The Texan's Baby (Texas Rodeo Barons)

“Sounds good. I hate trying to navigate this damn thing.”

She laughed and put her hands on the grips of the wheelchair. “After this, I’m guessing it’ll be a while before you try riding bulls, huh?”

“I’m afraid my rodeo days are over,” he lamented. “Time to hang up my spurs.”

It bothered her that he sounded so down about it. It made her think of Chris and his year of freedom, his one last chance to enjoy the one thing he loved doing. He’d given it all up so quickly, too—for the job in Dallas.

Why? She frowned as she pushed Brock around the corner toward Julieta’s office. If it were just about the money, why would he have taken the year off? And he’d already turned down the position once...

Which he’d reminded her of last night, only she’d been too hurt and angry to really hear him.

Was it possible he’d been telling the truth and she’d been too afraid to listen?

“Here we are!” She announced their arrival a little too perkily and Julieta looked up, her lips pursing a little.

“Everything okay?”

“Lizzie’s got it handled,” Brock announced. “Come on, wife, let me take you to lunch before I go for my torture session.”

Lizzie saw the light blush to Julieta’s cheeks. Even though they seemed an unlikely pair, Lizzie could see the genuine affection between her father and Julieta. They cared for each other. They were there for each other. And wasn’t that what mattered?

“Thanks, Dad,” she said, kissing his head. “Especially for the advice.”

“Hey, at least one of my children listens to my advice. Maybe there’s still hope for the others,” he joked.

She left them there deciding on a restaurant for lunch.

Back in her office, she picked up the phone and called the number on Nicole Bennett’s card.

Chapter Fifteen

For the second time in as many days, Lizzie found herself face-to-face with Nicole Bennett. They met at a coffee and pie shop simply called Patsy’s Pies, away from the office area, closer to Lizzie’s home and the University Park area. After ordering, they settled themselves at a corner table.

“Oh, my God,” Nicole raved, closing her eyes. “This was the best suggestion. This pie is to die for.”

Lizzie looked across the table. Both women still wore their office attire, but chocolate cream pie appeared to be the great equalizer. She couldn’t help but grin. “Coconut cream is my other favorite,” she admitted. “But really, there’s not a pie here that’s not ten times better than anywhere else. The hand-pie business is pretty brisk, too.” Indeed, several customers took bakery boxes of the individual pies to go.

Nicole took a sip of her latte. “Why did you ask me here, Lizzie? Has there been a change in your position?”

“No, there hasn’t. I’ve met with my father personally and took it to the board, as well. That wasn’t why I asked to meet you.”

“I see.” Nicole put down her cup. “No, actually, I don’t see. Why else would you want to talk to me?”

Lizzie took a breath. “It’s about Christopher Miller.”

“Chris? Why would you want to talk to me about Chris?”

The headache that had been threatening to blossom all day long began to throb behind Lizzie’s eyes. “You don’t have to pretend you don’t know, Nicole.”

“Know what?” She genuinely looked perplexed.

“Are you saying that you don’t know we’re...involved?”

Nicole put down her fork. “Holy shit,” she breathed. “I knew there had to be some reason he wanted to be in Dallas. It’s you, isn’t it?”

There was a heavy feeling of having misjudged him that was more than balanced out by the hope that she really had been wrong. “Nicole, I have to ask you a few questions and I need straight answers, okay?”

“Of course.”