Beauty and the Bull Rider (Hotel Rodeo #3)(41)

“I’ve retired from bull riding,” Zac replied. “I took a job at Tom Brandt’s place over near Frederick, Oklahoma.”

Chase removed his hat at the mention of Tom. “I was damned sorry to hear about his passing. Tom was a good man. Bet Ty took it real hard, huh?”

“Yeah. Tom was like a father to him,” Zac said. “The ranch is Ty’s now. Speaking of which, have you ever met Delaney McCall? She’s half owner of Ty’s spread.”

Delaney stepped forward and offered her hand, glad that Zac hadn’t elaborated on the specifics of her relationship to Ty. Chase accepted it in his larger, calloused one. “Miz McCall. Don’t believe I’ve ever had the pleasure.”

“Just Delaney,” she said. “Nice to meet you, Chase.”

“I know y’all have had a long drive. Why don’t you get yourselves settled and then c’mon up to the house to meet the folks. You’re in the Alamo cabin,” he told Zac. “You know where that is, right?”

“Sure do.” Zac nodded.

“I’m s’posed to take some folks out for a sunset ride in an hour,” Chase said. “You’re welcome to join us if you’re up for it.”

Zac looked to Delaney. “Your choice.”

“I’d love to,” she replied.

“Great.” Chase tipped his hat. “See y’all in about an hour.”

Zac threw their bags over his shoulder and led Delaney down a meandering path past several quaint split log cabins that surrounded the main house, finally stopping at the most isolated of the cluster. Zac opened the door and gestured for her to go inside. The cabin was a single room with a loft, sparsely but tastefully furnished with a fireplace, kitchenette, and a queen bed.

“This one is considered the honeymoon suite ’cause it has a private bath,” Zac said, nodding to a door on the far side of the room. “Most of the others share a communal bath house. Thought you might like a little time to yourself to freshen up.” He dropped her bag by the bed.

“What about you?” she asked, confused by his abrupt change in demeanor. Only hours ago he’d laughed and teased. Now his manner seemed suddenly so curt and his words almost terse.

“I’ll catch a quick shower in the bath house,” he replied. “After that, I’ve got a few calls to make. Signal’s a little iffy out here so I’ll need to use the landline at the main house. I’ll be back to get you in half an hour or so.”

Delaney stared after Zac. She’d anticipated this moment for a seemingly endless drive only to be left all alone? Had her forwardness in the truck turned him off? Is that why he’d rebuffed her? Was he one of those control freaks who needed to dominate a woman to get off? It sure hadn’t seemed that way yesterday when she’d given him head at the clinic. He’d even said it was incredible. Her throat thickened. What the hell had gone so terribly wrong?



He wouldn’t have a shred of control knowing she was naked in the shower, so Zac chose to leave Delaney in privacy. He hadn’t lied about the calls. He needed to touch base with Ty and let him know he was running a day behind. He also had to call his brother. He’d asked Kade to make some arrangements for him. He still didn’t know if things were going to turn out as he’d hoped, but he wasn’t about to lose the opportunity simply because he hadn’t thought ahead. After grabbing a quick shower, he circled around to the stables, where he’d hoped to find Chase. As expected, his buddy was saddling horses for the trail ride.

“Need a hand?” Zac asked, nodding to the horses.

Chase looked up as he tightened a girth. “Nope, got it all covered. Where’s Delaney?”

“Back at the cabin. I thought she’d want some privacy.”

“I’m guessing that little lady had something to do with your sudden retirement?”

“Mebbe,” Zac confessed with a shrug.

“Why else would you take a ranch job when you’ve got your own place?”

“Had,” Zac corrected. “I’m selling it. I’m going into business with Ty.”

“How’s Ty doing anyway?” Chase asked. “I heard a rumor that the Hotel Rodeo’s shutting down. Is he bankrupt?”

“Far from it. You listen to too much gossip. The fact is he’s shutting down only to rebuild.”

“You’re shitting me.”

“Nope, it’s a fifty-million-dollar overhaul. He’s planning to get back into stock contracting too, although I don’t know all the particulars. That’s part of why I’m headed to Vegas.”

“Only part? What’s the other reason?”

“A wedding,” Zac said.

“Oh yeah?” Chase asked. “Who’s gettin’ hitched? Anyone I know?”

“Yeah,” Zac said. “Me.”

Chased looked like he’d swallowed his tongue. “You and Ty’s ex? What does he say about you taking up with his ol’ lady?”

“So you know about that? I wondered.”

Chase laughed. “Everyone knew about Ty and his beauty-queen bride. Have to wonder now that I’ve seen her why he ever left.”

“Ty was too f*cked up to know what he was doing,” Zac said.

“You didn’t answer my question. How’s he gonna take it when he finds out?”