Page 26 of Lucky Cowboy

At those words, Mark went as still as a statue. His intestines twisted inside him with nervousness as he processed his friend’s assumption. Not because Rusty was wrong, either. But because he wasright.

In fact, he was dead on. And Mark had no clue what to do with that information. Neither he nor Val were in a place where they could make a go at a traditional relationship. Not while their paths were focused in such distinctly different directions.

How had he fallen for a woman who travels more weeks of the year than she’s home while every aspect of his own career was right here in Rocky Ridge? Talk about not having the same goals. And sure, they each watched over their families and provided for them, but those families were over two hours apart.

Mark wasn’t even certain how he could be feeling like this, considering how seldom they’ve been able to be together. But he did feel that way. Now he had to determine if he should ever relate that fact to Val or suffer in silence. What if she didn’t return those feelings? What then?

The logical side of his brain liked that idea. If that was the case, everything could go back to normal. But the illogical side—the side that had admitted to a craving to sock Biggs in his pathetic jaw—balked at such a notion. That side wanted to be with Val, no matter what it might take for him and Val to become more.

Mark bounced so many scenarios and outcomes through his head that he nearly forgot he was still on the phone.

“You could try long distance,” Rusty advised. “People do it all the time.”

“How many of those people are successful in the long run, though?”

“Eh, the odds aren’t exactly in your favor, but what else can you do?”

That was just it. Other than cutting off ties, Mark didn’t know. Cutting off ties wouldn’t be advisable with Biggs trying to stick his nose in her business, too. The man had proven himself to be a windbag, but Mark didn’t trust him as far as he could throw him.

Biggs’ behavior seemed more than suspect.

Sneaking around behind her back to cancel shows and appearing at her trailer months after she fired him. Acting the fool to the point that security got involved. None of that boded well. Also, the concept of splitting up with Val just as Mark was getting to know her made him want to kick something. And he could acknowledge that as absurd because, technically, they weren’t even together. At least, not formally.

They hadn’t even kissed.

How had he sunk his boots into this kind of mess? Especially before he realized how far in he was? Because Mark knew he was in this thing with Val, about whatever it might be and however far it might eventually go. He frowned to himself. Or not go.

Mark knew only thing for sure.

He needed to have a proper discussion with Val about this.

CHAPTERTWELVE

Val had just showered,dried off, and changed into her nightclothes when Mark called. She’d already spoken to her father before she’d hit the stadium with Maybelline tonight and hearing how strong and vital he’d sounded had made her feel confident as she’d ridden her program. If her dad had been here, she knew he would’ve cheered her on. When he’d been her manager, he always had.

She suspected if Mark ever joined the audience members in the stadium rather than seeing to the safety of all the attendees, he’d cheer, too. He was supportive like that.

They exchanged greetings, and just like the first time she’d heard his voice—that deep and gentle timbre that had the strength of forged steel underneath it—it gave her the best kind of chills.

“I wanted to discuss something with you. Something… serious.”

She straightened on the little loveseat inside her trailer. Had he heard something else negative going on with Biggs? “Okay.”

“Okay,” he repeated. He sounded almost… nervous. “It’s about… I care about you, Val.”

She blinked. “I care about you, too.”

“And I feel like there’s something between us. A spark. A bond.” When he stayed speechless for a few seconds, she chimed in.

“I agree.”

“You do?”

It was the first time she’d heard him sound tentative and unsure of himself. It was actually kind of sweet.

“Of course, I do. You’ve helped me over and over, even before you knew me. I’m very grateful for that. But what I’m even more grateful for is knowing you’ll call after a long day. That I can depend on you even when we’re across the state from each other.” Or across the country. Not that she’d be doing that again anytime soon.

“I suppose what I’m asking for is to take the next step. Maybe even toward a relationship.” His words accelerated as if concerned she’d shut him down. “I know we can’t be together as much as we’d like, but I’d like to try. Even if we’re long distance.”

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