Waking before the alarm, my gray eyes go to the glowing red numbers on the nightstand clock. Five-thirty in the morning is too early for anyone to be awake. Unless you’re in bed with a sexy cowgirl. Smiling, I remember the night before and roll over toward Blaire, but she’s not there. Sliding my palm over to the other side of the bed, it’s cool to the touch. She must’ve left as soon as I fell asleep. Anger washes over me at the thought and I’m not sure why. We’re having no strings fun so why should I care if she didn’t spend the night with me?

Am I becoming clingy like she said? Fuck.

Jumping out of bed, I stalk to the shower disgusted with myself and take a scalding hot rinse. Once I’m out, I wrap a towel around my hips and peer at my face in the mirror. The close groomed beard I usually sport has grown over the past week. The dark facial hair gives me a more rugged look than the professional one working in New York City requires. I like the change… but does Blaire find me attractive? She seemed to like me just fine last night… but why did she sneak out? It’s not like I would’ve held her hostage. I’d have used my excellent powers of persuasion to get her to stay, but if she really wanted to go I wouldn’t have stopped her.

Combing the longer strands on top of my head back with my fingers, I don’t bother adding any product. I’ll only sweat it off an hour into working. A ball cap serves me well here, providing shade from the sun and absorbing the sweat before it can run into my eyes.

I brush my teeth, throw on some clothes and slip my feet into my boots.

Leaving my room, I head straight down the hall toward Blaire’s. I don’t have to worry about anyone hearing me because her parents are on the other side of the house and the rest of the rooms in this area are spare rooms.

Pausing in front of her door, I breathe in long and slow to calm myself. I’m all keyed up and it’s unlike me. I’m usually notoriously cool and composed. Right now, I want to kick down her door and show her the error of her ways, but I can’t believe I’m so bothered by the fact she left my bed without waking me.

Why does it matter so much? I ask myself the question, but I can’t come up with a definitive answer. Instead, I pound on the wooden door with my fist. “Blaire, open up.” I wait and when there’s no reply my knuckles rap again. Nothing. My hand moves to the knob and I find her door unlocked. I step inside calling out her name, “Blaire.”

Her bed is neatly made, the purple comforter spread smoothly out. The extra pillows on top are arranged symmetrically and look extremely inviting. I only wish she was lying there.

I step further inside and move to the adjoining sitting room. There’s a small brown leather couch, and club chair situated around a hand carved coffee table. The seating arrangement is centered over a large, furry white rug I’d like to lay her down on and fuck her senseless—that is if I can ever find her.

Where is she?

Her ensuite bathroom is also empty, and unlike any woman I’ve ever known, her vanity is clear of any clutter. That’s when it hits me. Fuck. She already left. She snuck out of my room knowing she was going out of town without saying goodbye. My nostrils flare with anger as I expel a long breath. Unfucking real. I can’t believe she skulked off without a word.

Glancing around the high end bathroom one more time, I shake my head and storm out of her suite. Slamming the door behind me, I make short work of the hallway as my long stride eats up the distance quickly. I race down the stairs, not even pausing for a cup of coffee or a bite to eat. Hurrying to the barn, I look for Ben, the ranch hand I worked with yesterday, but he’s not there. Continuing on, my eyes scan for any sign of him. All I want is to be busy enough to put a stop to my restlessly wandering mind.

I pass the paddock where the horses are roaming and grazing on the grassy field and I realize Ben must be working in the stables. I find him adding fresh hay to the horse stalls. The large stable is impressive with its post and beam construction. The high pitch of the roof and thick, exposed, hand carved beams add an expansive feel to the functional structure. The first time I was here, my eyes were only on Blaire, but without her here to distract me, I realize how truly incredible this building is. The craftsmanship involved in it is remarkable.

Ben and I exchange nods of hello and I wordlessly begin to help, tackling the stalls on the other side of the space. There are twenty-four total, twelve on each side and horses for each of them. Every other stall has a brick pillar supporting a beam that runs horizontal above the stalls. Black lanterns are mounted on each of these adding an old time feel. Brick pavers make up the flooring for the main part of the stable. Each stall has black wrought iron posts framing the door. It seems like Harry doesn’t do anything small. This whole property is a one of a kind experience and there’s still so much more I’ve yet to see.

Three hours later Blaire’s brother shows up. “Hey you must be Chase. I’m Justin Welker.”

Wiping my palm on my jeans, I reach out to shake his hand. “It’s great to meet you. Aren’t you usually in L.A.?”

“Yeah, but when my dad calls I come running. Gotta keep the old man happy.”

“I hear ya. Family responsibilities and all that.”

“Blaire got sent to L.A. and I got sent here. How’s that for making no sense at all?”

“What did she have to go away for?” I question hoping he’ll provide me with more in depth information than she did.

“Some business deal my dad had on the line. Believe it or not, Blaire’s pretty ruthless when it comes to closing deals.”

I nod while thinking she got my attention right away and she’s impressed me from the first moment I met her. With beauty and brains, she’s the total package and any guy would be lucky to have her.

“I just hope she doesn’t get sucked in by her dirtbag ex while she’s there.”

“Do you think she’ll see him?”

“He works for the company she’s meeting with.”

Great. All the anger I felt this morning melts away and is replaced with worry. What if they get back together and I never get to see her again before I leave? Fuck. I have to make sure that doesn’t happen.

“Are you here for the week then?”

“Yep. I’m supposed to keep you busy and take care of some loose ends for my dad, but for all intents and purposes this will be like a vacation for me.”

“Really? You’re that busy? What do you do for work? Do you run one of your dad’s companies?”

“No,” he chuckles. “Have you ever heard of Sun N Salt? I started it right out of college. Obsessing over skateboards and surfing paid off.”

“Wow man, that’s impressive.”

“What do you say we go out tonight for a few drinks? There’s a bar not too far from here with some great local beers.”

“I’m game. I haven’t left this property in over a week now. The change of scenery will do me some good.” Maybe it will take my mind off Blaire.

“Tell me about yourself, Chase.”

My eyes flick to Justin sitting at the bar beside me. “What do you want to know?”

“Where are you from?”

“I’m originally from West Virginia, but I live in New York City. I own an advertising agency and your dad hired me to do some work for him.”

“What are you doing here?” He takes a deep pull from his beer.

I arch a brow. “You don’t know?”

“Nope, I got very little details beyond, ‘I need you to come to the ranch for a week.’” His imitation of his father is spot on.

“Your dad also wants me to do the ads for King Ranch Resort, but one of the stipulations is that I spend a month here and experience every aspect of it.”

“And you agreed?”

“Your dad’s hard to say no to.”

“And I’m sure he made it worth your while.”

I tip my bottle in his direction. “He sure did.” Raising the beer to my mouth, I drink the cold local brew down. Licking my lips I savor the taste.

“What’s the age difference between you and Blaire?”

“I’m thirty four and she’s twenty-nine.”

“Were you the protective older brother?”

“When I needed to be. Blaire’s no wallflower, she’s a go getter when it comes to business.”

“And what about her personal life?”

“What about it? And what’s it to you?”

I grin. “There’s the protective older brother.”

“Guilty.” He smiles sheepishly before looking stern once more. “But seriously, what’s your interest?”

My fingernail scrapes along the paper label on the bottle, peeling it back. “I like her. She’s a great girl.”

“But?”

I glance over at him. “I’m here for three more weeks and then I return to New York.”

“Blaire’s an adult, I can’t tell her what to do. I just met you, but you seem like a stand up guy, so I’m gonna offer you some solid advice. If you’re just playing around and planning to return to New York as if it never happened, I think you should keep your distance. Blaire’s not the affair type, whether she admits it or not. She’s the kind of woman guys end up marrying.”

My head nods solemnly while I’m lost in a flurry of contemplative thoughts. Am I going to hurt Blaire when I leave? Can I stay away from her once she’s back on the ranch? I can’t deal with thinking about any of this right now. Instead I do what any sane man would and raise my hand drawing the bartender’s attention.

“What can I get you?”

“Two shots of Wyoming Whiskey and keep them coming.”

Falling onto the bed with a groan, I kick off my shoes and lie prone while the bed spins wildly around. Fuck this. Dragging myself up to a sitting position, I rise to my feet, swaying unsteadily. I strip off my shirt, dropping it to the floor and then my fingers move the button on my jeans. It takes me numerous tries to undo them and when I shove the denim to my ankles and kick them off, I realize my boxer briefs went with along for the ride. Oh well. Nothing beats naked anyway.

Sinking back down to the mattress, I pick up my phone, my finger hovers over Blaire’s name. The urge to call her is overwhelming. Settling on a text instead, I type out a message.

Chase: I’m mad at you.

There. I told her.

My phone pings with a notification.

Blaire: Why?

Her one word reply pisses me off even more. That’s all she has to say?

Chase: Because you left without saying goodbye.

Blaire: I’m sorry. I didn’t want to wake you.

Sure, likely story. I’m not buying it. She’s only interested in one part of me.

Chase: I get it. I’m just a big dick to you.

I read through what I wrote and my whiskey addled brain takes a moment to work it out.

Chase: I mean you just like my big dick.

Blaire: Are you drunk?

Chase: Maybe a little.

Not enough to stop thinking about her.

Blaire: Where did you go and who were you with?

Wait a minute. Is she jealous? I grin and decide to play this for what it’s worth.

Chase: I went to Rider’s with a new friend.

Blaire: What new friend and where is she now?

Chase: I’m bad with names.

Blaire: Where’s your friend now?

Chuckling, I wait and don’t reply. My brain isn't functioning at top capacity right now. I’m still trying to work out the best way to fuck with her when my phone rings.

“Hello,” I answer, squinting down at the screen to make sure it’s Blaire.

“Where is she now?” Her voice is filled with anger.

“Where’s who?” I reply.

“You know who I’m talking about.”

“Here at the house.”

“Good luck with her. I hope she’s worth it.”

“Worth what?”

“You never coming within ten feet of my mouth or my pussy.”

“What about your ass?”

She growls. “Are you being deliberately obtuse?

“Maybe,” I snicker. “I like when you’re jealous.”

“I’m not jealous, merely stating a fact,” she huffs.

“Well, you’re hot when you’re jealous.” I fall back onto the mattress with a lazy sigh. “I want to fuck you so bad right now.”

“Those days are over, City Boy. You said you don’t share and I won’t either. It goes both ways.” Damn, I guess it’s time to come clean about who I was really with. I instantly feel more sober at the thought of her ending our affair.

“I went to Rider’s with Justin and didn’t even glance at another woman. You were all I could think about.”

“Okay.” She expels a sigh. “How are you two getting along?”

“Good. But did you hear what I said, Blaire?” I pause and pinch the bridge of my nose between my thumb and index finger. “I miss you.”