Page 46 of On His Ranch

Piper was quiet as a mouse as she watched this exchange. When it had begun, she had felt uncomfortable at the terse conversation, but she’d soon realized she was practically invisible this morning. Her heart ached as she looked at Chase. He was handsome as ever, of course, but his features were drawn, his eyes tired. She wished she could scoot over next to him on the bench and cuddle him to offer some sort of comfort. The only thing that held her back was not knowing how he’d react. They’d had sex, sure—the best sex she’d ever had, probably better than anyone had ever had—but did that give her the right to comfort him?

“You don’t think it has anythin’ to do with the gunshot a few days back, do you?” Patti inquired, her brows drawn together.

“Don’t know.”

“But what if—”

“Ma.” Chase slid Piper a look then looked back at his mother. Then he went back to eating as though nothing had happened.

Piper’s stomach muscles tightened. It was the first time he’d looked at her and he’d only done it to dismiss her. Whatever was going on, he didn’t want her to know about it. The question was why?

“Why don’t you get a couple hours of sleep? Forgive me for sayin’ so, but you look terrible,” his mother remarked.

Chase barked a laugh before downing his cup in a single swallow. “I’m sure that’s true, but there’s nothin’ to be done for it. I have to get to work. There’s a lot to be done and I’m down a man today.”

“You really need to hire some help. It’s not possible for you two to do everything—”

“Not this again. We have help with some things. Besides which, the way things are goin’ on around here… hard to know who to trust.”

Piper shifted her weight where she stood. Was he talking about her?

“More coffee?”

“Please. I’ma need it.”

“I could help you,” Piper spoke up.

Chase cut her a look as he sipped his refilled cup. When he set it down, he said, “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Why? I’m pretty good at milking cows now.”And other things, her mind whispered.

His expression was skeptical.

“I won’t even spill anything today. Promise.”

“I don’t know, Piper. Why don’t you just—”

“You did say you’re a man down,” Patti pointed out.

Piper hid her smile, grateful for the older woman’s support.

“Alright, alright, you two win,” he grumbled. “While I finish my coffee, why don’t you get changed?”

“Get changed?” she echoed, looking down at her dress. It was the first time he’d even mentioned it.

“It rained last night, so unless you want to ruin those boots, I’d change.”

Hurt that he hadn’t noticed her outfit beyond practicability made her want to snap back, but she stopped herself. He definitely wouldn’t let her help then. “Yes, sir,” she answered instead. “I’ll be right back.”

And she ran for the stairs before he could change his mind.

* * *

Chase was exhausted. So much so that when Piper descended the stairs she looked more ethereal than human with her long blonde hair floating behind her like a soft cloud. “You gonna put that up?” he asked, the words sharp. He saw her flinch, and instantly felt regret, but there was nothing to be done for it. He was beyond tired—so much so that he could hardly be expected to be responsible for his tone.

“Sure. I can.”

His eyes flickered over her outfit. It didn’t look quite as nice as what she’d been wearing earlier, but it made a lot more sense for the work they’d be doing. He thanked his mother for breakfast and left by way of the side door, Piper following close behind.

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