Chase: 5 Oaks Ranch, #3

By Stephanie Hurt

Chase Cauthen is a passionate man. His dream is to be a champion in the rodeo circuit, but with that dream comes danger. Cara Middleton is the one woman that will try to tame the wildest of the Cauthen Brood. The moment he locks eyes with her in the arena he has to have her, but having her means giving up his dream. Can he walk away from the life he strives for? One night the dream is gone, he's left broken and bitter. Cara leaves everything to help get him back on his feet, but as reality sets in, he pushes her away. Love can come in many packages, sometimes we don't see it until it walks away, possibly forever! 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stephanie Hurt
• Release date: Oct 22, 2015
• ISBN: 9781519904164

Stephanie Hurt

Stephanie Hurt lives in Georgia with her husband Tommy and their son Hunter, along with two dogs, Daisy and Jake. When Stephanie is not lost in one of the worlds that she creates, she’s an accountant and children’s minister. She has been writing the stories that fill her mind since she was a teenager. The moment a story comes into her mind, she’s mesmerized and soon she’s diving into the story with a cup of hot green tea and a notebook. Before long, the story has bones and is ready for the laptop. She happily types away in the early morning and at night. You can always find her with a notebook full of stories that have yet to come to life. Follow her journey in each of her over 40 published works! Stephanie Payne Hurt loves to hear from fans and hopes that she’s helped them go to another world for at least a while! Connect with Author: Twitter: https://twitter.com/StephanieHurt4 Email: https://[e-mail] Website: www.stephaniehurtauthor.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephaniePayneHurt Sign up for my newsletter at www.stephaniehurtauthor.com to keep up with upcoming events and new releases.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Chase Cauthen walked into the motel room tossing his bag on the bed. He’d driven all night to get into town for the circuit opener. Tonight, he’d start his rodeo career in earnest. But deep in his memory was the look on his parent’s face as he left.

It had been a crazy couple of weeks with Oakley’s wedding, Ridge and Mallory’s baby announcement and his announcement that he was leaving to take up his rodeo career. The tension between him and the family had been thick, but in the end, they supported his decision.

He sat down on the edge of the bed and ran his fingers through his hair. What would the next couple of months hold for him? Looking around at the outdated room with the faded paintings and old curtains, doubt slid in, but he quickly pushed it away, refusing to listen to the voices in his head. This is what he lived for. When he left the circuit before, it had left him needing something.

Finally, he stood up and pulled his bag over to the side of the bed. He might as well change and go for a run. At least working on the ranch had kept him in shape, but he needed to work out every day. He walked out to stretch and start his ten-mile run. Several people stopped to watch the handsome man as he ran by.

The run was a good time to think about his upcoming ride. He thought through his training and tried to zone into the rodeo frame of mind. On the last leg of the run, he made a mental list of his equipment and as soon as he got back to the room he’d cool down while he inventoried his ropes.

Once he had everything ready for the upcoming ride he stepped into a lukewarm shower and let the water run over his head washing away the tight muscles and the earlier doubts. He grabbed a towel and walked out into the cool room. This fall had been mild, but the temperatures were cooling down.

He dressed in jeans and a t-shirt before walking to the diner just below the motel. The waitress smiled at him with an interest that didn’t go unnoticed by Chase. Since a high protein diet was essential, he ordered eggs and bacon. All he could think about was heading back and hitting the sack for a couple of hours of sleep. Driving all night was setting in.

When the waitress brought his ticket, she slid her number into his hand. He grinned and nodded at her but knew he wouldn’t be pursuing any relationships for a little while. All he needed to think about right now was the ride. If he allowed himself to go back into the old pattern of new women in every town, he’d lose his focus.

As soon as his head hit the flat pillow in the room he was out. He’d set the alarm on his phone for four. It seemed like no time before the annoying sound woke him. Groaning, he turned over. He got up and changed into his usual outfit to ride in. Then he grabbed a protein drink from the cooler by the door.

By five he was heading to the arena with a revitalized feeling. Today he would start his new life. With a grin he pulled into the almost empty parking lot and walked in with his duffel bag full of equipment. Since he knew this circuit was bulls only, he’d left his horse at the ranch.

The arena was just as he’d remembered. It was large, dusty, noisy and smelled like popcorn and bulls, which was a heady mixture for this cowboy. He liked the rider area at this arena because it was equipped with personal lockers, which was a far reach from some of the smaller venues.

He ran into several guys he’d rode with when he was young. They shook hands before heading to the stands for a meeting with the circuit leader, an old bull rider that was legendary in the field. It didn’t get by Chase’s mind that the man walked with a permanent limp.

Chase listened intently as the man described the schedule. Each rider had a sheet to go by, but he made sure they had it straight. We want this to go smoothly tonight and hopefully with no injuries. So don’t make any stupid moves. Why did he look toward him, Chase thought?

The men looked around at one another with a grin, knowing what he meant by stupid moves. Some guys liked to show off when they rode, which usually ended up with a fall or causing something to happen that injured them. The man continued to tell them different aspects of the next three nights. One night they’d have a team ride which was a cool idea but would be dangerous if they didn’t pay attention.

When the meeting was over the hat was passed around to draw their bull. Chase had checked the bull list earlier and had an idea of which ones he preferred. Tonight’s bull draw only had two bad bulls. The hat moved around with some groans coming as the men drew their bulls.

Chase drew his slip of paper and took a deep breath. As he unfolded the paper an anxious feeling spread through his body. Then he read the name on the paper, ‘Brody’. Letting out a quick breath he smiled. He’d ridden this bull two years ago; this would be a piece of cake.

He wanted to avoid the bad bulls for a couple of rides until he got used to the feel again. It had been a little while since he’d ridden a bull. Standing up he walked over to Sam, an older guy that had been riding for a long time. Chase looked up to him for his ability and fearless attitude.

Chase Cauthen you rotten kid, what are you doing back on the circuit? I heard you hung up your rope for the family ranch. He grabbed his hand in a hearty handshake.

Man, you know I couldn’t just hang it up for good. The ride was calling my name and I finally had to follow it. He laughed as the older man rolled his eyes.

If you had any sense you’d stayed on the ranch. Sam had taken many bad spills and suffered some life-threatening injuries.

Yeah, like you would give this up any time soon. He leaned on the railing at the edge of the arena.

I’m hanging it up after this season. When Chase gave him a shocked look, he held up his hand. It’s getting to the point where I need pain medication to get out of bed every morning. I guess you could say my body is tired and I’m only 45.

I hate to hear that. Well, here’s to a great final season for you then. Then he looked back up at him. How’s Miriam doing?

A look passed over the cowboy’s eyes that told more than his words ever could. She left me last year. Said she couldn’t handle wondering and worrying that I wouldn’t come home the next time. He pulled his hat off and scratched his head. I guess I can’t blame her. It’s a gamble we take when we choose this path in life.

She was a beautiful woman.

Still is and I miss her every day. I’m hoping when I make that last ride, she’ll take me back. We’re still talking, but it’s strained. He put his hat back on and grinned. But for now, it’s ride hard and stay on.

Chase slapped the man’s shoulder and walked toward the locker where he’d stored his gear. They had an hour before the first ride, and he wanted to get himself mentally ready.

Chapter 2

Chase strapped on his chaps and grabbed his gloves. Several of the cowboys were pacing behind the stalls and others were leaning on the railing as if it was just another day. He tried not to think about the ride. This bull was an easy one, but who knew what could go wrong.

A list had been passed around letting the riders know the order. Chase was 5th. If he advanced to the next level, he’d draw a new bull. Looking up into the stands to his right he scanned the crowd. Although it was still a little early for a packed stand, he was surprised to see so many people already seated.

Then he noticed a lady sitting near the front railing. She was nice looking and seemed to be nervous. Chase grinned and moved forward slightly to get a better look. As the woman sat there not noticing her admirer, she reached up, pushing her long dark hair behind her ear.

One of the cowboys walked up behind him and leaned on the rail. Man, if you’re checking out that dark haired beauty in the front row, don’t even waste your time.

Chase turned to look at him curiously. Why, does she have a husband riding tonight? Then he looked back up at the woman noticing someone sitting beside her now. She seemed to be talking to the man, but not really interested.

She’s a shrink, you know, one of those ‘get in your head’ doctors. He made a snorting noise. Jansen tried to talk to her one night and she let him take her for coffee, but all she wanted to do was ask why he rides bulls.

Maybe she’s just curious about the sport. Chase gazed back up at the woman.

Not hardly. She comes every night we’re here. It’s like she’s looking for something or someone. The man shrugged and turned to go, then turned back. Maybe she hasn’t found the one cowboy she’s looking for.

Chase smiled, Maybe, maybe not.

He heard the buzzer sound alerting the riders to get in position, causing the arena to become quiet. Chase loved the feel of the adrenaline as it sped up. Pulling the gloves from his back pocket he walked over to the shoot. At this arena they had two shoots. His bull would be brought up after the third ride.

As the first rider took his place on the bull, Chase looked down at his boots. He never watched