Leaving Home, Chase, A. [best ereader manga .txt] 📗

going to stay at the ranch until he heads out for Tulsa.

Didn’t seem like he wanted to hang around in town where he might run into people.” He

saw the concern in Cody’s eyes. “Why?”

After dropping his gaze, Cody took a deep breath. “He’s not doing well. A lot of people

have noticed he hasn’t been on his A-game the last couple of events. I know he’s in constant pain. Hell, it’s easy to tell when I’ve got back problems just like him.”

Peter turned to look out of the window to see Chaz standing next to his truck. Chaz

seemed to be putting something in his mouth, then tipped his head back as he swallowed.

Damn, the man was taking another pill. How many had he already taken since he’d got back

to the hotel?

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LEAVING HOME T.A. Chase 55

He wasn’t happy about the thought of Chaz driving under the influence of anything,

but he couldn’t tell Chaz not to drive when the man wouldn’t admit he had a problem.

“I wish I could say something, Cody, but I can’t. Whatever I might know is personal,

and I don’t have permission to say anything.” Peter frowned.

Cody huffed. “I totally understand, and not saying something is the same as saying it.

Don’t worry, though, I’m not going to mention it to anyone, but could you let Chaz know

that people are watching him, and that he needs to be careful? Maybe thinking about

retirement is a good idea for him as well.”

“Thanks, Cody. I’ll tell him. Keep an eye out for Max’s call. Trust me, I’m pretty sure

he’ll be calling within the next day or two.” He shook Cody’s hand again before going

outside to join Chaz by his truck.

“What else did Cody have to say?” Chaz asked when Peter stopped next to him.

“I’ll tell you when we get back to the ranch. I’m over there.” Peter pointed to where his black Ford F-150 was parked.

“Okay, I’ll be right behind you.” Chaz didn’t look pleased, but Peter didn’t care.

Peter walked over to his truck before climbing in. He turned the Bluetooth function in

his phone on, then started his vehicle. He had it dial Max’s number and pulled out onto the street while waiting for his friend to answer.

“Hey there, honey, how are you doing?” Max’s accented voice came over the speakers.

Smiling, Peter said, “Does Derek know you call someone else honey?”

“Sure he does, and, since you’re the only other one I call that, he’s fine with it,” Max

told him.

“Why is that? Why isn’t he jealous of the fact that you use an endearment like that

when you talk to me?” Peter knew how possessive Derek was at times, yet he never seemed

to get angry or upset when Max and Peter talked.

Max laughed. “Peter, Derek trusts me, and he knows I think of you more as a little

brother than as someone I want to sleep with. I mean, you’re hot and all, but you’re not my type.”

Disappointment and a little bit of sadness coursed through Peter for a second. Then he

shook it off. He’d always known Max wasn’t attracted to him. Once Max had hooked up with

Derek, Peter knew it would never happen, but he couldn’t help having a little bit of hope that it could be possible.

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LEAVING HOME T.A. Chase 56

“Yeah. Story of my life,” he muttered.

“What?”

“Nothing. Hey, I just ran into Cody Harwood, Tony’s old travelling partner.” Peter

pulled onto the highway, then checked the mirror to make sure Chaz’s red truck was behind him.

“Yeah. He’s the bull rider who’s had a few back injuries. How’s he doing?” Max asked.

Peter sighed. “Not well, I’m afraid. He’s probably going to have to retire in the next

couple of months. He doesn’t have the strength to ride bulls anymore. Also, he’s running the risk of permanent paralysis.”

Max hummed. “That’s not good. What do you want me to do about it?”

“Now what makes you think I want you to do anything? I could just be calling to tell

you about my day.” Peter smirked, even though he knew Max couldn’t see him.

“While you know I’m more than happy to talk to you about anything you want, and

you can tell me about your day all you’d like, I’m not stupid. You called me for a reason, Peter.” Max sounded amused.

“All right. I’m apparently not as subtle as Les is.”

Max burst out laughing. “Les is as subtle as a sledgehammer when he wants someone

to help him out with something.”

“You said the other day you were looking for more hands to work the ranch. I was

wondering if you had a job for him. He says he’s good with horses.” He didn’t doubt Cody’s word. Peter just didn’t know if Cody’s back could take too much punishment from working

on a ranch.

Max was silent for a moment before saying, “You’re right, I do need more men. I guess I

could give him a call and we could chat. He seems like a good guy, so I’m willing to give him a chance.”

“Thanks a lot, Max. Here’s Cody’s number.” He gave it to Max. “I told him you’d be

contacting him in the next day or two. I’m not sure there’s a huge hurry. He’s going to Tulsa for the next PBR event. I just hope he doesn’t do anything to himself.”

“You’re welcome, Peter. I’ll call you next week. The guys are coming back in two weeks

right?”

Peter nodded, then said, “Yes. Juan’s show is over with on Friday, but they all wanted

to do some sightseeing before they head home.”

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LEAVING HOME T.A. Chase 57

“Good for them. Well, tell Margie I said hi, and give her a hug from Derek and me.”

“I will. Take care, Max, and tell Derek I said hi as well.”

“Love you, honey. Don’t let any sweet-talking cowboy get you into his bed,” Max

teased.

Peter looked in his rear-view mirror at the truck staying close to him. He had the

sneaking suspicion that one fast-talking rodeo clown might be on the way to doing that.

“Thanks. I’ll try to remember that when I’m trolling for sex in the clubs in Cheyenne.”

He hung up