Leaving Home by Chase, A. (life books to read .txt) 📗

Chaz asked was the best thing, but finally he

nodded, and relief rushed over Chaz. He might not know Peter very well, but everything

he’d seen about the man told him Peter would keep his promise.

“A bullfighter, huh? That’s a dangerous job, even worse than being a bull rider,” Peter

commented as he settled deeper into the confines of the chair.

Chaz wiggled just a bit, not wanting to upset his back. When he got in the right

position, he shrugged. “Sure, it is. Why do you think I enjoy my job so much? Nothing like the thrill of possibly dying every night. I’ve had some serious injuries. Enough that my

doctor told me I risk paralysis every time I suit up and go out.”

Peter frowned. “Then why do it? Why risk that much for the thrill?”

“I’m sure people have been asking that question ever since the first daredevil tried to

ride a dinosaur or something. We get addicted to the adrenaline rush, I guess. Doesn’t mean we’re crazy or anything, just slightly challenged in the mental area.” He winked at Peter, who blushed, and Chaz wondered if anyone had flirted with the man before.

“Crazy seems like a good term to use for all of you in the rodeo. I think even barrel

racers like the speed a little too much.”

He couldn’t argue with Peter there. He’d seen too many women take those barrels at

speeds they shouldn’t, and end up crashing into them or having their horses stumble,

throwing them. Injuries at the rodeo were common, though it was more likely to be the

humans than the animals. No matter what the animal rights activists said about it, the rough stock was treated better than most of the humans. No one was crazy enough to do anything

to hurt a horse or bull that could bring its owner at least six figures if he were to sell it.

“You might be right there.” Chaz let his eyes close.

Two painkillers were just enough to take the edge off, but what Chaz really wanted was

complete oblivion. He needed those blank moments when he drifted along the currents of

the world’s rhythm without worry about how to get back to shore or how to fight against the tide. He wished for the space of emptiness where there was no pain or doubt. That place he’d found the first time he took the pills, and realised he could have forgetfulness, if he knew where to look for it.

www.total-e-bound.com

LEAVING HOME T.A. Chase 24

The rustle of fabric reminded him of Peter’s presence. Chaz knew he needed to keep up

the appearance of being all right, and spacing out wasn’t a good way to do that.

“What do you do, Peter?”

He could feign interest as long as he needed if it helped make Peter feel like he could

trust Chaz. Once he trusted him, it would make it easy for Chaz to look for the pills. He didn’t think Peter would have flushed them or anything like that.

Chaz winced as those thoughts dashed around in his head. Fuck! He was turning into a

real bastard, yet fighting those emotions took more energy than he had.

“I work for Les as an accountant. I do the ranch’s accounts, not Les’ companies’

accounts. There are too many of them for just one man. I work for Derek St Martin as well.”

“The country music star? How did you get so connected?”

Who knew quiet, unassuming Peter had some pretty big-named friends?

“Les knows his stepbrother, and when Derek needed someplace to vacation, he came

out here to rest. He got to be a good friend.”

Chaz could tell there was more to the story. He didn’t have the curiosity to find out

what it was, though.

“Aside from Les, is there a lot of business around here for an accountant? I would think

you’d go off to a bigger city. Can’t think there’s a big call for your line of work out here.”

Another rustle, causing Chaz to imagine Peter had shrugged.

“I used to work at my grandfather’s feed store in town. After he started harassing Les

and Randy, I decided I couldn’t work there anymore. Grandfather and my family disowned

me, so Les offered me not only a job, but a place to live as well.”

God, this Les must be a saint. Chaz didn’t know what to think about a man who gave a job to someone who was practically a stranger.

“Les and Randy are really nice about opening their home to people who need a place to

regroup or rest.” Peter’s words were filled with respect and awe. “I don’t think I’d be a nice enough person to do that.”

“Seriously? Man, you dragged my ass off the street and into your car. You brought me

here, not knowing anything about me. How can you say you wouldn’t be the same kind of

nice?”

“I was just doing what I thought any of them would do. All of them are great guys, you

know, and I always feel like I’m not good enough to be here with them.”

www.total-e-bound.com

LEAVING HOME T.A. Chase 25

“You hush that kind of talk, Peter Skinner.”

Chaz almost levitated off the couch when Margie spoke. He hadn’t heard her come

down the hall. He forced his eyes open to see her frowning in disapproval at Peter. Chaz shot a glance over at Peter, who had his head ducked down.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Good boy. Now you should send this man to bed soon. He’s dead on his feet, so to

speak.” Margie smiled at them both. “I’m going to bed. I’ll see you in the morning. Breakfast is at seven. I do like it when Master Leslie and Randy are gone. Gives me a chance to sleep in.”

“You do know they’d be more than happy to get their own breakfast if you don’t want

to get up early?” Peter pointed out.

“I know, but I’ve been taking care of Master Leslie since he was young, and Randy

needs someone to watch over him as well. It’s no hardship to cook breakfast for family.”

Margie gave Chaz a nod, but there was a hint of caution in the smile she gave him

before she left. Apparently