returning to work. Mason grabbed a disposable container from the kitchen and filled it up with leftovers.
“Who’s that for?” Jase asked.
“Cassidy. Her cupcake shop is a few doors down from the pharmacy. I like to bring her lunch when I come into town. Some days she’s so busy that she forgets to eat anything. Her cupcakes are tasty, but they ain’t real food.”
Jase’s heartbeat quickened. He hadn’t expected to see the blonde beauty again so soon. But this was good—he could tell her he hadn’t been sent to torment her. Maybe then Jase could forget about her and focus on preparing for his role.
Jase watched with interest as they drove through downtown Sunset Plains. He’d arrived at Star Ranch by the highway and hadn’t made it into town. Main Street was narrow, with businesses on each side, ranging from dilapidated to updated. Mason pulled the truck in front of one of the smaller storefronts. It was most definitely well kept, with a fresh coat of white paint on the trim and a gleaming front window. Jase glanced up at the pink and brown sign, grinning at the name—Cupcakes and Cowboys.
Mason frowned as they got out of the truck. “That’s strange.”
“What?” Jase asked.
Mason pointed to the handmade sign on the front of the door. In curly writing that must be Cassidy’s it said all merchandise 50% off, today only.
It was a little odd to do a sale without any apparent advertising, but businesses had done stranger things. “Maybe she felt in a sales mood today.”
“I don’t think so. Cassidy has too thin of a profit margin for that.”
Mason pushed the door open, making a bell jingle. The shop had an eclectic collection of furniture—colorfully painted chairs, a cream-colored Victorian couch, and a decorative hutch. Jase took it all in before letting his eyes zero in on the bakery case at the front. His eyes widened at the contents. Cassidy was bent down, trying to jam a tray of cupcakes into the already overflowing case. Cupcakes, cakes, and cookies filled every square inch.
Cassidy straightened, setting the tray of cupcakes, still three-quarters full, on the counter. Her blonde hair lay in a braid over one shoulder, and she wore a frilly apron with the company’s logo emblazoned on the front.
“Cassidy, what happened?” Mason asked.
Her eyes glistened with tears, but she forced a tiny smile. “Lightning fried the fridge and freezer. Now I have to sell everything or throw it away.”
CHAPTER FIVE
Cassidy avoiding looking at Jase. Why did he and Mason have to drop in today, of all days? She hated that Jase was seeing her at her worst. She glanced at the tray of two dozen cupcakes, none of which would fit in the overflowing display case. Not even the cowboys at Star Ranch could eat all of this. She hoped she could sell most of it before closing time.
The morning had been a complete disaster. She’d called the power company and the landlord, but an electrician couldn’t make it until noon. Once he finally arrived, she figured it would take at least a few hours to rewire everything and replace the fried breakers. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma summer invaded the bakery, making its way into the creases and crevices of the old appliances.
Cassidy had her doubts that the fridge and freezer would turn back on, even after the breakers were fixed. Best case scenario, it’d be evening before everything was up and running again. She knew that newer appliances would keep the food cool that long, but her ancient units didn’t stand a chance. So she’d done the only thing she could think of—mixed a huge batch of frosting with the cream cheese from the fridge and made a sign saying everything was half-off.
“I had no idea.” Mason walked around the counter and pulled her to him in a hug. She let him hold her, relishing the comfort he provided. In the absence of Tanner and Shawn, Mason was a much-needed surrogate older brother.
But Mason held on a moment past what was comfortable. Cassidy reluctantly pulled away, not wanting to give him any ideas about the two of them. She knew he had feelings for her, but she’d never been attracted to him in that way. She forced a brightness into her tone and ran her fingers underneath her eyes. “It’ll be fine. I’ve posted on social media about the sale, and Pastor Mike already wants a few dozen cupcakes for the Bible study group. Hopefully I’ll get everything sold today.” Then at least she wouldn’t lose money, even if she didn’t make any, either. She wouldn’t think about the cost of replacing the appliances.
“What can we do to help?” Jase asked.
Cassidy bit her tongue, barely holding back a snarky retort. You can go back to where you came from wasn’t exactly a gracious way to thank someone for offering assistance. Besides, Shawn had vouched for him. And despite his treachery, Cassidy still trusted her oldest brother.
She faced Jase, no longer able to ignore him. His cowboy hat was too clean, the creamy-white leather still unblemished by dirt or sweat. The designer jeans screamed Hollywood, and the scent of his cologne mixed with the baked goods in an enticing aroma. Everything about him said “actor”—except the words coming out of his mouth and the genuine concern in his eyes.
“Nothing.” It took a supreme effort to keep her tone polite. “I know you have to get back to the ranch.”
“You know I’d stay if I could, but we’re picking up a prescription for the cows and they need it as soon as possible.” Mason’s voice was heavy with regret as he set a container of food on
the counter. “I just wanted to bring you lunch since we were coming this way.”
Cassidy took the food, her heart swelling with affection. A creamy pasta casserole—just the sort of comfort food she needed today. “That’s really sweet of you.”
Mason shifted from foot to foot. “Are you sure there’s nothing we can do before leaving?”
Cassidy opened her mouth to reassure him she was fine. She’d make do, just like always. But Jase spoke before she could.
“I can stay.”
Cassidy’s eyes flew up to his. “No. You’re shadowing Mason.”
He folded his arms, the muscles in his biceps bulging. “You need help, and I can give it. I bet you can answer my questions about ranching as well as Mason. I’ve mostly been observing today anyway.”
Mason looked back and forth between Cassidy and Jase, his brow creased. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea. I wouldn’t be able to pick you back up.”
Jase’s eyes never left hers. “Cassidy’s got to go home at some point, right? I’ll drive back with her.”
He’s a good guy, Shawn had said. Well, his actions today certainly seemed to back up that claim. But Jase couldn’t stay. Confusing feelings about the sexy ranch guest was the last thing she needed right now. “I might not get home until late. It depends on what the electrician says.”
“That’s okay,” Jase said easily. “Today, I’m at your disposal.”
Mason’s scowl deepened. “I was going to show you how to administer medicine to the cows. You’re here to learn about ranching, right?”
“Cassidy needs my help, and I’m going to give it.”
A bitter taste filled Cassidy’s mouth at the fact that this actor was offering to help. Had Seth told him to give her a hard time? Just because Shawn hadn’t known the two actors were friends didn’t mean it wasn’t true. Jase had been nominated for an Oscar, after all, even if he hadn’t won—his shock yesterday when she brought up her ex could’ve been feigned. She couldn’t trust him.
Never Say Match (No Match for Love Book 9) Page 4