Chapter 11 #2
He didn’t need help, but he wasn’t going to tell her that. Spending time with Faith sounded like a lot more fun than getting ready on his own. With a tip of his chin, he held out an arm to motion her ahead of him.
Faith obliged and they headed for the barn.
“So, how’s the medical training course stuff going?”
She cut him a look. “I’ve narrowed it down to two options for now.
I know I can’t dedicate more than two years at the moment, but I think I’d like to expand on my education later.
So for now, I think I can do a sports medicine associates and become a rehabilitation aid or athletic training assistant.
Those jobs would open some doors for bigger things.
Or I can take a specialized EMT training course to become a paramedic.
I talked to some of the people in management at the local rodeos.
They said they like to have medical staff on hand during the events. ”
“Are you leaning toward something specifically?” Brent hadn’t realized there were so many different options. But then he’d been distracted by his own desires.
The sparkle in her eyes intensified. “Honestly? I’m more interested in the rehabilitation aspect.
I love helping people heal. Sure, there are more exciting things when it comes to medicine.
It’s why doctors become doctors. They like the thrill.
The adrenaline rush.” She tilted her head to look at him in an almost appraising way.
“I guess sort of like the way rodeo stars chase that high. Anyway, that’s not what I’m after.
I want to help people get back on their feet.
I want to make sure they don’t push themselves too hard before they’re ready so they can be better than they were.
” She stared at him, unblinking and he almost laughed.
Not because she was being ridiculous, but because of the utter excitement that pulsed from her. One side of his mouth quirked up and that was enough to have her blinking, enough to turn her cheeks pink.
“I guess it might sound sorta dumb…”
Without thinking, his arm shot out and he snatched her hand so she couldn’t turn away from him.
“I don’t think it sounds dumb at all. Athletes need someone looking out for them, too.
People who put their whole heart into their career, even when they risk getting hurt, need to have hope that it’s not all for nothing.
I couldn’t even imagine what would happen to someone like Jacob Hines if he got hurt.
That man’s passion for the rodeo is next level. ”
She grimaced. “You’re right. Jacob is a few years away from becoming an absolute legend.” Then Faith frowned and her lower lip pulled between her teeth.
“What is it?”
Faith startled before meeting his eyes. “Hmm?”
“That look. What’s wrong?”
Her brows drew together and she shifted her weight from one foot to the other. “Do you think that’s why he’s not dating?”
The surge of jealousy that hit him square in the chest had been the most unexpected reaction to her question.
Immediately he wanted to demand answers.
Was she interested in him? Had he indicated that he was interested in her?
But no, that wouldn’t make sense because he was never seen with the same girl twice.
And for the last couple of years, Brent hadn’t noticed anyone other than their friend group hanging around the man.
But something tugged at the back of his mind. Maybe he’d given Faith a reason to wonder. And why did that make him feel sick to his stomach?
His hand tightened on hers, and she glanced down as if suddenly realizing he hadn’t released her. When she lifted her questioning gaze to him, he asked, “Do I think what is why he doesn’t date?” He wasn’t sure he wanted to have this conversation and yet at the same time he knew he needed to.
Faith’s voice was small, but sure. “Do you think he doesn’t date because he’s too focused on his career? Maybe he doesn’t have time for someone? Or do you think he just isn’t interested in a relationship, period.”
It took a great deal of effort not to scowl at her. “Why do you want to know?”
She shrugged, whispering, “No reason.” They stared at each other for a long moment. Then the sound of a truck door closing broke them out of their stupor.
Brent released her hand and took a step back.
He shoved his hands into his pockets and stared up at the ceiling for a moment.
“Yes. I think Jacob understands the constraints his job has when it comes to a relationship. He’s constantly traveling and if he were to become attached to someone, it wouldn’t be fair to ask them to uproot their life.
You’ve heard your brothers talk about it. ”
“Talk about what?” Tate’s voice came from behind him, and he was prepared enough not to react to the intrusion. Jason followed closely behind.
“Your sister here wondered why someone like Jacob doesn’t date.” He couldn’t keep the edge out of his voice and for once he was glad Faith’s brothers were here. They stepped closer, turning suspicious eyes on their little sister.
Faith didn’t allow them to question her before she rolled her eyes and threw her hands into the air. “It was just a question. No, he hasn’t asked me out. And no, I’m not interested.” With that, she shoulder-checked Jason and escaped from the barn.
Brent heaved a sigh, not sure if it was out of relief that she wasn’t interested in Jacob or if it was the realization that at some point, he’d started feeling something—other—toward her.
Not a crush.
He refused to believe that.
But maybe something a little more than simple friendship.
Well, shoot.
That wasn’t good.