Mistletoe Rodeo (Welcome to Ramblewood) by Amanda Renee Read Free Book Online Page B

rodeo, you get to know your fellow riders’ families, and even though they’re your competition, they truly become an extension of yourself. Everywhere I looked, I had all these people rooting for me. I had to ride.”
    Chase still physically ached from his final ride in the ring, but explaining it to Nola had been easier than he’d anticipated.
    “Was your shoulder the only reason you were hesitant?”
    Chase nodded. “At first I thought I had dislocated it during a practice ride on one of our own broncs. After a series of testing, the doctors discovered fine tears in some of the ligaments. We took the physical therapy approach and I babied it the following week. Even though I’d been warned that surgery might be required down the road, I thought I was strong enough to compete. It was still tender and I knew the potential danger, but I didn’t expect it to end like this.”
    The corners of Nola’s mouth turned upward slightly. “No one can fault you for your dedication. That’s what you’re known for.”
    Her declaration surprised him. “Thank you.”
    “Did you get that?” Nola glanced at George.
    “Every word.”
    “Get what?” Chase looked from one to the other.
    “You didn’t even realize you were on camera.” Nola squared her shoulders. Inhaling deeply, her smile broadened. “I don’t think it needs much of an edit. Give us a few minutes to pull it up on the monitor and you can tell me what you think. If you hate it, we’ll destroy it, but I think you’ll be satisfied.”
    Chase watched them walk to the van, leaving him alone on the dirt path between the horse pastures.
What just happened?
Nola definitely had a way of interviewing people—if they even realized they were being interviewed.
    He hoped he hadn’t made a mistake by trusting her. Chase wasn’t looking for anyone to validate his decision to ride in Vegas. He just wanted them to understand why he’d done it. More important, he wanted Nola to understand he still had something worth giving.
    * * *
    N OLA REALIZED SHE ’ D been taking a huge chance recording Chase without his knowledge. It was a plan she and George had come up with before they arrived at the ranch. They’d used the technique in the past, always granting the interviewee a chance to see the finished product. Most of the time it worked, but a handful of times it had gotten them in trouble.
    Chase wouldn’t have been as open if he’d known. And that was what he needed—raw honesty, so people could see this wasn’t just another arrogant cowboy who’d blown his chances. Nola hoped Chase would feel the same way when he saw the video.
    She was right. Very little editing was needed, and even though Nola had done this a million times, she was nervous about showing Chase the result.
    “Watch it all the way through before you say anything.”
    Chase stood outside the van and watched the monitor. His face remained stoic, and Nola couldn’t get a read on what he was thinking. She even looked to George, but he only shrugged. When the video ended Chase still didn’t say a word.
    Nola tried not to be obvious about glancing at her watch. She had an hour left to get the video to the studio.
    Chase jammed both hands into his front jean pockets. “Why did it look like I was about to cry?”
    Bingo!
That was exactly the effect she wanted. “Because this means something to you. It wasn’t just about winning. It was about family and community—and not disappointing any of them. It shows who you really are, Chase. What do you think? Can we use it?”
    Chase shook his head and turned to George. “Man’s opinion, and be honest. Did it look okay or do I look like a total wuss who didn’t get his way?”
    “I think it looks like a man who believes he not only let himself down but everyone else, as well. I thought it was heartfelt, and my wife tells me I’m immune to those types of things.”
    Nola hoped Chase trusted their opinions. She may be cutthroat at times, but Nola would