Chase the Storm Read Online Free Page A

parked it, and opened his door. Swallowing my arousal, and hoping my erection wasn’t obvious in my shorts, I opened my door and followed Mike. Breathing deeply, I inhaled the distinct odor of a farm, grass, manure, and animals. The man continued to work as we walked up.
“How’s it going, Chase?”Mike asked casually.
     
“Not bad,” Chase huffed, swinging another hay bale onto the belt. “How ’bout yourself? Sarahand the kids doingwell?”
     
“Yes, sir,” Mike answered politely. “They’re getting bigger every day. Sarahmentioned havingyouaround for dinner sometime soon.” “Give her mybest,”Chase answered without acceptingthe offer. “I’ve got someone here who was asking about the ad you posted at mygarage.”
     
“Oh?”Chase replied, ignoringme completely.
     
“Yep. Looking for some work and a place to stay while I work on his truck. I told himyouwere a nice guy.”
     
Finally, Chase stopped and placed his hands on his hips as he regarded Mike. “Now whythe helldid yougo and do that?” Mike shrugged. “Because I know beneath that tough exterior is a decent guywho would help out someone inneed.”
    I stood awkwardly and anxiously next to Mike. Chase sighed and finally dragged his eyes fromhis work to me. After a good shake to move the hair from his eyes, he looked me up and down. I shifted uncomfortably as the most intense and hardened blue eyes I’d ever seen raked my body from head to foot, pausing on my thighs and shoulders. Quiveringwitheveryinchhe covered, I tried to returnhis judgmentalstare withone ofmyown.
Withhands stillonhis hips, he jutted his chintoward me. “Ever work a farm, kid?”he asked condescendingly.
     
Chewing on my lower lip, I shook my head. “No, sir, but I learn quickly.”
     
He snorted, his gaze falling to my expensive watch and designer clothes. “I don’t think so. Wouldn’t want youto break a nail.”
    Determined, I stepped forward, my eyes firmly holding his. Surprised, he stepped back, watching me curiously as I mimicked his actions and snuck my bare hands around the twine before lifting the bale and heaving it onto the conveyor. My arms and back strained with the effort, but I didn’t let it show.
“At least give me a chance,” I implored as pieces of hay drifted in the air and landed onhis head.
    For a long moment, he examined me, and up close, I could see the stormbrewing in his eyes rivaled the blue of the early summer sky above us. I couldn’t blame him for his reservations. I was an outsider he’d be lettinginto his home, trustingwithhis possessions.
    “Do youhave anythings?”
“Just a bagwithsome clothes and mylaptop.”
“You better learn quickly or be on your way,” he threatened with a hint ofa dazzlingsmile I wanted to see more of.
     
“Does that meanI’mhired?”I asked nervously.
     
“I give you two days before you’re asking me to bring you back to town,”he challenged.
     
“I won’t let you down,” I promised, unable to stop a grin from bloomingacross myface.
     
Mike patted me onthe shoulder. “I’llget your bag.”
    He walked toward the truck and I looked around the barn. It was much larger up close. Wooden stalls lining both sides of a wide aisle, cluttered withwheelbarrows and equipment, randownthe entire length.
    “What’s your name, kid?”
“ElijahMorgan.”I stretched myhand out toward him.
“I’mChase.”
He returned to his work. There was no handshake, not even a “nice to meet you.”
    It wasn’t until I saw the dust swirling behind Mike’s truck as he barreled down the driveway and left me standing there with my duffle bag and a stranger that I trulyunderstood what I’d done.
    “Don’t just stand there,” Chase grumbled, motioning to a large wooden box. “Grab a pair of gloves and finish emptying this trailer. When you’re done with that, you can water the horses. The hose is over there.” He pointed to the coiled greenhose hangingona rack.
    Before I could ask any questions, he walked off,