Page 53 of On His Ranch

She smiled, feeling pretty sure of herself as she cuddled into him. “Can I ask you something?”

“Depends on what it is, little girl.”

The use of his favorite nickname for her gave Piper the courage she needed. “I was just wondering…”

“Hmm?”

“Earlier, your mom was asking you about the missing horse…” There was no mistaking the way he tensed.

“Yeah? What of it?”

“Well… I was just wondering… um… do you know what’s going on?”

Chapter 12

Piper sure knew how to kill a mood. They’d just had a fun time, and now she had to go and ruin the afterglow by bringing up things better left alone.

“I have some theories,” he answered tersely. “And that’s all I intend to say on the matter.” She was tracing lazy circles on his bare abdomen but he couldn’t enjoy it until he knew she was going to drop it.

She looked up at him with wide, guileless eyes. “But Chase… I care about you. I want to know what’s going on, so I can help.”

“You can’t.”

Hurt flashed across her face. “Well, thanks for considering it.”

“I don’t need to consider it, Piper. It’s for the best if you stay out of things.”

“But—”

“No buts,” he interjected firmly, putting a finger to her lips. “This is the way it’s gotta be, and if you want to keep at it, you can have yourself a sore bottom for your trouble.” Frustration and disappointment made his voice harsher than he meant it to be.

She didn’t say anything, but the sulky expression she wore spoke loud and clear.

So much for that. Looks like it’s time to get back to the chores.Chase fished for his shirt and pulled it back over his head.

“What are you doing?”

“Gotta get back to work.”

“Just like that? Just because you’re mad at me?” Hurt bordered on anger, and didn’t do a thing to improve his mood.

“Not everythin’ is about you, Piper.”

“I know that.”

He pinned her with a look, ignoring her flinch. “Yeah? Then act like it.” Without waiting for an answer, he stood up and continued to get dressed.

“That’s not fair,” she said at last, and he knew without looking that she was crying.

Great. Just what I need.“It’s plenty fair, darlin’. Look, I’m not tryin’ to hurt you, but when you’re actin’ like a child, I’m gonna call you out on it.”

“Stop being a bully!”

That got his attention.

Piper quivered at the intensity he turned on her, but she continued. “You’re acting like you didn’t just get pissed because I was asking about a topic you don’t want to talk about. Like I don’t have a reason to be hurt.”

Chase took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “You’re right, okay? I did. But regardless of the why behind it, it’s still the truth: I need to get back to work.”

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