After Colby’s injury, Edgard left and Trevor hadn’t gotten close to anyone again until Chassie. Much as he loved everything about her, moving onto her homeplace meant he hadn’t met many of the locals besides Gus and Chassie’s assorted West and McKay relatives. Chassie wasn’t overly social, but she’d grown up outside of Sundance and, whenever they went to town, it was obvious she knew everyone.
He’d liked having Edgard to tool around with in the truck. Fixing equipment, doing shit work that Chassie shouldn’t have to deal with—though she’d pop him upside the head for hinting she had less guts than any man. Lord. He’d really missed that “buddy”
part of his relationship with Edgard and it’d be worse once Edgard left.
So where did that leave them? Despite the comment his truck was ready, Edgard hadn’t indicated he’d be moving on soon. Chassie hadn’t been chomping at the bit to kick him out either—even after last night. It boggled Trevor’s mind that not only had Edgard sought out Chassie to soothe her after the business with Meridian, he’d exerted a calming influence on her that day she’d caught them together, an easy solace that Trevor hadn’t managed after being married to the woman for a year.
In reality, Chassie had spent more time with Edgard in the last two weeks than he had. Edgard had accompanied Chassie on the morning cattle checks. She’d taken him to town for supplies. They cooked supper together. Hell, that flirtatious Brazilian had been teaching Chassie Portuguese and how to tango.
If Edgard stuck around would Trevor be jealous if Chassie and Edgard became close in a way that had nothing to do with him? Even when Trevor didn’t have a right to be?
151
Rough, Raw, and Ready
Would Chassie be jealous? Or would she roll with it like she’d rolled with everything else?
She knocked on the door and poked her head in. “Hey, hon. Edgard’s back. There’s something he wants to show me in the barn.”
Trevor grinned. “Chass, baby, a country girl like you oughten be fallin’ for that tired old line. For shame.”
“It’s only a tired line if it don’t work. Obviously it’s worked on me, since I’ll be in the barn with him.”
“Can I come? Or is this a private showin’?”
“Please.” She rolled her eyes. “After what I was shown last night, I think that
‘privacy’ ship has sailed for all three of us, don’t you?”
No coy bullshit. “I’m damn glad you’re always so straightforward. It’s one of my very favorite things about you.”
Chassie blushed. “Thank you. But your sweet-talkin’ ain’t keepin’ me away from my present.”
Trevor lifted both brows. “Edgard bought you a gift?”
“So he says.”
“This I gotta see.” He slipped on his coat as Chassie nearly skipped ahead of him to the barn.
Inside the dark space, she yelled, “Ed? Where are you?”
“Back here, sweetheart.”
Sweetheart?
Chassie raced to the corner stall and stopped at the open door. “Omigod. Are you serious? Is that really for me?”
“Yep. She’s all yours. Nothin’ to be scared of. She’s friendly. Really friendly. See?”
“Edgard, you sweetie-pie, I could just kiss you!”
Talk about being friendly.
“That’s a mighty big temptation.”
“Look at her. She’s darling.”
152
Lorelei James
“Oh for fuck’s sake,” Trevor muttered. He’d kill Edgard if he’d bought Chassie a horse. Kill him.
The stall had been cleaned since this morning and a fresh layer of straw spread out.
Chassie was on her knees. Edgard was right beside her. Close beside her. Practically on top of her.
The next sound he heard wasn’t a whinny, but a baaa-baaa. Chassie laughed and leaned against Edgard, allowing Trevor to see the animal.
“Why in the hell did you buy her…Jesus, is that a goat?”
“Yep.”
He blinked. Nope. The furry creature was still right there. “Why did you buy my wife a goat?”
“Because she wanted one.”
“Right. Since when have you wanted a goat, Chass?”
“Since always,” Chassie retorted. She returned her focus to Edgard. “Do you think she’ll be lonely?”
“Not for long,” Edgard said with a big smile.
“Always?” Trevor repeated. “Why didn’t I know that?”
“Because you don’t know everything about me, Trevor. A girl’s gotta have some secrets.”
“Yeah? If it’s such a great big secret then how did Edgard hear about it?”