Confused, Georgia just blinked at him.
“We won’t have much time, so we’ve gotta get maximum play outta this play.” He stepped to the side so they were both within Tell’s view. “I heard from Dalton that Tell got pissy when he thought you were hittin’ up our relatives for sponsorship money? Can you imagine how much it’ll eat at him, wondering if you’re tryin’ to sweet-talk me into makin’ an appearance at a rodeo for your PR firm?”
“Why do you want Tell to think that?”
“Because he needs to wake the f**k up. And since what goes around comes around, I’m doin’ him a favor. So, darlin’, look like you’re pouring on the charm.”
Georgia slapped on a smile. “Even when I’m ticked off at him?”
“Because he’s surrounded by them bunnies?” Chase scoffed. “He ain’t hanging around them chicks to make you jealous. It’s got something to do with me, which is all kinds of f**ked up. Why are you so ticked off at him?”
“Because he left me holding the bag.” She told him about Tell backing out of the Pine Haven Rodeo.
“To be honest, I’m shocked. Two years ago, Tell wouldn’t let me compete in a PRCA event under another name. He’s always doing the right thing.”
“Not this time.”
“Let’s use it against him.” Chase mimed signing a document on his hand. “Wanna play a game?”
“What game?”
“Make Tell’s head explode.” Chase’s eyes twinkled. “Come on, it’ll be fun. We’ll just casually walk out the front door as if we’re deep in conversation.”
Georgia didn’t know what purpose this would serve. This wasn’t a sexual flirtation between her and Chase McKay. She’d followed his career and knew the bull rider was happily married.
They stopped in the middle of the parking lot.
“Won’t be long now,” Chase said.
“What am I supposed to say?”
“The bitchier you are, the more he’ll try to get you alone to sweet-talk his way outta the doghouse. But stay firm, Georgia, because he’s gotta learn how to do some serious groveling.”
“I will never understand men.”
Chase laughed. “Now that you’ve said that…I ain’t feelin’ manly. It’s f**kin’ bizarre that I just channeled exactly what my wife would say.”
And as Chase had predicted, Tell barreled out, straight toward them. “Just what in the hell is goin’ on?”
“I’m talking to Georgia.”
“About what?”
“None of your damn business,” Georgia snapped.
“The hell it’s not. What does she want from you?”
Despite the fact Tell towered over Chase by at least six inches, Chase herded his cousin back. “Are you always so damn suspicious?”
“Of the two of you becoming buddy-buddy? Yes. You’re a celebrity, Chase. She’s in PR. Do the math.”
“I did do the math and came up one judge short for the Pine Haven Rodeo today,” Georgia said sweetly. “Ring any bells?”
Tell froze. He blushed. He opened his mouth but no sound came out.
Chase shook his head. “Not cool, cuz. You ain’t the type to shirk your responsibilities.”
“I’m a PRCA judge. I should’ve been on the roster for the Upton Rodeo in the first place. Besides, the Pine Haven Rodeo is small-time.”
“Them cowgirls and cowboys who paid money to compete in it didn’t think it was small-time,” Chase said hotly. “Jesus. When did you get to be a rodeo snob, Tell?”
“Don’t you talk to me about bein’ a snob, Chase.”
Chase focused on Georgia. “Who’d you get to fill in as a judge on such short notice?”
“Deck Veldekamp.” She felt Tell’s angry eyes trying to melt her face.
“So because Tell backed out, you—”
“Had to beg my ex-husband to help me? Yeah.” She looked away. “Which was humiliating because Deck knew Tell was the one who cancelled on me at the last minute. Oh, and so did the rodeo committee secretary, so it was an all-around fabulous day.”
Tell’s learning to grovel curve was short because immediately he was in Georgia’s space, forcing her to meet his hangdog gaze. “Shit, Georgia. I’m sorry. So sorry.”
She stared at him coolly.
“I never thought… Goddammit. I’m such a f**kin’ bastard for doin’ that to you.”
“I’d guess you’re pretty f**ked,” Chase said cheerfully. “Lyin’ to your woman for personal or business reasons is never a good idea. And from where I stood in the bar tonight, you looked awful close to cheatin’ on her, too, with some of them horny toads known as bunnies.”
“Not. Helping,” Tell said through gritted teeth. “Why don’t you get the hell out of here before I lose my sense of humor.”
“Fine. I’ll go. But remember, Georgia. I owe you a good PR turn. Just name it.”
“While that’s generous, Chase, it’s not necessary.”
“It is partially my fault Tell wasn’t at the Pine Haven Rodeo. I asked Verna to bump one of the judges and requested Tell as a replacement. I had no idea he had other judging duties lined up for today.”
Silence.
“Of course the only reason I got the gig was because of you.”
Tell’s embarrassment softened her temper. Why hadn’t she considered it would still bother Tell to be in his cousin’s shadow? That if he had the chance to step out of it and into the spotlight, he’d take it?
Georgia wanted to look at the gravel beneath her feet or the streetlight or the stars above—anything but the misery in Tell’s eyes. But she forced herself to stay firm.
“So, cowboy, what do you want to apologize for first?”
Georgia was asking him. Like he had a clue. Wasn’t like he could ask the self-centered teenage boy he’d reverted to for advice.
Man up. Think.
“Tell?”
He didn’t reach for her, as much as he wanted to. “Can we go someplace where I can explain in private?”
Her eyes flashed a warning. “I don’t want an explanation, I want an apology.”
“I mean to give you an apology. Even if it takes all night.”
“If by takes all night, you’re thinking that you and I will get naked and have wild sex—”