“Paris Hilton? Yep. Worked for her, didn’t it? But while I’m on sabbatical, I’m Ava Dumond.”
He drove, although it seemed they stopped every two miles so she could get out and film something new. Everything from gnarled fence posts to different breeds of cows, to clusters of scrub oak. She got a huge kick out of the frolicking calves and the bovine mamas mooing a warning at her.
Chase noticed the calves were awful young for the time of year. He squinted at the mile marker at the end of the gravel road. Near as he could tell they were near the Glanzers’ place. He’d heard through the McKay grapevine the trio had increased their acreage the past five years and were experimenting with different breeds. He didn’t want to stick around and find out if these late-born calves were theirs.
Ava put the video camera away. “How far are we from the closest town?”
“Why? Bored already?”
“No, Sundance, I’m not bored. Geez. Give me some credit.”
“Sundance. Funny.”
“I need to use the facilities.”
“Okay.” Chase stopped the car on the edge of the road. He pointed across the field. “See that tree? It’ll offer some privacy, but be careful when you climb over the barbwire fence. Watch out for snakes.”
Ava’s eyes widened. “I’ve never… I don’t even know…”
Chase burst out laughing. “You oughta see your face, Hollywood. It’s too bad you didn’t give me the camera so I capture your look of horror.”
“Making a city girl feel like an idiot at first opportunity?” She sent him an accusatory glance. “Do you treat all your friends this way?”
“Yep.”
“Then I don’t want to be your friend.”
Same goes, honey pie. “We’re only about ten miles out of Moorcroft.”
“Great because now I’m hungry too.”
Chase parked up front at the C-Store and Ava jumped out. It occurred to him when he saw the familiar dark-haired woman lingering by the front door that he should’ve chosen the back lot.
When Ava slid back into the seat, Chase wrapped an arm around her shoulders, hauling her close, nestling his face into the base of her throat.
“What the hell?”
“Don’t look, but my cousin Keely is standing by the door and she’s awful damn interested in us. Just stay like this for a sec, okay? Looks like were making out and hopefully she’ll trot her snoopy self into the store.”
Ava angled her head until her lips brushed his cheek. “Don’t know if you’re aware, but I’m a method actor. Which means I prefer we make out for real so I can get into character.”
Chase groaned. “You are the devil, you know that, right?”
Her low, sexy chuckle vibrated against his jaw. “That’s me, Ava the evil temptress.”
“Talk about tempting.” Against his better judgment, he let his nose follow the sweetly scented arch of her neck. “Damn, woman, do you smell great right here.”
“Thanks. I actually smell like that all over.”
Before he stupidly demanded she prove it and strip down to skin, he kissed the hollow of her throat. Then he peered over her shoulder. “Coast is clear. Let’s go while we can.” He threw it in reverse and they were back on the road.
Ava waved a piece of red licorice at him. “Want some?”
“Not really a fan of licorice.”
“What’s your favorite sweet besides a Heath bar?”
Chase settled in now that Moorcroft was in the rearview mirror. “Actually, I’m not a big sweets eater.”
She jammed a piece of licorice in her mouth and reached for her camera. “So, friend, can I ask you a question?”
“Depends.”
“On?”
“On who you plan on showing the answer to.”
“Spoken like a man who’s been burned by camera-phone video capabilities.”
“Did you see that clip on YouTube?”
“Which one? The one where the blonde chick is riding you like a jockey while her friend is giving commentary and taping? Or the one where you’re on the receiving end of serious oral worship?” She cleared her throat. “Not that I gave either clip more than a brief glance.”
Chase scowled. “That’s why I make sure no one’s cell phone is within reach anymore.”
“Ah. So it didn’t change your behavior with the ladies, just changed your behavior with technology?”
Shrewd woman. “Getting off track here, Hollywood. My question was who gets to view this?”
Ava lowered the camera, but Chase knew it was running. “Me. It’s a personal video diary of how I spent my summer vacation.”
He grudgingly said, “Okay, but if any part of this video diary is made public, I will hire Ginger—or worse—to sue you.”
“Ooh, that’s mean. But understood.” She fiddled with the camera. “My first question is, what’s the best thing that ever happened to you? On a personal level or on a professional level.”
“One and the same for me.” Did that make him sound one-dimensional? “The best thing was when I won the Man of Steel competition last year.”
“What about the worst thing that ever happened to you?”
“Getting kicked off the PBR Tour.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, why?”
“I thought you’d pick something else. Something tragic.”
“Not everyone has tragedy in their lives that defines them.” And even if he did, he’d never share it. “Same questions back atcha.”
“Best thing was landing a role on Miller’s Ridge. Worst thing? When my Grandpa Cooper died. All people talked about was my inheritance. Like I was so greedy and entitled I’d blow every penny he’d worked so hard for on stupid shit.”
“What kind of stupid shit?” Chase asked.
A beat passed. “I didn’t realize my battery is low. Enough for today.” She yawned. “I think I might take a nap when we get back.”
Interesting how quickly she shut down his questions. He let it slide. This time. “Sounds good. I’m dragging a bit myself.”
The remainder of the drive was quiet. At the trailer, Ava grabbed her laptop and retreated to the bedroom.
Chase was restless. He’d left his phone and saw he’d missed a call from Elroy. And from his former traveling partner, Justin Donohue. And from his brother Ben. None left messages.