Page 81 of Someone to Hold
“Just know the offer stands,” Ian adds, and the two of them saunter off toward the nearby stack of folding chairs that need arranging.
Piper gently elbows me. “Someone’s made quite an impression.”
I know exactly what she means, and she’s not wrong.
“It’s complicated,” I murmur. But even as I say the words, I wonder if maybe it doesn’t have to be.
“Not if you don’t want it to be,” she tells me before turning away.
“Do you think I can do it?” Luke asks Chase when the other men are out of earshot. “Ride bulls, I mean. I might not be as good as you, but?—”
“You can do anything you want.” Chase crouches down so he’s eye level with Luke. “But I don’t know how your mom would feel about bull riding. Mine didn’t love watching me climb on the back of an animal that wanted to send me flying through the air.”
“You can get hurt playing hockey or football,” Luke argues. “And you could teach me to be safe.”
“It would be my honor,” Chase says solemnly. “There’s a lot of runway between first grade and being in the rodeo, buddy. If your mom says it’s okay, we can sign you up for mutton busting when the rodeo comes to town this summer. That’s how I got my start.”
“Nana showed me pictures of Dad mutton busting,” Luke says excitedly.
“Your dad and I did everything together back then,” Chase answers.
“Maybe I’ll make a best friend at the rodeo,” Luke offers.
“Sometimes it takes a minute to find your person,” Chase tells him.
My heart flutters as his gaze shifts to me before returning to my son.
“But I can tell you’re going to be a great best friend.”
“Hey, Lukey,” I call as I walk forward. “Find your sister. It’s time for the two of you to get cleaned up. I’ll be back to the house in a bit for my turn. We all need to be in tip-top shape.”
“I hate cleaning up,” Luke says with an exaggerated eye roll.
“Do it anyway,” I answer with my own eye roll.
“Don’t forget to wash behind your ears,” Chase adds.
Luke gives him a funny look. “Why would behind my ears be dirty?”
“To be honest, I don’t know.” Chase chuckles, and the low rumble sets sparks cascading across my skin. “That’s something my grandpa used to tell me. All I know is he was a wise man.”
“I’ll wash all my parts,” Luke promises, like that explanation makes perfect sense, before he takes off for the house.
“Mutton busting,” I repeat, turning back to Chase.
“Obviously, only if you agree.” Chase frowns. “Sorry if I didn’t make that part clear.”
“I’m glad he wants to try something new.” I make a face. “Although I wouldn’t be sad if his rodeo career ended there.”
“He’s a smart kid,” Chase assures me. “He’ll figure out he’s meant for more than cowboying.”
I only wish the man in front of me would realize the same thing applies to him. “You’re really helping him.”
His steel-gray eyes darken to a shade that reminds me of the sky when a storm is gathering over the mountains. I know Chase well enough at this point to know he isn’t one for accepting compliments, but he’s going to have to deal with it.
“He hasn’t had much of a…” I want to say father figure, but that feels both disloyal to Teddy and too much pressure to put on Chase. “A male role model in his life. At least not one who appreciates him for who he is.”
“The kid just had two professional athletes ready to throw hands over who gets to teach him their sport,” Chase reminds me with a shake of his head.
