by Julie Benson
“That’s something I like about you. You find a silver lining or a way to laugh no matter what’s going on.”
“You do?”
He nodded, uncomfortable with how her green eyes twinkled with pleasure over his compliment. How could a woman with a healthy sense of humor, buckets of courage, who looked like a man’s walking dream not get compliments? What was wrong with the men she’d known? She must’ve known some real winners.
Cheyenne squirmed and adjusted the pillow under her head to raise her into a more upright position. “This waiting is awful.”
He imagined it was. “Tell me about the rodeo and being a barrel racer.”
Her eyes brightened with excitement and color washed over her checks. “When Riley and I come charging out, it’s the biggest rush.”
“So, you’re an adrenaline junkie.”
He should’ve guessed. Yet another reason to add to the growing list of why they were wrong for each other. How could a woman who craved a challenge be satisfied with the boring life he led? How could she be happy working in a vet clinic when she could be charging around barrels at top speed while fans cheered in the stands?
Forget about it. Yup. Smart move. Brushing aside those thoughts, he focused on Cheyenne’s voice as she told him stories of her life on the rodeo circuit.
*
The next morning Cooper sat at the kitchen table nursing a cup of coffee, his laptop open in front of him, trying to respond to Tucker’s email. Production space in College Station was costlier than they’d anticipated and thus, too expensive to justify locating there, despite the advantage of having university resources nearby. Tucker had requested Cooper’s input on site alternatives.
Cooper rubbed his stiff neck. How would he manage researching that issue while running his practice? He’d need juggling skills worthy of a Ringling Bros. act. Adding to the pressure was the fact his practice needed to bring in enough to cover his monthly payment to Dr. King. Anything taking time or focus from the practice could cost him his dream.
What if he turned over the entire SeizureReader project to Tucker? Would that be so bad?
Other than breaking your promise to Olivia, nah.
The bedroom door creaked open and dog toenails clicked on the hardwood floor, shifting his thoughts to Cheyenne. After last night’s seizure ended, he’d helped her to her room and waited outside while she changed and brushed her teeth. She returned, still looking pale and frail. He’d become concerned when he offered to assist her to bed. Instead of claiming she could handle it or cracking a joke, she’d simply grabbed his arm. Once she’d settled into bed, he retrieved a kitchen chair. By the time he returned, she’d been asleep. He’d sat there a good part of the night, watching her sleep and calling himself ten kinds of a fool for his concern.
“Good morning,” she said as she stumbled into the kitchen carrying a spiral notebook, Penny trotting beside her. At least there was color in her cheeks, though her eyes had dark circles under them. She offered a brave smile. “Thanks for everything last night. Have you looked over the data?”
He’d completely forgotten about the information. Showed how much interest he had in the SeizureReader. “I’m focused on preparing for tomorrow. I’ll check the data later.”
As she sank into the chair across from him, she placed the spiral notebook she’d been clutching like a shield on the table. For a second, he glimpsed the eighteen-year-old she told him about last night. The one who despite insecurities from her high school experiences and losing the father she loved and admired, had set out to provide for herself on the rodeo circuit. “I’m ready to get to work. Should we start with an office tour?”
“You up to it?”
“I may be moving slow, but I’m moving. I’m also excited to see the clinic and talk about what I’ll be doing.”
There it was again, her determination and iron will refusing to let her give in or give up. The current tragedy facing her wouldn’t break her either.
“As long as you don’t push it. If you get tired, say so, and we’ll finish later.”
She nodded, picked up her notebook and called the dogs. “Let’s check out our new office.”
When they walked into the clinic, pride filled him the way it had the first time he’d seen the place. One day this would be his free and clear. “The waiting room’s smaller than I’d like, but it’s serviceable.”
The space was the size of an average bedroom. Instead of doctor office-style plastic chairs, the waiting room had mismatched old wooden chairs with handmade padded seat cushions. The print fabrics—cartoon dogs with bones and paw prints and cats with fish and hearts—added to the comfortable, homey feel. Situated in the far corner sat an old steel milk crate filled with various pet toys. Rowdy and Penny dashed there to investigate, yanking out items and tossing them right and left in glee.
“What’s your first impression?”
“I like the waiting room. It’s not dentist office sterile like some vet offices. It kind of feels like I’ve walked into someone’s living room.”
“But?”
She nodded toward the window across from them. “That makes me feel like I’m in a doctor’s office. It reminds me of those check-in windows and doesn’t go with the homey feel out here.”
“I agree. I want the waiting area and office more open and connected.” He walked to the wall separating the two and knocked along it. Though Lord knew why, because he couldn’t tell a load bearing wall from a hole in his head. “I wonder how much it would cost to remove this wall if it’s load bearing.”
“Will Dr. King let you make changes like that?”
“Since we hammered out a work-to-buy deal, he said to make the place my own. That goes for you, too, with the office.”
Cheyenne glanced around the waiting room again and strolled to an area past the front door. “What do you think about having a small table with water and dog treats?”
“Great idea. Go for it,” he said, trying to keep the surprise from his voice. While he’d said she could make suggestions, he hadn’t expected her to jump right in because Olivia hadn’t ever shown such interest in his work.
Smiling, Cheyenne flipped open her spiral to make a note. When she finished, Cooper held the door for her and the dogs. “This is your command center,” Cooper said indicating the laminate counter under the window. A desktop computer and typical office phone system resided there.
“What exactly are my responsibilities?” Cheyenne asked.
“Your most important job is greeting people and making sure I have their files. Other than that, you’ll answer the phone, book appointments, and help clean the exam rooms between appointments. Jackie will be here Tuesdays and Thursday mornings to assist in surgeries like she did for Dr. King.”
Cheyenne made more notes. “Got it. Surgeries scheduled Tuesday and Thursday mornings only.”
He nodded. So far, so good. He walked to the white shelves containing pet food, sprays to eliminate pet odors, and treats along the wall opposite the check-out counter. “Looks like the office is stocked well.”
“Do you want to keep carrying all this?”
He hadn’t thought about inventory. “Only if it’s cost effective. If not, we’ll keep token items. What do you think? Do most people order this stuff online?”
Cheyenne’s brows knit together in thought as she took more notes. “I’ll see what I can find out.”
Having completely explored and sniffed the office area, Rowdy and Penny started chasing each other, running around Cheyenne and Cooper. He pointed down the hallway. “Get out you two. Explore somewhere else.”
While the dogs trotted off, Cheyenne said, “I’ll look for invoices showing how much was ordered how often and what was sold. If I find that, you can decide what to do.”
She was offering to do more than he’d asked? “Thanks. Working for someone else, all I had to do was show up and care for animals. The business responsibilities are new to me. It’s going to be interesting balancing my add
ed workload with my duties for the SeizureReader.”
“If it’ll help, once I’ve researched managing a vet practice online, we could talk about how I can lighten your load.”
He stared at Cheyenne, trying to absorb what she’d said. Other than the obligatory “how was your day” question, Olivia hadn’t asked about his work. While she listened when he talked, she rarely offered suggestions. She’d preferred a clear work-home separation. At least with his work. They’d talked about the SeizureReader constantly.
In fact, the project played a key role in determining their plans. How had he failed to realize how much the SeizureReader dictated his life’s course? He and Olivia remained in College Station after graduation because the university atmosphere offered the best resources for developing, marketing, and producing the SeizureReader. Their financial focus had been on channeling as many resources as possible into the company. Once the SeizureReader went into production and the company stabilized, they would turn funds toward saving for his practice.
“You could take on ordering whatever the office needs and the products we carry.” That would leave him with the medicine and operating room supplies. More than enough to manage, but not as consuming.
She nodded. “Whenever we need something, I’ll put an order together for approval before buying anything.”
“Sounds like a plan.” Cooper walked to what would be Cheyenne’s desk. Spotting a thin, navy three-ring binder leaning against the computer, he picked it up and held it out to Cheyenne. “I bet this binder has Velma’s notes on the office software.”
Cheyenne scanned the first page in the book. “Her notes say the software, Woofware—cute huh? Anyway, it contains patient information, pet records, and lab work. It handles scheduling appointments, too. Even ones for boarding and grooming. Do you plan on doing either of those?”
“Boarding, yes, but I haven’t made a decision on grooming.”
“If there aren’t many groomers in town, adding one could increase your income. If you want, I’ll investigate that, too, for something to add later.”
“Later? You better be careful. You’re starting to sound like a long-term employee.”
Her smile faded. “While this is just a temporary job until I can get back to the rodeo, for however long I’m here, I want to do the best I can.”
Already, he could so see her here every day and him relying on her. Scary thought. He shouldn’t get too comfortable. “I appreciate that. A lot of people wouldn’t put that kind of energy into a short-term job.”
Cheyenne shifted her stance nervously. Then she cleared her throat and focused again on Velma’s notes. “I guess the first thing I should do is research the software. Then maybe I can get in and poke around in it.”
“You could practice by inputting Rowdy and Penny’s information into the system. Their records are in a filing cabinet in my bedroom closet. Get them whenever you want.”
Cheyenne flipped through the rest of the binder. “Have you looked at these prices? I’m betting Dr. King hasn’t changed them in over twenty years.” Cheyenne handed him the notebook.
“I suspected as much. I’ll check what vets in Longview, Tyler, and Kilgore charge. What’re your thoughts on a slight increase?” When her eyes widened in surprise as if she couldn’t believe he asked her opinion, he added, “You know the folks around here and how they’ll react.”
“That’s a tough question. Wishing’s a rural community, and people are tight with their money, especially older folks. They’ll definitely complain.”
He nodded and returned the binder to her. “Add raising prices to the fact I’m a city boy taking over for a vet who’s been here since the stone age? Not the wisest move.”
“Can you make ends meet if you keep prices where they are for a couple months?”
“I need to run the numbers.”
“Since we’re seeing patients tomorrow, deciding prices better be at the top of your to-do list.”
“It’s a good thing I’ve got you to stay on top of me.”
She grinned, and he swore her eyes twinkled. “I can sure do that. Stay on top of you, that is.”
Her tone changed from light and joking to deep and husky. Pair that with her words and an erotic image of her literally on top of him, in bed and naked, her fiery red hair spilling onto his chest flashed in his mind. He blinked away the vision as sweat trickled down his chest.
He hadn’t meant what he said to sound provocative. He glanced at Cheyenne. Her chest rose and fell with her rapid breathing. No playfulness in her gaze. She was dead serious, and he was more excited than he’d been in a damn long time. And more nervous.
He’d give anything to be as comfortable around women as Zane. His buddy wouldn’t be tongue-tied wondering what the hell to do about the desire firing up his system. Cooper cleared his throat. “Forget I said that.”
You’re loco if that’s the option you want, cowboy. No wonder you’re alone.
“I can’t.” She inched closer. “I don’t want to.”
Her breathy, sexy voice reached inside him and sent more adrenaline bolting through his system, fueling his body’s need. Damn. It had been too long since he’d felt desire this overwhelming and primitive.
Then before he could say anything, Cheyenne stood close enough that if he inhaled deeply, his chest would brush hers. His pulse shot from trot to full gallop. Her spring-green eyes peered into his soul, and he lacked the will to move. Instead his hands settled on her hips, her worn jeans soft against his sweaty palms. Her hands slid up his T-shirt, caressing and exploring as she went until they rested along his collarbone.
As he stood there mesmerized, she leaned forward and covered his lips with hers. His mind might not know what to do, but his body did, pulling her against his rigid frame. As he deepened the kiss, he possessed one last thought. What could it hurt to throw aside caution for a few minutes?
Chapter Nine
Cooper’s kiss started out tentative and stayed that way for a split second before desire—wild, hot and consuming—jolted his body into second gear. He nipped at Cheyenne’s lower lip as his hand caressed the small of her back. His mind disconnected, allowing his body to take control. All he wanted was to caress as much of Cheyenne as possible.
Her soft curves melted against him in all the right places, and his body tightened in response. Her breasts pressed against his chest, making his hands itch to touch them. Unable to resist temptation, his right hand cupped her firm flesh. His fingers found her nipple. He rolled her sensitive bud between his thumb and index finger. Her delighted moan echoed around him, nearly shattering his self-control.
His cell phone belting out a generic ringtone shattered the silence. His body insisting he ignore the interruption, he kissed along Cheyenne’s long, graceful neck and felt her shudder.
“Shouldn’t you answer that? It might be important,” Cheyenne said, her voice thick with passion as she pulled away.
The mood, but not the desire coursing through his veins, dampened, he fumbled in his back pocket for his cell. His hand clutching the device as if it were a lifeline, he inhaled deeply, trying to pull his mind off Cheyenne and what might have been.
“This is Dr. Abbott,” he said, trying to keep his voice even. He listened as Dorothy Griggs introduced herself and explained her mare’s labor difficulties. “Text me the address. I’m on my way.”
He ended the call and turned to Cheyenne. Her lips swollen from his kisses, her hair coming loose from the braid, she looked incredible. All he wanted to do was hold her again and pick up where they left off. “That was Dorothy Griggs. Her mare’s having a tough delivery.”
“It must be serious if Dot can’t handle the birth.”
He stood there for a couple seconds wondering if he should say something. But what? We okay here? Or, I know something major happened, but I’ve got to go.
“Do you know where Dot lives?” Cheyenne asked.
His phone pinged. “That’s a text with the address.” He pau
sed. “You okay here alone?”
She nodded and waved toward the door. “Go.”
He hustled out of the office. Eventually he’d have to deal with what happened between him and Cheyenne, but right now he was thankful for the reprieve.
*
After Cooper left, Cheyenne sank onto the desk chair. Her desk chair. Her desk. Her office. And she kissed Cooper. Her boss. Shoot, she’d practically launched herself at the man. Not that he seemed to mind. He’d been interested. A man couldn’t fake that. The thought of his hard body, pressing insistently against her, sent a new wave of tingles gushing through her.
The man could kiss. No doubt about that.
Blast Dot Griggs and her lousy timing.
Before the kiss, she and Cooper had clearly defined roles and boundaries, but now what? The situation was as clear as the Red River after a hard rain.
She shook herself mentally. What was she worried about? Cooper wasn’t here right now, meaning she had time to figure out what to do before he returned. What she needed to concentrate on now was get ready for tomorrow.
Set on a plan, she snatched up her spiral and a pen to finish touring the clinic. From her office, she went straight ahead and discovered Cooper’s office. Not wanting to invade his personal space without permission, she closed the door and headed right, discovering an exam room. She poked around in the cabinets becoming familiar with items there. What she didn’t recognize, she noted to ask Cooper about. She also jotted down ask how to clean between clients. Next door she found another exam room, identical to the first. This time she exited the opposite door, which led to the backroom.
There she found Rowdy and Penny sprawled on the industrial tile floor in front of the refrigerator. Six empty kennels of varying sizes stood along one wall. Further down were glass-front cabinets containing gauze, needles, bandages, gloves, razors and medicine. Below those, on the stainless-steel counter rested red containers labeled hazardous material. On hooks along another wall hung muzzles from itty bitty to huge. Cheyenne chuckled thinking of the Three Little Bears. This one is too small. This one is too big, but this one is just right. Who knew there were so many muzzle sizes?