Chasin' Eight (Rough Riders #11)(33)

“Thanks for that mental picture, bro.”

“Hey, I got to see the live version, so consider yourself lucky.”

“No. Way. Mom and Dad? Doin’ the nasty on the floral rug we weren’t even allowed to walk on?”

Ben nodded. “They didn’t see me and I backed away quietly when I saw them. Then went home and drank until I passed out. Quinn wasn’t happy I was worthless the next day. So I gave him a much more graphic version of what I’d seen than what I’m telling you. And while you’re out and about, stop and see Quinn, Libby and the kids.”

“I’m never gonna get outta town tomorrow,” he grumbled.
“I’m glad you’re leaving. I hoped you had a better plan than holing up in this trailer and spending the summer sulking.”

He knew Ben was worried, and the way he showed concern was to provoke him. Weird, but it always worked.
“Where you off to?”

“Cash Big Crow is gonna help me figure out what I changed in my ridin’ style. Guess I’ll be getting on a lot of bulls to try and fix it.”

“Smart. Then what?”

Chase couldn’t tell his “don’t lie” brother about his bogus PRCA card and his intent to ride as many bulls as possible in the next month. “Honestly? I don’t know. I’m gonna try like hell to stay off the radar. Maybe the PBR will commute my sentence.”

“Be interesting to see what happens. Just don’t keep me outta the loop, okay?”

He had the sense there was more to it. Was Ben somehow…lonely? “So. You been winning at the McKay poker games?”

Ben shrugged. “Some. Dalton’s poker face is for shit. Tell’s been working on his professional face since he became a licensed rodeo judge. Truth is, the games have tapered off, despite our married cousin’s claims they wanted to join in. Hell, even Brandt can’t be away from Jessie for a night of cards.”

“Whatcha been doin’ with yourself?”

“This and that. Spending time in Gillette. Building furniture. Got a bed and breakfast joint in Jackson Hole that ordered eight complete bedroom sets. But they want eight different designs, so that’s been a challenge.”

Ben had turned his talent for building log furniture into a nice sideline. “That’s great. But I know you ain’t sawing logs all the time.”

“Ha-ha. That’s still not as funny as the first fifty times you said it.”

“You seein’ anyone?”

“I’m working with a couple of ladies. Won’t be anything long term. Speaking of short term…What’s goin’ on with you and Ava?”

“There’s nothin’ goin’ on because I swore off women.”

“Again?” Ben rolled his eyes. “How long this time?”

“A month.”

“Got any money or a share in a bull ridin’ on it?”

“No. My career is ridin’ on it.”

That gave Ben pause.
“Look, Ava is beyond beautiful. She’s got a body that don’t quit. Yet she ain’t at all the phony, snooty, rich TV star I figured she’d be. She’s funny. And smart. Curious as a damn cat. And she’s…real. I like her. We’re friends. Which is why I ain’t gonna sleep with her.”

You trying to convince him or yourself?
A strange expression crossed Ben’s face.
“What?”

“Well, she is taller than you, so according to your dating rules, she don’t stand a chance.”