Cowboy 12 Pack
Page 93
Her eyes opened wide. “What?”
Pushing off the lounge chair, he stood and picked up his underwear. “I assumed you’d want to. You don’t work, other than writing, and you can do that anywhere, can’t you?”
She sat up and reached for him, but he backed up a step. “Chase, I’m flattered that you’d like me to travel with you, but I don’t think I’d get much writing done.”
He ran his fingers through his hair. “It’s not like I’m on the bus with the roadies. We lease a private jet. Stay at the best hotels. Limos take us everywhere. We have a few week-long breaks in there, too.”
She held out her hands, a helpless sorrow hollowing her chest. “Even if I wasn’t going to Europe, I don’t think I’d want to spend five whole months on the road with you. This is your job, Chase, and I’d just get in the way.”
He walked to the edge of the pool and stared out at the horizon. “I should have asked you right away.”
She went to him and hugged him sideways. “I’d love to go to a couple of your shows. But you have to understand what an honor it is for me to receive this grant.”
His lips thinned. “I wouldn’t think you’d accept it, since you weren’t their first choice.”
That hurt. “Yes, but it is still a privilege to be asked.”
He looked at her, anger snapping in his gaze. “Isn’t writing enough for you? Why do you have to teach, too?”
She slowly dropped her hands from his body. He’d always been stubborn and demanding, but this self-centered side of him just surfaced out of nowhere. “I’ve dreamed of teaching at the Sorbonne. I’m incredibly lucky to be recognized with this grant. I won’t turn it down.”
Stepping around him, she retrieved her bikini and got back into it. The cold, wet fabric jarred her sun-kissed skin, the same way Chase’s immature behavior slammed her cozy little world against a brick wall. She picked up her phone and her book and headed toward the house.
“Where are you going?” He sounded frustrated, now. “We need to talk about this.”
“I have to go home.” She said it without turning around. “They’re holding a ceremony for all ten grant recipients. It’s in Washington DC on Saturday, and I have to prepare. I’d hoped you’d attend the event with me, Chase.” She took another step, listening for his voice, but he stayed silent. She walked into the house and stomped up the stairs past his framed platinum and gold records. Past the framed print of his magazine spread. Into their bedroom.
His bedroom.
She stepped into the shower and rinsed her bikini then shampooed her hair. She turned the water cool to temper the anger that burned in her. My God, what happened to the sweet, lonely man she’d fallen for? She had no idea how to approach this facet of his personality and it scared her a little.
Reno shut off the water, dried off, and wrapped the towel around herself. At the sink, she wrung out her suit and stuck it in a plastic bag. Why did Chase have to be so stubborn? It was only four months, and if he was truly committed to building a relationship, a short separation shouldn’t matter. She stomped into the bedroom.
Chase sat slouched on the bed in his red boxer-briefs, his head hanging low, his forearms resting on his thighs, and his hands pressed together between his knees. “Forgive me?”
He’d said it so quietly, her heart double pumped. This man was complex, temperamental, and maddeningly traditional. But he was hers. She went to him, knelt in front of him, and took his hands.
He wouldn’t look her in the eye.
She kissed his palms. “You can never do anything that I won’t forgive.” She absolved him just as quietly as he’d asked forgiveness.
He glanced at her then away. “I don’t deserve you.”
She stood and dropped her towel, feeling powerful as his eyes roved over her body and lit with desire. “No, you don’t deserve me. But God help me, I’m yours anyway, Chase Tanner.”
Chapter Sixteen
‡
SATURDAY NIGHT’S GALA in DC was just like every other award ceremony Chase had attended, except here, there’d be professors and authors instead of singers and actors. He stepped out of the limo in his western-cut tuxedo, spit-polished black boots, and brand new black cowboy hat. When he held out his hand, Reno gracefully laid her warm palm in his and exited the limo in a long, blue dress. Little straps held it on her shoulders, and a matching shawl kept her warm when his arm couldn’t be around her.
She was a goddess.
The five-star hotel they’d just come from had a salon, and she’d let them pull her hair up and put makeup on her face while he sat in their fancy room watching basketball. She looked amazing. She smiled up at him and his heart skipped once. He was damn lucky she forgave him. Again. What was he going to do without her for four months? Goddamn grant. He looked at the ancient building in front of them. He’d like to tell the selection committee where to shove it.
There was no red carpet, no paparazzi, no fans, just a receiving line inside the door made up of snooty old scholars. They greeted Reno with smiles and congratulations, but him, they barely looked at. Was it this cowboy get-up? Or was it the way he kept a possessive hand on Reno at all times. Hell, he was a man, she was his woman. That’s what he did.
He checked his hat in the coatroom, and they strolled into the party. If you could call it that. A bunch of stuffed tuxedos standing around looking down their noses at him. A four-piece band of violins made dull music in a corner. The air smelled of old wood and ancient artwork hung on the walls. He grabbed two glasses of champagne and handed one to her. He didn’t like the stuff, but he didn’t see a real bar anywhere.
A dozen people surrounded them, congratulating her, asking about her curriculum.
He stifled a yawn. He was used to being the focus of attention at these types of shindigs. It wasn’t any damn fun standing around being ignored.
He choked down his champagne and grabbed another one from a passing waiter. This was going to be a long night.
Reno introduced him to people, some she knew and some she just met. A man jabbered at her about some new kind of teaching theory. She looked interested, but shouldn’t she be as bored as he was?
Another bottoms up, and a new glass of champagne. A couple of people in the group must have taken pity on him because they tried to make conversation. One was a tenured professor at Harvard. His wife was the retired dean of something at Yale. Bless their hearts, they recognized him.
He laughed, loud and happy. “I think you’re the only ones here who know who I am.” He glanced at Reno. “But everyone seems to know my date. Reno Linden.”
They both nodded. “She’s one of the grant recipients.” The woman tipped her head toward Reno. “An amazing talent. Her last book, No Finer Quest, was a beautifully written tome.”
Shit, he hadn’t even read her last book. “Prairie Fire was a good read. Did you catch that one? Or are you waiting for the movie?”
“We stay away from commercial fiction, generally.” The man smiled sympathetically. “And we don’t go to the movies or watch television.”
“So, how do you know me?” He lifted a brow. “Don’t tell me you’re members of my fan club.” He had to tease them a bit.
The woman put her hand over her chest. “Oh my, no. We’ve never attended a pop music concert.”
Great. They managed to put down Reno’s book and his career in less than thirty seconds. “Sounds like you two need to get out more.” He grimaced. “Sorry, that didn’t come out…” He sure didn’t mean to snap at these folks, but they didn’t even ask for his autograph “for their daughter” like half the world did.
The man nodded. “Indeed we do.” They excused themselves and fled.
He felt a hand on his arm, squeezing. He turned to look at Reno. She furrowed her brow. Had she heard his last comment? Was she ashamed of him?
“Is everything okay, Chase?” She seemed concerned, not angry.
Throwing an arm around her, he pulled her close and bent to kiss her.
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She stiffened and pushed back, her gaze darting. “Not here.”
He looked around and spotted a few eyes on them. “Why? Don’t these snobs kiss?”
“Shh.” She squeezed harder, but a glitter of amusement lit her gaze.
He let her go and raised his hands in surrender. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to embarrass you.”
She tipped her head. “I’m not embarrassed.” It was a whisper. “I want to make sure you’re having fun.”
“I wouldn’t call it fun, exactly.” He grinned at her. “But when I’m with you, wherever we are is the only place I want to be.”
She smiled and started to say something, but a man slunk up beside her and pulled her into a hug.
Chase’s hand came up in a fist and his first response was to yank the guy off her, but he swallowed down the urge.
Then the asshole went and kissed her on the cheek. “Congratulations, Reno. You deserve this.”
Chase stepped closer, the three of them forming a tight triangle. He glared at the man. Everything on him, from his precisely arranged blond hair to his fancy shoes said “stuck-up.”
The man glanced at him, did a double-take, then quickly backed off of Reno.
When she turned to look at Chase, her cheeks were red. Huh. This must be the ex-boyfriend. Big important writer.
“Chase, this is Drake Blastad, an old friend. Drake, this is Chase Tanner, my—”
“New friend.” Chase eyed the man. Drake stood almost as tall as him, but was lean. His face was pretty-boy handsome, a look some women went for. His eyes were cold like a snake.
Drake held out his hand.
Chase grinned and crushed the shit out of the man’s soft hand. “Glad to know you.” It was a lie, but they were in one of those social situations that called for untruths.
When he released Drake’s hand, Reno gave Chase a warning glance. “Drake was instrumental in my attaining the teaching position.”
“Great.” Chase worked to keep the sarcasm out of his voice. “Now I know who to thank.” He just found one more reason to dislike him.
Drake’s eyes narrowed and his grin turned cocky. “We discussed it last week when I stopped by her farm for a visit.”
Chase snapped his gaze to Reno.
She blushed and looked guilty.
Chase raised one eyebrow. “You had a visitor?” Damn, what was happening? It felt like he was losing control of his own world.
Drake’s laugh got their attention. “Just one night. We were snowed in and she kicked me out as soon as Cody could plow the drive.”
Chase stared at Reno. Why hadn’t she told him her ex spent the night? They had plenty of talks at the ranch. Did she make a habit of hiding things? Or was she afraid of his reaction?
Her eyes begged for his self-control. Shit. Did she think he’d haul off and slug the guy?
Drake patted Chase’s arm. “Nothing to worry about, old boy. Everything on the up and up.”
Chase forced a smile. Where the hell did he get those expressions? He sounded like an old black-and-white movie. Hell, what did Chase know—maybe this crowd talked like that.
“Drake.” Reno tugged Chase’s arm. “Excuse us a minute, please.”
“Of course.” Drake’s half-smile fit the snake description perfectly.
Reno herded Chase away.
In the middle of the room, he stopped and stared down at her. “You had a visitor.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. Really, it was nothing.” She gestured to her ex. “He’s married, and I’m…” She tightened her grip on his arm, her voice low. “I’m with you now.”
“Are you, Reno?” He looked around at the swanky room and the swankier people milling around. “Seems like you’re a different person tonight.”
“No.” She jiggled his arm to get his attention. “Let’s take a walk and talk about this.”
A gong sounded from another room, and a waiter in a tux with tails announced dinner.
“Too late.” He put her arm through his. He felt so out of place. He knew damn well he was the only one in the room without a college education. Still, he wasn’t used to being ignored so thoroughly. Even by Reno. So busy with her “curriculum” that she didn’t have time for him. Shit. Was he falling off Reno’s top ten list already?
“It won’t be too much longer.” She spoke quietly.
He let out a long breath. “Yeah. That’s what I’m afraid of.”
Her brows lowered. “What does that mean?” Her voice rang loud in the silent room.
Chase glanced around at pairs of shocked eyes on couples waiting for the guests of honor to enter the room first. Damn him, couldn’t he at least pretend to have himself under control?
He bent close to her. “Sorry.” They headed to their seats at the head table, her arm trembling against his the whole way.
*
TWO HOURS LATER, after an hour of the most boring discussions he’d ever not slept through, and another hour of speeches by the nine other people getting grants, Reno got up to accept her plaque and say a few words.
She glowed, standing up there reading her speech, and his chest swelled with pride. She used big words. Lots of them, and he couldn’t follow her thoughts. Everyone else seemed to laugh and nod in agreement—in unison. They knew what she was saying, but he didn’t really need to fit into this part of her life. He’d accompany her wherever she wanted him to, but he needed her for something completely different. Wife, mother to his children, running his house, touring with him. She’d still find time to write. Maybe even to teach.
Reno finished her speech, and everyone stood and clapped. She shook hands with a couple of really important people he’d seen on the news. He was proud of her, and he didn’t even tell her. Back in Texas, he’d acted like a spoiled kid who didn’t get his way.
The party started breaking up, and Reno and a few of the main brains arranged themselves for photos. A couple of guys stood laughing by the door, and he ambled over to join them.
They were talking about a big donation to their college. At the last minute, Chase tried to veer away. “Are you here with Ms. Linden?” One of the men looked at Chase’s suit before meeting his eyes.
“Yes. I’m her date, Chase Tanner.”
“Chase Tanner.” The guy smiled. “I thought I recognized you, but I couldn’t figure out what you’d be doing here.”
Chase shrugged. Truer words had never been spoken. What was he doing here?
The man held out his hand and introduced himself. So did the second guy. They talked for a few minutes, but Chase felt sorely in need of a drink. He excused himself and stalked toward the room where he’d seen the catering staff setting up. All the rooms looked the same, and he ended up going the wrong way. He turned around and headed back where he came from, stopping when he heard voices around the corner.
“…can’t believe Reno Linden is here with a country music singer.” It was the man he’d just been talking with.
“I guess it’s true. Opposites attract.” The other man’s voice cut Chase like a rusty knife. Opposites. They attract, but did they have a future?
The first guy heaved out a breath. “Imagine her tied down to a man like that?”
“We won’t expect any more noteworthy literature from her.” The men laughed and changed the subject.
Rounding the corner, he brushed past them, his mind racing around a scarred track. Were they right? Wasn’t he good enough for her? Was he destined to ruin her life? Drain her of all her talent? He found the lobby and headed toward the door and some fresh air.
Drake came up beside him. “Chase. A moment, please.” He stepped to a side alcove.
Chase glanced at the exit, just a few steps away. He could be out and free of this whole cluster fuck in seconds. But curiosity won out over the urge to escape, and he followed Drake into a small room.
The man looked sincere, but Chase didn’t trust him.
“I care for Reno.” Drake tried to make a concerned face, but it
didn’t work. “She is a major talent in the literary world. She deserves a chance to excel, to share her gifts. She has a bright future, you know.”
“I realize that, Drake. I’m guessing you found this teaching job for her in France to get her away from the likes of me.”
Drake jerked back as if slugged. “You’re blunt, but perceptive. Yes, Reno earned this opportunity to see what her life should be like.” He made a dismissive gesture. “All this movie-making business was quite unsettling to our friends.”
“Our friends?” Heat rushed from his neck to his jaw. What the hell was this ass insinuating?
“Reno and I associate with a certain…quality of people.”
“Uh huh.” He squared his shoulders. “Better than what I am, you mean.” The snake was right, though. She was a masters degree, Chase was a G.E.D.
“I wouldn’t insult you by saying that. I’m merely pointing out that you and she have different objectives for your lives. Reno has yet to realize her full potential. Given optimal circumstances, she can and will achieve a level of prominence that even I could never reach.”
“And she can’t do that with me hanging around her, right?”
Drake heaved a dramatic sigh. “You’re looking at this as a personal affront. When I sincerely mean it to be a cautionary tale.”
Shit. He had no idea what this fancy-boy was talking about. “Yeah, I’ll give it my immediate attention.” He saluted and stormed out.
He retrieved his hat from the coat check room and tugged it tight onto his head as he left the building. As he staggered out the front door into the unnaturally illuminated night, anger nearly blinding him, the valet looked at his hat. “You’re in Ms. Linden’s limo?”
Yeah. Just along for the ride. Not much good for anything else except hanging on her arm, hauling her down to his level, making her look bad in front of important people. Holding her back from the career she hungered after.
He nodded, and the boy radioed for their limo.
Then it hit him. Her speech, her comfort in this crowd. She talked to these high-and-mighty people like she belonged here. This was the social level she rose up to. Him, shit, he was drowning her, dragging her down.