Page 10 of A Cowboy Takes A Chance

“What are you doing out here?”

“I wanted to see if you needed help.”

“Of course not. I would have asked Chip if I did.”

She moved closer to him. “Do you like her?”

“Look, I don’t have to explain myself to you or anyone. I suggest you go back to the camp.”

She touched his arm. “I could make you feel good.”

Jaxon removed her hand. “I feel fine.”

“Really?” She started to step forward, but he stopped her.

“Please go back to the campsite. I’m getting more firewood, and I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

Bett stared up at him and narrowed her eyes. “The offer is always open.” Spinning on her heel, she disappeared. Jaxon picked up some logs and headed back to the group. Presley was nowhere around. Chip sat on a trunk along with a few of the other guests. Bett sat across from the pit staring at him. Jaxon dropped the wood and then sat down.

A few minutes later, Presley and one of the other women entered the camp. They sat on the other log and stared into the fire.

“How many camping trips are there each week, Jaxon?” Rodney asked him.

“Two. Another one will go out on Thursday for two nights, it’s also the cattle drive. There is a trail ride every day and a bonfire on Wednesday nights. Devin takes the longer camping trip group.”

“Do they come to this spot?”

“No. It’s a different one, closer to the Glaciers. That’s why it’s a longer trip.”

“Is that something we can sign up for when we get back if we’re interested?” Presley asked him.

“Yes, you can sign up for anything you’d like. Any of it. Trail rides too. We never turn anyone down on the activities. Even if its last minute. On Wednesday nights, along withthe bonfire, is a hayride. Chip runs the hayride. There are also two trips to the local towns.”

“Is it the same activities every week?” a man asked him.

“Yes, it is.”

“Do you do this year-round?” Presley asked him.

His eyes met hers across the fire. “No, ma’am. We open on the first of March then close the end of August. There’s just not much for anyone to do in the winter.”

“Then why are there fireplaces in the cabins?” another woman asked.

“In March, it’s still cold enough some nights to have a fire.”

“What do you do all winter?” This from Bett.

“I relax some, but I still have to work the ranch. Feeding horses and cattle. Cleaning the barns. Things like that.”

“What days do you get a break?” Presley stared back at him.

“I work all the time, but I usually take Sundays off after I help out in the barns.”

“I want to get in that pool. Do you swim there, Jaxon?” Bett asked him.

“No, ma’am. That’s for the guests.” He looked at Bett.

“I asked you to call me Bett. Please.”

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