Free Wild Wyoming Nights by Sandy Sullivan Page B

“That’s not the impression I get.”
    She pushed back her chair, picked up their plates and took them into the kitchen. After she had rinsed them off, she slid them into the dishwasher, put in some soap and shut the door with a decisive snap.
    He struggled to his feet, tucked the crutches under his arms, and followed her. When he stopped behind her, he stood close enough to smell her scent as he let it wrapped itself around his senses.
    “That’s the problem. I want you around—I want you here.”
    She turned and faced him with the question clear in her eyes. “I don’t understand, then.”
    “I want you. Period,” he whispered as he let his fingers caress her arm. The goose bumps rose on her skin, following the trail of his fingertips. His hand reached her shoulder, and slid across the top until he was able to grasp a piece of hair between his fingers.
    “You’re the type of woman who wants a man on a permanent basis. I can’t give you that.”
    “I don’t, Chase. I won’t give my heart away again. I can’t. It hurts too much.” Her fevered whispered declaration sent bells ringing in his head.
    “Are you saying you would be satisfied with only a physical relationship, Abby?”

Chapter Eight

    “I…uh.”
    Letting his hand drop, he turned away and murmured, “That’s what I thought.”
    Abby sighed. “Can’t we just be friends?”
    “Fine. If that’s what you want,” he said hobbling toward the sofa.
    I don’t know what I want, that’s the problem.
    “Would you like some coffee? I can make some.”
    “Sure.”
    In no time, the machine sputtered when the coffee finished. Abby poured them both a cup before moving into the living room and setting a cup near him on the table.
    She curled up on his couch across from him, tucking her feet under her. “Tell me about the horses.” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
    Chase rubbed his thigh, drawing her attention to his hand. Her thoughts scattered for a moment when she thought about his hand on her arm. Just his touch seemed to send her heart into overdrive, and she wasn’t sure she liked how her body reacted to his.
      “They are quarter horses and bred to be strong—barrel racers, cutting horses, calf roping—the work horse of a ranch. I sell them all over.” He picked up the coffee cup and sipped the steaming liquid before setting it back on the table.
    “Well, maybe after your leg heals, we can go riding. I haven’t been horseback riding in forever. That’s why I asked if you needed any exercised.” Her gaze fixed on the cup in her hand for a moment.
    “You can ride any time you want. Just stay away from the stallion. He’s an ornery shit.”
    “The one that was prancing in the arena?”
    He nodded and said, “Yeah. He’s the one who kicked me.”
    She chuckled softly as she asked, “What were you trying to do, keep him away from the mare in the stall?”
    A rueful smile rippled across his lips. “I know, stupid move on my part. Even though she’s not in season this time of year, he didn’t like me keeping them apart. Those two are running mates.”
    “I wasn’t going to say a word.” She laughed and held up her hands in surrender.
    For the next couple of hours, they sat on the couch and he told her about growing up on the Rocking W with his parents, two brothers, and younger sister.
    “Are they older than you?” Her fascination with the man, who plowed into her life with the force of a hurricane, held her spellbound.
    “I’m the middle brat. My brother, Justin is the eldest and he lives in Nevada. My younger brother is Cole. He doesn’t have a place yet, just bums around a lot. Then there is Jamie, our sister. She’s the youngest.”
    “Does Justin have property, too?”
    “He has a place where he runs cattle, and Cole rides rodeo a lot right now. He hasn’t figured out what he wants to do yet, I think. Jamie lives with our parents in town.” A dry laugh trickled from his lips, drawing her attention like