Read Online Mistletoe Rodeo (Welcome to Ramblewood) by Amanda Renee - Free Book Online Page A

hadn’t planned on kissing her when they went for their walk, but the thought of kissing her in general had entered his mind once—okay, maybe ten times—throughout the evening. His physical attraction to her was nothing new and his family had reiterated that fact after he arrived home from dropping Nola off. He hadn’t expected everyone to still be there. Normally they would’ve dispersed and gone home by that time, especially when the kids had to be in school the next day.
    Instead, they’d sat around analyzing not only every look Chase had given Nola over dinner, but also every look he’d
ever
given her. He’d discovered that their scrutiny of his relationship—or whatever you called it—with Nola had been taking place for a while now. Embarrassed by his transparency, Chase made certain not to mention their kiss...kisses. He’d at least like some part of their evening to remain private.
    Chase had dated his share of women, but he wasn’t even dating Nola. Not yet anyway. Kissing her last night may have been a fluke thing, and at this stage, he’d be wise not to invest too much into it. In the back of his mind, the thought of Nola’s occupation was like a red flag waving in his direction.
    She was too driven and focused to devote much time to anything other than her job, whereas Chase was in the opposite position, walking away from his lifelong career. That was something she would never do. She might be regretting their time together already.
    Chase headed downstairs and hesitated when he saw his mother in the kitchen. He braced himself for an onslaught of questions about Nola.
    “Good morning, dear.” Kay cracked a couple of eggs into a bowl. “I’m fixing myself some scrambled eggs and bacon. Would you like any?”
    If Chase was smart, he’d say no and make a mad dash for the stables. But his growling stomach made the decision for him. “That would be great, thank you.”
    “Any idea when you’ll take Nola to the food bank?”
    “No, I forgot to mention it again last night. I’ll give her a call later to arrange something.” Chase rolled his shoulders to relieve the tension, feeling an instant jolt of pain on one side. Swallowing hard, he attempted to ignore his discomfort. “I’d prefer to stay busy, so if there’s anything extra you need me to handle for the Mistletoe Rodeo, just let me know and I’ll take care of it.”
    “Aren’t you teaching today?” His mother faced him, spatula in hand.
    “I can’t do much with my shoulder. I have a doctor’s appointment this afternoon, so I’m taking it easy until I hear what he has to say. All I can really offer is support and guidance from the rails.”
    “Are you avoiding the rodeo school or your brother?”
    Chase had anticipated the third degree from his mother this morning, only he’d thought it would be over Nola, not Shane. “I am not avoiding anyone or anything, Mom.”
    “Yes, you are.” His mother dropped slices of bacon onto a hot iron skillet. “You didn’t want to talk about what happened in Vegas and I left it alone. We all did. We’re giving you that respect and moving on, but I don’t want to see you avoid everything rodeo related. Do you think you’ll be able to perform at the Mistletoe event?”
    While there was some light competition planned for the Mistletoe Rodeo, Chase had arranged for the majority of it to be executed by the Junior Rodeo kids to showcase their talents. He had even added pig and ostrich races to the roster. The barrel racers would compete dressed as elves and the bullfighters would wear Santa suits instead of their regular clown garb. It definitely wouldn’t be a typical competition, and Chase had no issue with being a part of it. He just hoped Nola had been right when she’d said the good it did for the community would shift attention away from him and his epic fail. Ramblewood had never had a hometown hero, and this year had been his chance.
    “I’ll be there. Stop worrying. I’m not