Cowboy Casanova (Rough Riders #12)(109)

western way of life, the man who honors his family and his ranching heritage, the man

who is bold enough to take a stand for what he believes in. Ladies and gentleman,

please welcome home to Sundance, Chase McKay.”


Thunderous applause echoed in the room.


Ainsley watched Chase saunter onto the stage. He was shorter than she’d expected, but

more powerfully built than Ben. He had a quick smile and quick wit. His smooth

confidence in front of a crowd didn’t come off as rehearsed, but polished, as if a PR

department had groomed him. As Chase spoke, she recognized similarities he shared with

Ben. Hand gestures. Thoughtful pauses. Not to mention those rugged good looks.


She was so lost in thought about Ben and his family dynamic that she nearly missed

being called to the stage. Leslie pushed her with a, “Go!”


“Now the sponsors of this event, National West Bank and Settler’s First Bank, are

contributing five thousand dollars each to the Chase McKay Foundation.”


Ainsley and Steve stepped forward with the big, fake checks. Flashing light bulbs

nearly blinded her, the applause was deafening. Where had all the camera crews come

from?


Chase seemed genuinely stunned by the donation. When it quieted down, Chase took the

microphone and looked at the tables on the left. “Ava, darlin’, did you get all that?

”


She said something, which he didn’t hear. “Why don’t you come on up here and say

hello?”


More raucous applause.


A stunning brunette bounded onto the stage and stood beside Chase. She was a good six

inches taller in spike heels. Chase swept her into his arms and laid a passionate kiss

on her that made the crowd go nuts. He finally set her down, but wouldn’t let go of

her hand. “Have y’all met my beautiful wife? Ava Cooper Dumond McKay. Ava is workin’

on two documentaries about bull ridin’, and she’s hopin’ to have at least one of

them done next spring. Thank you all for comin’ out this afternoon.” Chase and Ava

left the stage and a swarm of photographers followed them.


The crowd vanished quickly. She, Leslie and Rita tore down the display and loaded it in

Rita’s Suburban. She returned inside to double-check she hadn’t forgotten anything.

She noticed the poster tacked to the backdrop, but she couldn’t quite reach the

pushpin.


A warm, familiar body moved in behind her and murmured, “I’ve got it.”


Ainsley didn’t budge for several seconds. She just closed her eyes and absorbed the

feeling of having him so close.


Then he stepped away.


She straightened her sweater and skirt before she faced him. “Thanks.”


“You did great up there. Everybody was real impressed. But I bet you’re used to doin

’ presentation stuff like that?”


“I’ve done it a time or three hundred.”


His gaze moved from her gray pumps, up her calves and over the black wool skirt that

clung to her thighs and hips, then lingered on her breasts molded by the gray angora

sweater. The palpable heat in his blue eyes made her thighs clench. “Goddamn you look

good enough to eat.” He grinned. “Twice.”


Ainsley grinned back. “That can be arranged. Do you have plans tonight?”