by SJ McCoy
Chance laughed, glad to relieve a little of the tension. “Damn, Shane. If ever you decide to quit the hospitality business, I reckon you could do pretty well as a counselor.”
Shane grinned. “If only Cassidy could hear you now.”
“Yeah, I’ll be sure to let her know just how awesome you are.”
“Thanks. But, where does it leave you? What are you going to do? Is Hope your one and only chance at happiness, or was she just a wake up to the fact you can be happy?”
Chance shook his head slowly. “It’s not about happiness, it’s all about Hope.”
“I thought as much. Any ideas what you’re going to do?”
“Not yet, but thanks to you, I know I need to do something. I’ve spent the last month trying to shut myself down, to let it go, forget about her. Now I can finally admit that I don’t want to do that. I just have to figure out what I can do.”
Shane smiled. “It’s a pity you didn’t talk to me sooner, huh?”
“It is, but I probably wouldn’t have heard what you had to say. I wasn’t ready.”
Shane swaggered his shoulders. “See, I’m not just smarter than the average bear, I also have great timing.”
Chance laughed and stood up. “You do. And by way of a thank you, I’m going to break out the ice cream.”
Shane laughed. “What, now I’m back to being the baby brother who gets ice cream as a reward for being a clever boy?”
Chance shook his head. “No, asshole. You’re getting ice cream because I know you love it!”
“Aww.” Shane winked at him. “Is the big bad Chancey going to write thank you in toffee sauce on my ice cream?”
Chance laughed and went inside. When he came back out Shane was looking serious again. “You still haven’t decided what you’re going to do.”
“I know.”
“Can’t you just call her, ask if you can talk?”
“No.”
“You can’t or you won’t?”
“I can’t. See, when I left her place for the last time, I deleted her number from my phone. You know, so that I wouldn’t give in to temptation and call her after a day or two?”
“And you don’t know anyone who could give you her number?”
“I do. Dr. Johnny. Her Uncle Johnny. I bumped into him in town today. He’s going to be at his ranch for the next month.
Shane grinned. “So, call him. Ask for her number.”
Chance shrugged. He didn’t know how he felt about that. It should be easy. When Chance had asked him how Hope was this afternoon, Johnny had said he wished Chance would ask her himself.
“Coward!”
He had to smile. “Don’t start pushing your luck.”
Shane held both hands up. “I’m trying to push you into doing something—preferably something constructive and not something like punching me in the mouth!”
“Okay. I’ll do it. I’ll call him tomorrow.”
Shane checked his watch. “It’s not late.”
“I said I’ll do it tomorrow.”
“Okay. Okay.”
Chapter Five
“Are you ever going to come back into the office?”
Hope shrugged. “Probably. At some point. It’s not like I’m needed for anything, is it?”
Toby sighed. “Only to run the business, to come up with new designs, to be our leader. Nothing much apart from that, no.”
“Come on. You know full well that I’m not actually needed to do any of those things. Bill runs the business, and he always has. I was the face, the figurehead; he’s always been the mastermind. Ariana and Celia are better designers than I’ll ever be. They’re young, and they’re fresh, they have new ideas. We brought them in to move us forward, and they’re doing exactly that.”
“You’re still the leader.”
“I’m the figurehead.”
“So, you’re never coming back?”
“I didn’t say that. I just don’t want to at the moment. Anyway, I invited you over for dinner as a friend. Not to talk about work.” They were sitting out on the terrace again. This seemed to be the only place she spent any time lately. They’d enjoyed a wonderful pasta and were now sharing an excellent bottle of wine. The wine that Chance had bought for her. It was that beautiful time in the evening when the sky glowed through oranges, purples, and blues before it went dark. The lights of the city twinkled against it.
“If you don’t want to talk about work and you don’t want to talk about Chance, what else is there to talk about?” The smile on his face told her there was a lot to talk about. She wanted to hear how his evening had gone when she’d left him with Sirena. He’d deliberately avoided the subject and had talked work, work, work all through dinner.
“You know what I want to talk about! Don’t pretend you don’t. I want to know how things went with you and Sirena, but if you’re not prepared to tell me, I could always call her.”
Toby’s eyes widened. “You wouldn’t!”
“I will if you don’t tell me all about it right now.”
He smiled. “We had a very nice time, thank you. We danced and we talked and we laughed.”
“Did she laugh with you or at you?”
“Oh, that’s not nice!”
She laughed. “I know, but I was a little worried about you; you weren’t your usual charming self around her.”
“And you still abandoned me to my fate!”
“I got my butt out of there. I hoped you’d do better without me around.”
He smiled. “I did. I got over my initial awkwardness very quickly when you left.”
“I’m glad to hear it. Are you going to see her again?”
A big smile spread across his face. “Yes, we’re going out for dinner tomorrow.”
“I’m so pleased for you.” And she was. She felt terrible at the little pang of sadness she felt. How selfish was she that Toby having a girlfriend would make her sad? They spent most of their free time together and had done for years. She knew a lot of people, but she rarely hung out with anyone other than him. If he and Sirena started dating, she’d no doubt see much less of him.
“Thanks, me too. You know how long I’ve liked her.”
Hope nodded and gave him her best smile. “I do. I think it’s awesome that you finally plucked up the courage.”
“I think you’re awesome that you helped me do it. You’re the best, Hope.” He raised his glass to her, but his smile seemed tinged with sadness.
“What’s the matter? And don’t say nothing. I know you too well.”
“Okay. I suppose I just feel a little guilty.”
Oh, no! Had he read her thoughts somehow? “Why?”
“Because I know you’re still down in the dumps over Chance, and I’m asking you to celebrate with me.”
She patted his hand. “I’m fine. You can’t let me mar your happiness. And besides, I think I’m going to do what you said and make a big gesture.”
“You are? What are you going to do?”
She smiled and shrugged. “I’m not sure yet.” That wasn’t entirely true. If she decided to be brave, she knew exactly what she was going to do. She knew Chance would either love it or hate it. What she didn’t know yet was whether she was going to do it—or whether her words had just been a show of bravado to distract Toby from the fact that she was still wallowing in self-pity while he was finally getting to go out with Sirena.
“You know people were talking about you and Matt McConnell after you left the party?”
She sighed. “I thought they would be. That’s why I got out of there so early. I needed to talk to him, but we were getting a lot of attention in just the five minutes we were standing there.”
“I know. The gossip’s already flying.” He raised an eyebrow. “There’s nothing to it is there?”
“What do you think? Do you think I’d just forget Chance at the drop of a hat like that?”
“I don’t think so, no, but people are saying maybe at the drop of a cowboy hat. They all
saw the pictures of you and Chance. The next guy you’re seen out with is a country singer. I’m just concerned. I don’t think you need any more media attention.”
“I know. That’s why I left. That’s the last thing I need. I did want to talk to him though, so I’ve invited him over here for lunch tomorrow. I thought that would be safer than being seen together out in public.”
“What do you need to talk to him about?”
“Chance. Apparently, they’re friends. Matt had seen the pictures of us and came to talk to me because he knows Chance and wanted to know if he’s okay.”
Toby shook his head. “If they’re friends why can’t Matt check up on him himself?”
She shrugged. “They’re not close friends.”
“Evidently.”
“What? Why have you gone all disapproving on me?”
“Because I don’t understand why you would invite him over here, with the risk that carries, when it doesn’t sound like he can tell you anything about Chance. And if you really wanted to know so badly you could simply pick up the phone and call the guy.”
Hope hung her head. “I know. But I don’t want to blow it. I may only get one opportunity to speak to him ever again, and I want to go into that prepared.”
Toby shook his head. “I’m no expert on these matters, as you know, but it feels wrong to me. I’m sure if you called Chance he’d talk to you. He’d explain why he left and either be willing to see you again or not.”
“I know. You’re right, but I suppose I’m trying to delay getting to the point where I find out that he doesn’t want to see me again. Until that moment comes, then there’s still a chance.”
Toby smiled. “And a hope.”
“Yeah.”
~ ~ ~
Chance crammed his hat on his head and hurried out the door. The sun was already up, and he was running late. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d got a late start. He couldn’t help smiling—this one was thanks to Shane. Not because they’d stayed up late last night drinking beer; no, that’d happened hundreds of times. It was because his talk with Shane last night had finally set his mind at ease. He’d had his first good night’s sleep in a month. He hurried up the path to the barn, swigging his coffee as he went.
He’d decided he was going to call Dr. Johnny tonight. Once he got done with the cattle, he’d make the call and ask for Hope’s number. Then he was going to get straight on and call her. He wasn’t going to put it off. Wasn’t going to waste any time thinking about what he was going to say, how he was going to explain and apologize. And he sure as hell wasn’t going to put himself through hell, waiting and wondering if she’d even want to talk to him anymore—or if she’d already forgotten him or found someone else. No. He wasn’t going to put himself through any of that torture. As soon as he got done with work he was going to do it. Bite the bullet, and just maybe they could start making up for lost time.
When he reached the barn, he headed for Maverick’s stall first. Maverick was his buddy. He loved all the horses and rode most of them during the course of his work, but Maverick was special. Right now, he was lame. He came to the door and hung his head over when he heard Chance approach.
“Hey, buddy. How you feeling?” Chance rubbed his nose, and Maverick butted his shoulder. “I know, I’m sorry. I’ve missed you, too.”
Maverick nodded his head making Chance laugh.
“You get yourself all healed up, and we’ll be back out again soon.” He scratched the horse’s ears and stroked his neck.
“Hello, Uncle Chancey!” A blur of pink topped with blonde curls came hurtling down the aisle between the stalls.
“Ruby. What are you up to?”
“Mommy said I could come and see Gypsy before I have to go to school.”
Her mom appeared in the doorway. “How many times do I have to tell you not to run in the barn? Oh, hi Chance. Good morning.”
“Morning, Corinne.”
“Are you going for a ride? Can I come?” asked Ruby.
Corinne gave him an apologetic look as she approached and took hold of Ruby’s hand. “No, sweetie. You know you can’t. This is just a quick visit to Gypsy before we have to go. Chance is busy, and you have to go to school.”
Chance tried to hide a smile as Ruby’s bottom lip slid out. “But I …” He touched the tip of her nose with his thumb, making her stop and smile up at him. “What did you do that for?”
“Do what?” Chance shrugged at her innocently.
Her eyebrows knit together and she gave him a stern look. “I want to go out riding …”
Chance touched her nose again, making her giggle this time. “What are you doing? Why are you doing that to me?”
Chance smiled at Corinne who knew that what he was trying to do was avert a tantrum. “I don’t know what you mean, but if you’re supposed to see Gypsy before you go to school, hadn’t you better hurry up?”
Ruby nodded and skipped away toward Gypsy’s stall.
Corinne smiled at him. “Good tactic. It worked, thank you.”
“I had to do something. I didn’t want me being here to mess up your morning for you.”
“Thanks, she loves seeing you. It’s just that whenever she does, she wants to hang out with you and go riding.”
“She’s a sweetheart, but neither you nor I have time for it this morning. I need to get going.”
Corinne nodded. “Are you taking Maverick out? I thought he was lame.”
“He is. I just came to say hi to him.”
Corinne smiled. “The horses really are your friends, aren’t they?”
“Yeah.” He couldn’t help remembering riding out with Hope. She, too, had commented about the horses being his buddies. He shrugged. “I spend more time with them than with people. They’re my coworkers, my team.”
“I can see that. I love it. I love that Ruby gets to see it and learn from you, too.”
“Thanks.” Chance tipped his hat and made his way to Rio’s stall. He’d been riding the tall, gray gelding for the last couple of weeks. He reminded Chance of Hercules, the horse he’d ridden in Oregon. He’d had the urge a couple of times now to call the stables out there and ask about Hercules. That was dumb though. He shook his head and started getting Rio ready for a day on the range. He didn’t need to try salvaging memories of his time in Oregon. He could do better than that; tonight, he was going to call Hope.
When he was ready, he led Rio outside before he mounted up. He smiled as he watched Corinne’s car pull away and waved back when he spotted Ruby’s little hand waving madly at him. As he watched them disappear up the driveway he had to wonder what that kind of life might be like. Beau had been by himself until a year ago. He was a confirmed bachelor; no one thought he was likely to get married, but now he had Corinne and Ruby. He’d gone from spending his life alone, and being misunderstood, if not miserable, to being a happy family man with a full life. It was a huge change, but Beau was proof that it was possible.
He reined Rio around and set out toward the bottom pasture. He didn’t need to pursue that line of thought just yet. He had a full day’s work ahead of him, and even after that, he had a couple of phone calls to make before he’d find out if Hope even wanted to talk to him again.
~ ~ ~
Hope paced the living room as twelve-thirty approached. She was nervous—wasn’t that silly? She’d invited Matt to come over for lunch, but she didn’t even really know why. Well, in a general sense she knew why; he was a connection to Chance. But it seemed it was a tenuous connection at best. As Toby had pointed out, if he and Chance were really friends, why had Matt come to ask her how he was? She shrugged. Tenuous or not, right now he was the only connection she had and silly as it might be, she didn’t want to let it go. It was more than silly. It was risky. If rumors were flying about the two of them possibly being an item, then there was always the possibility of the press picking up on it. She really didn’t need that.
She looked up when the intercom sounded. He was at the
gate. She went to buzz him in and then waited at the front door while he parked his car. When he got out, he trotted up the steps with a big grin on his face. Removing his hat when he reached her, he held out his hand.
“Hello, again. Thanks for inviting me over.”
She smiled. “Thanks for coming. Come on in.”
Matt cast a wary glance back over his shoulder. “Yeah, we probably shouldn’t stay on display out here too long, huh?”
Hope sighed and hurried him in.
“Do you think people know you’re here?” she asked as she closed the door behind him.
“Probably. I’ve never known anything like this town. The press seems to know what you’re doing before you know it yourself.”
“They do.” Hope was regretting asking him to come. The cost of the press making up a story about them seemed to outweigh any possible benefit of whatever he might be able to tell her about Chance.
“I’m sorry.”
She pulled herself together and smiled. “It’s not your fault. It goes with the territory. Come on through. Can I get you a drink?”
“Please. Something cold. Whatever you’ve got.”
Hope led him through to the kitchen and gestured for him to take a seat at the island. She poured them each a lemonade, wondering as she did if his vagueness had been in the hopes of getting something alcoholic. She placed the glass in front of him. “Or would you prefer a beer?”
“No, this is great thanks.”
“What did you want to know about Chance?” It was hardly a polite way to open the conversation, but Hope didn’t feel she needed to stand on ceremony.
Matt looked a little taken aback. “Honestly?”
She nodded.
“I don’t really know. If you want the honest truth, I was feeling totally out of place at that party the other night. When I saw you, I figured you must be my kind of people, given that you and Chance were together.” He shrugged and gave her a charming smile that she’d guessed worked wonders for him with the ladies. “I went for the only connection I had.”
