Free Chase Wheeler's Woman by Charlene Sands

bubbling over the flames.
    “Chase, what are you doing here?”
    His dark brows lifted. “A better question is what are you doing here?” He regained his composure quickly. Chase wasn’t one to let down his guard too long.
    “Isn’t it obvious?”
    “No,” he said stubbornly, “it isn’t obvious.” He crossed his arms over his chest and glared at her.
    “Petey is giving me a cooking lesson.”
    Chase glanced at the boy, then returned his gaze to her. Out of respect to Petey, who’d been so obliging this evening, and to the Mayfields in general, Letty Sue offered introductions.
    “Petey Mayfield, I’d like you to meet Chase Wheeler, temporary foreman at the Double J.”
    Petey hesitated, setting aside a batch of carrots he’d been ready to dice up, then came forward and offered Chase his hand. Chase blew out a breath, then shook it.
    “Nice meetin’ ya,” Petey murmured.
    Chase nodded. “Same here.” He turned to her. “I heard a scream.”
    “Chase, were you spying on us?”
    Letty Sue’s initial anger dissolved when she noticed Chase shift his stance, clearly uncomfortable. Was that color rising on his cheeks?
    He had been spying on them. The fact not only amused her, but also gave her the upper hand for once.
    “Listen up, Letty Sue. You know darn well we had a truce. You didn’t tell a soul on the ranch where you were heading or who you planned on meeting.” His gaze rested on Petey, obviously sizing him up.
    “I didn’t want anyone knowing,” she said simply. The truth was, she didn’t want him knowing she’d ruined yet another meal. She didn’t want him to find out how inept she was at cooking, a task most womentook to easily. For the first time in her life, Letty Sue felt inadequate as a female.
    And it was all Chase Wheeler’s doing.
    “I know my way to town, Chase. Besides, a woman’s got a right to a little privacy.”
    “Privacy?” Chase’s voice rose. “You want…privacy?” He looked fit to be tied. “Damn it, woman, I’m responsible for you.”
    “You keep saying that. But I can take care of myself.”
    “Is that so? So why’d you scream? And don’t deny it, because I heard it plain as day.”
    “You mean, when you were spying?”
    “Letty Sue,” he began and there was enough warning in his tone that she rushed to answer.
    “All right, it was the stew. I screamed when I tasted it.”
    Chase’s mouth twisted, hiding what she knew to be a smug grin. “That bad?”
    “That good!” Her joy wiped that all-knowing expression off his face. “I couldn’t believe it. It tastes just like Mama’s, even better. And I cooked it myself. Petey watched, but I did all the cooking. Isn’t that right, Petey?”
    Petey nodded. “She’s done real good for her first lesson, Mr. Wheeler.”
    Letty Sue smiled, feeling great pride at her first real accomplishment. Coming to the diner had been a smart notion. At first she’d thought she’d just pay for a good meal and be done with it, but on the ride to town she’d realized nothing would get settled thatway. Asking Emma Mayfield or one of the other ladies working at the diner would have been humiliating, but then she noticed Petey in the back, cooking, and the idea struck. She’d waited until all the patrons left the diner and then approached him. Petey had been more than happy to help. “And not even seeing you here tonight is going to spoil my good mood, Chase.”
    “Well, then, your stew’s a success.” Chase scratched his head and angled his chin toward the door. “Now it’s time to head back.”
    “Oh, no you don’t, Chase. You’re not going to order me home, not now. Petey and I are going to dine on this delicious meal. And even though you’re most disagreeable, I’m happy to ask you to join us.”
    Chase glanced at her, then at the pot of stew simmering, lending off the most deliciously fragrant aroma. He shot Petey one quick look, then answered, “No, thank you kindly though. You two enjoy your meal.