Read Online Her Cowboy's Christmas Wish (Harlequin American Romance) by Cathy McDavid - Free Book Online

know. Maybe.”
    “Okay.” He grabbed his shirt and put it on, not bothering to button it.
    Okay?
    “Are you saying you’d quit bronc riding and breaking horses for me?”
    He replied without missing a beat. “No. I don’t believe people have the right to demand someone to give up their passion as a condition of the relationship. That’s unfair. I wouldn’t ask you to give up nursing, just like I wouldn’t ask my brother to give up what’s left of this ranch.”
    This time he gave her the response she’d expected to hear.
    It also confirmed what she knew to be true. There was no chance for her and Ethan. Not as long as he cared more about what he wanted than he did about her.

Chapter Five
    Ethan didn’t think he’d ever seen Clay’s rodeo arena so busy. At least forty men had shown up to practice for the jackpot next weekend. The majority of them were bull riders, the rest bronc riders. Family members or girlfriends tagged along, bringing ice chests and folding chairs and lap blankets to ward off the chill. Those who didn’t gather around the lowered tailgates of their trucks sat in the bleachers observing the practice rounds with interest. Even more stood by or straddled the fences, chatting up the cowboys.
    “What’s with folks in these parts?” Conner asked, settling into a vacant spot on the fence alongside Ethan. “Don’t they have anything better to do on a Friday night?”
    “I was just thinking the same thing.”
    Like Clay, Conner had been Ethan’s friend since grade school. Conner sometimes helped the Powells, leading trail rides and giving roping lessons. He’d also been with them on that night in the mountains when they’d captured Prince. Conner’s regular job was systems analyst for a large manufacturing plant in Scottsdale, though no one would guess by his well-worn jeans, scuffed boots and weathered cowboy hat that he held two degrees, one in computer science and the other in business management.
    “Your brother invited me for Thanksgiving dinner.”
    “You coming?”
    “Can’t, pal. Going to be at the folks’.”
    “Come over later for dessert if you want.”
    This Thanksgiving would mark the first holiday the Powells had celebrated since Ethan’s mother died. Of course, Ethan hadn’t been home for most of those Easters, Thanksgivings and Christmases. He was really looking forward to the dinner this year, brightened considerably by the addition of Cassie, Sage and Isa.
    “Are you riding tonight?” Ethan asked as he watched the young man preparing to go next, studying his techniques and comparing them to his own. The kid was inexperienced but showed real potential. He might do well at the jackpot.
    “Hell, no.” Conner snorted. “I’m not about to risk scrambling my brain.”
    According to Caitlin, that was exactly what Ethan did on a regular basis.
    “You used to like bronc riding. Bull riding, too.”
    “Yeah, before I grew up.”
    What did that say about Ethan?
    His attention wandered to the makeshift first-aid station beneath the announcer’s stand. Caitlin had arrived a half hour earlier, unloaded several boxes and grocery sacks, then disappeared inside. She had yet to emerge. He hoped she was simply busy and not avoiding him after their…what? Second disagreement?
    He didn’t much like the habit they’d fallen into of late.
    “Something bothering you?” Conner asked.
    “Just got a lot on my mind.”
    “Like qualifying for the jackpot?”
    “Oh, I’m going to qualify. If not tonight, then tomorrow.”
    Ethan had put his name in about ten minutes before Conner arrived. He figured he had a little time before heading over to the chutes.
    “Clay letting you practice with that bum shoulder?”
    “It’s better.” And it was better. Marginally. He hadn’t included that qualifier when he’d talked to Clay, however. “I have to go in for a follow-up exam before the jackpot.”
    Another chance to see Caitlin.
    “Then what’s with the scowl?” Conner