Chase, Catching Raine

By Lisa Powell

Chase Venton lived a carefree life, until his parents died. They left him a fortune but he was young and naïve. He was taken for granted by many people, especially women. He learned his lesson and went into hiding until the woman of his dreams walked into his life. He told her everything and that was one of the biggest mistakes in his life. She almost destroyed him and took him for everything he had. Now he has gone back into hiding. Only his trusted ranch had Smiley knows the truth. Smiley promised Chase’s parents he would look after their only son, but it isn’t that easy. Chase is now bitter, cold and cruel. He chases away everyone Smiley hires to help out on the ranch. He has almost but lost hope, until he ran into Raine.
Raine Simmons was on the verge of being homeless when she ran into Smiley. She was young and naïve. She was full of life and energetic. She always tried to stay positive no matter what the situation was. Smiley hired her to help out on a ranch. She was to take care of the animals, but he specifically told her to stay away from Mr. Venton, the owner, and she did. Raine would watch him from a far. He always seemed in a bad mood and looked troubled. She felt bad for him. She looked around his ranch and thought he had money problems. So she began to do extra work to help out asking nothing in return. She loved the ranch and hoped she could afford a small farm of her own one day.
Chase began watching Raine. He hated her for him wanting to look at another woman again. He hated her for playing with his dog. He hated her just because he could. He knew bringing a woman out here would disrupt the balance. She was probably stealing from him to. He and Smiley fought about it often.
Raine saw Chase walking her way. She never imagined a simple hello, would send Chase over the edge. He tore into her and left her standing in tears. Confused and hurt Raine can’t stand to work for him anymore. Leaving the ranch was the hardest thing she had to do. And as for Chase, getting Raine back is the hardest thing he has to do.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lisa Powell
• Release date: May 20, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370578894

Lisa Powell

Inspiring is a GREAT Feeling: Everyone thinks their books will change the world. They want to become famous and make millions. But what about inspiring others? Being an author/writer is more than just writing. It's about inspiring others. Here's my story. I went to get my taxes done, I know everyone groan, I use the same person every year he is in his late 70's. He was talking about writing a book a couple years ago. I told him I was a writer/author and we talked for a while. The next year he was contemplating about the different avenues in which to publish and how much it cost. We talked more. This year I go there and he smiled. 'I published my book.' He went over to a drawer and pulled out his book. He tells me, if it wasn't for me, he would have never taken that first step and published. It's a boy scout book, with camp fire spooky stories. With all the legends and how the camp came to be. He was a boy scout at this camp. The camp is still open today, he made is money back and all proceeds go to the camp. He wrote an inscription to me and handed me the book. My husband was so proud and I was almost speechless. I may not be famous or a millionaire. My books may not have changed anything, but being a writer did plus, he saved me money on my taxes, *grin* That was a great feeling, me inspiring someone. Someone who indeed is very profitable in selling his book. I guess it stems back when I first started out looking for answers, before I published. I asked an indie author a couple questions. Someone, everyone loves and I to loved her books. But she got snotty with me and made me feel like an idiot. Well dah! I have never done this before, I don't know what I am doing. I don't buy her books anymore either, just because of that fact. So at that point I decided I would never do that to someone else if they asked for help or information. And it has paid off, in my eyes. Facts about me: Favorite person-Husband Favorite color is - red Favorite vehicle - ford (69 mustang mach1 boss 429) Dream Car. Favorite foods - bacon & bbq ribs Favorite time of year - spring Zodiac sign - Pisces Movies - Overboard, 27 Dresses, The Ugly Truth, Pretty Woman, Under Siege 1&2, Comando extra... Music - Areosmith, Poison, ACDC, Little River Band, Boston, Pink Floyd, Pat Benatar, extra...

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Lisa Powell

Chase, Catching Raine

Nature’s Repercussion Series

Chase, Catching Raine

Nature’s Repercussions Series

Chase, Catching Raine

Copyright 2015 © Lisa Powell

All rights reserved

Smashwords Edition

This book and or any portion of this book may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the copyright owner except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Published in the United States

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental

Writing is a gift. To be good at your gift you need to keep writing.

~Lisa Powell 2013~

Books in this Series Include:

Blaze, Searing Heat,

Emma, Caught by Storm,

Chase, Catching Raine,

Other Great Books by Lisa Powell

Max & Kate Series Include:

Captured by Fate, Book 1 & 2 (Includes The Deception, Book 2)

The Power of Love Book 3

Trust in my love Book 4

Paranormal Romance:

Haunted Flames

Marksman Trilogy Include:

Cry of a Marksman

Fury of a Marksman

Heart of a Marksman

Many more books to come.

Dedication

Huge thanks to my husband Lance. He was patient as I was getting these books finished. The selective hearing seems to kick in a lot when the writing creativity flows. He has supported me so much it’s unbelievable. I have the best husband in the world through my eyes.

Thank You!

Thank you Tawnya Ward for the picture I used for this cover. You have a wonderful selection of pictures. Again Thank You very much.

Thank you to all my readers, I am so glad you enjoy my books.

Self-Published

You can contact the author at

Email: mailto:[e-mail]?subject=Books

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLisaPowell

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lisaannpowell

Web page: http://lisapowell27.wix.com/authorlisapowell

Blog: http://lisaannpowell.blogspot.com/

Table of Contents

About the Author

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Epilogue

Prologue

It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining brightly. A warm breeze could be felt to anyone standing in its wake. Soft chirping of birds could be heard to anyone that would listen. The beauty of the day had no effect on Chase. Chase Venton stood in a trance as he watched his parents being lowered into the ground. He was numb and in denial. He still couldn’t believe that it happened. How could it have happened? His whole life he thought his parents would be there for him. He was lost in his thoughts when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He knew immediately who it was. The only person who cared for him that was left in the world, Smiley. Smiley was one of the few who stood by him. Chase knew he was the only one he could trust. But right now he didn’t care. He didn’t care about anything. He was bitter to everyone and the whole world for that matter. It took the most precious thing from him, his parents.

Smiley turned to Chase. He hasn’t moved or muttered a word since the funeral proceedings started. Are you okay son? Smiley said gruffly. He himself couldn’t believe at what happened. He was Chase’s father best friend and employee.

Chase closed his eyes. He felt bitter and was angry. I am not your son. He sneered and pulled away from Smiley.

Smiley drew in a sigh. He knew this was going to be tough on Chase. But he didn’t know how long it would take him to heal. I am here for you Chase remember that. He patted him on the shoulder.

Chase glared at him and walked away. Who does he think he is!

Smiley watched as the young ladies consoled Chase. He knew they were only after his money and he was right, they were. Smiley was afraid that Chase didn’t care anymore. But someday, he hoped, something or someone will slap reality back into him. Hopefully, before he lost his fortune to the greed of society. He closed his eyes. He remembered a talk he had with Chase’s father some time ago. He looked up to the sky. This isn’t going to be easy, but I promised I would take care of him. He looked in Chase’s direction. He was leaving with one of the young ladies. He shook his head he knew they would come for him. The Ventons had a fortune and now with the lawsuit, more money would accumulate. Chase was the only heir. Smiley wasn’t ready for what was about to happen with Chase. But he would honor his friends wishes the best he could and he knew it wouldn’t be easy.

Chapter 1

Raine smiled as she looked at all of the animals in the barn. She had just finished feeding them. Looks like everyone one is fed. She glanced around a smiled. She loved the ranch, it was peaceful and relaxing. She loved to listen to the animals as they chattered amongst themselves. She watched new life as it was being born. She watched as the little ones grew up and became strong. She loved this life. She took one last look around and headed out the barn door.

Raine took in a deep breath when she stepped outside and breathed in the fresh air. She looked around and smiled. She loved it out here. She glanced across the barnyard and saw her boss, Chase Venton, he was coming towards her. Chase was 26. He was tall and had dark brown hair. His eyes were steel gray. He always had a couple days growth of stubble on his face. His skin was tanned from working outside. He was in great physical shape. As he passed she smiled and nodded, Hello Mr. Venton. Sometimes he would acknowledge her sometimes he wouldn’t. She never knew what to expect. She only began saying hello to him recently.

Raine. He nodded and walked by. Chase inherited the ranch from his parents. They passed away 6 years ago. He never wanted to let go of the place where he grew up and loved. He had to grow up fast if he wanted to keep the place. He had a cash crop ranch but he wasn’t into it. He let the bills pile up and he almost lost the place three years ago from back taxes. He decided at that time to turn the crops into cattle. His profits increased tremendously. That’s when he met his fiancé Glenda. She swindled her way into Chase’s life. When the relationship went bad Chase again almost lost everything. Glenda almost took everything he loved away from him. The fire she set almost destroyed the ranch. She left a bad taste in his mouth for all women. He despised them and never would trust one again.

Raine watched as he disappeared around the corner. She felt bad for him sometimes. He always seemed to have things on his mind. He never smiled and wasn’t very sociable. He was always moody and he seemed angry most of the time. His eyes spooked her so she stayed away, just like she was told. She knew he was recovering from some kind of bad break up. She hoped things would get better for him. Maybe in time he would heal. She figured living on the ranch like this would help anyone heal. After Chase disappeared, Raine drew in a deep breath. She didn’t have time to figure him out. Right now the ranch was her concern. The ranch was in rough shape. She didn’t see any ranch hands. So she figured he couldn't afford them. She decided to help out more on the ranch, on her own time.

Smiley, the ranch foreman, was always chatting up a storm with Raine. He seemed to notice the extra effort she was putting into the ranch. He always told her she was doing an extraordinary job. She was hired to feed the animals, but she picked up more task as time went on. She started to clean the stalls and take care of the waste. Brush down the horses. She made sure the saddles were always cleaned and shined. She pulled the weeds from around the house, kept up the garden. She ordered supplies and picked them up. In the morning, she would walk up to the main house from the small cabin she stayed in. She made the coffee for her boss and the other two men before they got up. She did all kinds of odds and ends around the ranch. She had done it because she loved it on the ranch. She wouldn’t trade it for the world. She asked nothing in return. She even played with the dog, Gasby, he always followed her around. She loved his company as well.

Smiley is the one that hired Raine about six months ago. Chase wasn’t happy when Smiley hired her. They argued about it but Chase gave up. He pacifically told Smiley to keep Raine out of his way. He thought she would be nothing but trouble. He didn’t need a female in his way out here disrupting the place. And for the most part Raine stayed clear from Chase. Sometimes Chase would look around just to see where she was at. Most of the time he didn’t see her. And that made him even more suspicious of her.

Soon after Raine was hired, she noticed plenty of other things needed to be done. So she took it upon herself to do them. It was her way of thanking Mr. Venton for room and board. She figured he didn’t have a lot of money the way the ranch looked. But at one time she could tell the ranch was a beautiful, thriving place. Raine was 24. She had long brown hair and brown eyes. She wore a red handkerchief on her head to hold her hair back. Her complexion was flawless. She never wore makeup. She was 5 ft. 4’ and very toned. She was also studying to be an accountant. She passed all her courses all she needed to do was pass the exam. She put it all on hold when she began working on the ranch. She just couldn’t see herself working in an office now.

One afternoon Chase was looking out over the fields. He was watching the cattle as they grazed. Raine just finished up putting the saddles away. She was hot and tired. She walked out of the barn and saw Chase standing at the fence. She heard Gasby bark and looked down. So you want to play? She put her hands on her hips.

Gasby wagged his tail. He picked up a stick and dropped it at her feet, he barked again. Raine laughed. She picked up the stick and threw it. Gasby went chasing after it. Good boy, bring it back. She called and clapped her hands. Gasby brought the stick back and dropped it at her feet again.

He barked.

This got Chase’s attention. He turned and watched. He can’t remember the last time he and Gasby played. As he tried to remember he began to feel guilty for ignoring his own dog. He saw Gasby taking the stick back to Raine. He could hear her praising him. For some reason he got angry with her. That’s my dog not yours! Here Gasby, here boy. He called. The dog stopped barking and looked at him. Raine stood up and also looked at Chase.

Gasby looked up at her. Go on boy. She patted him on the head. He grabbed the stick and ran to Chase. Raine followed.

Chase knelt down on one knee. Good boy, he smiled as he praised his dog. He was petting him.

He is a very smart dog. Raine said as she walked up to him.

I know. Chase said as he stood up. When he did his stomach growled.

Want to get a bite to eat? Raine never in her life, thought that simple little question, would set Chase off in a rambling, angry fit.

"Listen Raine, you were pacifically hired to feed the animals and nothing more. Not to play with my dog. I don’t need some female out here on this ranch creating problems. Steeling things from me and trying to wiggle your way into my life, it ain’t going to happen! You’re a distraction and you are disrupting the balance out here. You are to feed and only feed the animals. Do I make myself clear!" He shouted. His eyes burned right through her.

Raine sucked in a quick breath. She stood shocked and speechless. What?

Do I make myself clear! Chase got even louder.

Y-yes perfectly clear. Raine swallowed hard, she didn’t know what to think. Her whole body felt numb.

He pointed his finger at her and she flinched. And stay away from my dog. He hissed at her. Come on Gasby. He turned and left, Gasby followed.

Raine just stood there staring at him as he walked away. What the hell was that all about? Raine shook her head and made her way to the barn. She had no idea what in the hell just happened.

Smiley walked into the barn and he saw that Raine was very upset. He heard Chase shouting but couldn’t make out what he was saying. Then he saw Chase walking away from Raine. He knew it was not a good thing. Raine what was that about?

I really don’t know Smiley. She said just staring at him. She had tears in her eyes. She wiped them away real quick.

Tell me what happened.

I was playing with Gasby. Chase called for the dog. I heard Chase’s stomach growl. I asked him if he wanted to get a bite to eat. He just freaked out on me. He told me I was hired only to feed the animals and nothing more. He said I disrupt the balance out here. He said I was trying to wiggle my way into his life. I was stealing from him. And he told me to stay away from his dog. She sat down on a bale of hay.

Smiley was shaking his head. I don’t know what has gotten into that man. But he is pushing everyone away.

I didn’t do anything wrong. If it was you or Jonzy that asked him to get a bite he would have said yes or no. He wouldn’t have ripped your heads off. Jonzy was another ranch hand. He helped take care of the cattle.

Don’t let it get you down Raine. You do a great job around here. Smiley was trying to comfort her.

From now on I am only to feed the animals and nothing more. He made that point perfectly clear. She wiped her tears.

Raine don’t take it literal.

I am Smiley. She paused and wiped her eyes again. Well I better get to the cabin. The animals are feed so my job for the day is done. Raine stood and headed out of the barn. She had a lot on her mind. Maybe taking that exam might be a good thing right now. She didn’t know if she would still have a job down the road. When she got to the cabin she grabbed her books. She studied until the wee hours of the morning. She fell asleep with a book in her lap it seemed morning came too fast. When she awoke she had to stop