“What happened—something Ferg did?” Bull’s grip tightened on the receiver.
“It wasn’t just Ferg.
It was everybody—and everything. So much pressure all around. I had to leave without telling anybody.”
“Then I’m glad you got away. But I hope you’re planning to come back.”
“Of course I am. Isn’t that what I promised?”
He faked a laugh. “Just reminding you. The ranch will be waiting, and so will I.” Should he tell her about his plan to finance the completion of the house? He hesitated. She was already under enough stress. He could sense it in the pitch of her voice. Something was wrong—something she wasn’t ready to share with him.
“My parents will be here in a couple of days,” she said. “Don’t try to call or write. That could cause trouble for both of us.”
“That’s fine. This isn’t a good time to push anything,” he said, realizing he had to tell her regardless. “Just so you know, I’ll be going back on the rodeo circuit for the next few weekends.”
The catch of her breath told him she was worried. “Do you have to? I’ll have nightmares thinking about you up on those bulls.”
“The ranch needs the cash. I’ll be all right.”
“Promise you’ll be careful.”
“I’m always careful. I just wanted to let you know where I’ll be in case you can’t get in touch.”
“I’d better go,” she said.
Bull knew he had to let her. “Stay safe,” he said.
“You too.”
I love you, Susan. He might have said it, but the phone had gone silent. She had ended the call.
Was she having second thoughts about a man with so little to offer? Susan was young—maybe too young to know her own mind. But he couldn’t let himself give in to doubt. She was the only woman he’d ever wanted. Whatever it took, he would make her his.
* * *
“You’re going to do what? Are you out of your dad-blamed mind, Bull Tyler?”
Jasper’s reaction, after hearing about Bull’s plan to raise money and fix up the house for Susan, was exactly what Bull had expected. He was ready with his reply.
“You heard me, Jasper. I’m going back on the rodeo circuit for the rest of the season. It’ll last for about six weeks, but I’ll be gone only on weekends. The rest of the time I’ll be right here running the ranch.”
“Hell, it’s not that I’m worried about.” Jasper spat a stream of tobacco into the dust. “I can run this place fine. But you were no hot-dog bull rider in the first place—I know because I saw you. Now you’re two years older and out of shape. You’re going to break every bone in your damn fool body! All for a woman—and not just any woman. She’s rich, spoiled, barely grown up, and kin to the Prescotts!”
“Not blood kin. And she’s pretty much had it with the Prescott family.”
“Have you forgotten how she made you kill Jupiter?”
“She was a kid then. She made a mistake. I can’t fault her for that.” Bull looked back toward the house. “My dad had big plans for this house. Finished, it could still be a fine place. I figure I can make some rodeo money while the season’s on, then work on the house over the winter. When Susan comes back here next summer, I mean to have it ready for her.”
“And if she doesn’t come back?”
“Well, at least we’ll have a house for the next woman who happens along.” Bull made light of his answer. But the truth was, if he let himself doubt that Susan would come back to him, he wouldn’t be able to sleep nights—let alone have the courage to go back to the rodeo.
“You’re a crazy fool, Bull Tyler,” Jasper said.
“I know.” Bull shrugged. “Come on, let’s get breakfast. Then, after I make some phone calls, we can ride out to the creek and you can help me figure out where to lay the pipe and set up that water tank.”
* * *