To Tame a Texas Cowboy

by Julie Benson

  Cheyenne glanced at Penny. “We’ll go soon, but I need a few minutes before I’m ready to face Cooper.”

  At the mention of the tall, lanky cowboy’s name, Penny hopped off the bed, dashed to the door, and turned to stare at her. “All right, traitor. Let’s go.”

  On the way to the kitchen, Cheyenne let Penny outside with Rowdy. When she found Cooper, he stood at the stove, dressed in dark jeans, a buttery-colored button-down shirt, and cowboy boots.

  She wiped her sweaty palms on her jeans. While she felt like a horse who’d spent the night in the driving rain, Cooper presented an in-control, confident attitude, mixed with a lot of sexy. Cooper glanced over his shoulder, waving his wooden spoon toward the skillet. “Want some breakfast? I made scrambled eggs. There’s plenty for two.”

  Blast the man. He didn’t seem at all bothered by her this morning. He wasn’t struggling with the pretend-the-kiss-never-happened strategy, while she worried she’d start drooling.

  “Okay. Great. If you’re sure there’s enough,” she sputtered sounding like a babbling teenager with her first crush. Please don’t let drooling be next.

  As she leaned against the counter trying to appear casual, she wondered if she could sound more uncomfortable. If she didn’t get her act together quick, it would be a long, awkward first day in the office. That would drive her crazy and make for an uptight work environment. Worse, clients and animals might sense the tension. That would make a lousy impression and could hurt Cooper’s practice. She wanted him to succeed. She wanted to succeed. This was her chance to prove to those in town who thought all she could do was ride a horse that she was capable of more.

  Okay, now she’d progressed from uncomfortable to doing a great Chicken Little impression. Only the sky wasn’t falling, she was ruining Cooper’s business. Deep breath. Calm down.

  She glanced around the kitchen, desperate for a distraction, and spotted the coffee maker on the counter. Caffeine. That would clear her head, kick her brain into gear, and get her mind on work rather than how amazing Cooper looked in his crisp jeans. And how broad his shoulders were. And the fact that he could cook and loved animals. Talk about a man having it all.

  “Hand me a couple plates from in there, will you?” Cooper asked as he nodded toward the cupboard above her.

  “Hold on a minute, cowboy. I don’t do anything before I’ve had my coffee.”

  He turned off the burner, crooked an eyebrow and stared her down. “That so?”

  Goodness. He should be forced to wear sunglasses to protect a girl from a gaze that lethal. Oh, yeah. One look from his dreamy bedroom eyes, and she’d do pretty much anything before her coffee. After her coffee. Heck, forget the coffee.

  She should leave his comment alone. She shouldn’t say anything, but what fun would that be?

  Unable to resist, she said, “I might be talked into doing something first, but only if it was earth shattering.”

  Her throaty tone and the way her heart rate skyrocketed shocked her. How could Cooper get her motor running faster with a look than her previous lovers had with foreplay?

  He reached inside the cupboard above the coffeepot and pulled out a cup with red splotches, filled the mug, and handed it to her. She read the cup and smiled. She never bites they said… She’s really sweet they said. She raised the cup. “This reminds me. Do you have workman’s comp insurance?”

  “What?”

  She nodded to the cup, and he grinned. “Zane gave me that when I graduated from vet school.”

  “Should I be worried?” she asked, playfulness filling her voice.

  “About getting bit? Nah, I don’t bite. At least not hard.”

  She licked her lips. Maybe this wasn’t as easy for him as she thought. “Thanks for the information, but I was talking about the animals. Will you protect me from ornery ones like Maybelle?”

  “Definitely.”

  The man was gainfully employed, could cook, was attractive, and now he offered to protect her. “What’s your fault? No man who does all you do can be real.”

  “Are you challenging my character?” His voice, husky and of the bedroom variety like his gaze, sent feminine appreciation bubbling through her.

  “I wouldn’t dream of challenging my boss.”

  “Yes, you would, and have.”

  She failed to contain her laughter. “You got me there.”

  “On the contrary.” She swore his eyes lit up with mischief, but instead of saying anything else, he reached into the cupboard for a second cup and poured coffee for himself.

  Can you say mixed messages? Now she had no idea what to do. Wasn’t it supposed to be women who were hard to read?

  She tried to swallow, but her tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth. Better tongue-tied than drooling. She busied herself sipping her coffee.

  She wanted Cooper, and her body made the fact known loud and clear. But what about their agreement to leave things the way they were? Nothing made sense this morning. Duh. ’Course you’re confused. Brain tumor. That would mess with anyone’s judgment.

  “How about you get me plates now that you’ve had coffee?” he asked, completely unflustered.

  “Two sips can hardly be called having my coffee, and getting plates is nowhere near earth shattering,” she challenged.

  Instead of taking the hint, he reached in front of her for the plates. His clean scent swirled around her, and her breath hitched. After parceling out eggs, he handed her a plate and fork. “What qualifies as earth shattering?”

  I suspect you and I together would hit the mark.

  She had to stop this. Nothing good could come of flirting with Cooper. All she was doing was winding herself into a sex-deprived frenzy. Instead of answering, she ignored his question and carried her breakfast to the table.

  She’d known ignoring what happened between them would be hard, but this was torture. Her appetite gone, she pushed away her plate. She needed to get away from him to clear her head before work. “I’m going to the clinic to get a head start on the day. See you there in a bit.”

  Maybe by the time you get there I’ll have my hormones under control.

  *

  When Cheyenne and Penny arrived in the clinic, she paused inside the front door. Please let today go smoothly without any major traumas or screwups on my part.

  First, she double-checked the water-pet treats station she’d set up last night. That done, she booted up her computer, checked for phone messages, and looked over the schedule. At seven forty-five she unlocked the door in case their eight o’clock arrived early. “We’re officially open for business, Penny. Please tell me you’re not sensing anything funny about me. If I could get through today seizure free, it would be great.”

  Penny tilted her head as if thinking over what Cheyenne said. “I’ll take no whining as good news for now.”

  Ten minutes later when the door opened, instead of their first client in sashayed the mayor, dressed in a navy suit and a crisp white shirt with a Texas flag pin on his lapel. In his hands he clutched a large fruit basket with a giant yellow bow.

  Cheyenne tucked a strand of hair that had slipped out of her braid behind her ear and wiped her hands on her jeans. Thankfully, she’d worn a blouse and not one of her rodeo saying T-shirts. Despite that, a visit from Mayor Timmons wasn’t how she would’ve chosen to start her first morning at the clinic.

  Having been the high school principal before retiring and becoming mayor, the man wasn’t one of her favorite people. He had a way of looking at her that made her feel she lacked the brains to walk and chew gum at the same time.

  “Good morning, Cheyenne. Rush on over and get the door for me,” the mayor said as he approached the office window. The broad smile on his round face and bright tone didn’t take away the sting from the snootiness in his eyes.

  “Yes, sir,” Cheyenne replied instinctively as she jumped out of her chair. Then she stopped. No way would she rush across the room because this man ordered it. Determined to take her sweet t
ime, she clicked the mouse to close a file on the computer. Next, she turned to Penny, who stared at her from her spot curled up on the fluffy dog bed under the desk. “Stay, Penny. I’ll be right back.”

  Then she strolled across her office to open the door. The mayor huffed past, leaving a trail of Aqua Velva aftershave in his wake. “I’m here in an official capacity to welcome Dr. Abbott and wish him luck, but first I want to have a chat with you.”

  Lucky her. She glanced at the office phone, trying to will it to ring. “I’m awful busy getting ready for our first appointment.”

  The wicker basket creaked as Mayor Timmons placed the gift on the counter. “I won’t keep you long, but I need to ensure you realize how important it is to Wishing that Dr. Abbott does well. It would be detrimental—” The man paused and smiled. There it was again. The you-can’t-walk-and-chew-gum-at-the-same-time look. “It would be bad for the town if he fails and leaves. We’ve been in a period of steady growth, but people will be put off if we don’t have a vet. Not only that but finding one comfortable treating pets and large farm animals is difficult.”

  “I understand how important this is to everyone.” She paused and bit her tongue. I also understand what detrimental means.

  “You know my wife and I are good friends with the Kings.” Cheyenne nodded, knowing the mayor didn’t expect a comment. “Because of our friendship, I know more than most regarding the demands of running this office, and word around town is you’re taking on that job for Dr. Abbott. I’m sure you’re able to stock shelves and clean kennels, but managing the office? Do you think you’re up to that?”

  Cheyenne straightened and folded her hands in her front of her. “Dr. Abbott isn’t concerned.”

  “From what I hear, Dr. Abbott is a compassionate man. Considering that, him being one of Ty Barnett’s best friends, and your relationship with Ty’s sister—” The mayor paused and smiled a fake let-me-explain-it-to-you grin. “We all know how Aggies feel about helping other Aggies, and of course you’re not an Aggie, but there is a connection through Ty.”

  A vein in Cheyenne’s temple throbbed at a frantic pace. “Are you saying Dr. Abbott gave me a job out of pity?”

  “The reason doesn’t matter. What does is whether you can do the job. Velma King studied business management and accounting in college before she married Joe. How can you fill her shoes?”

  Okay, mayor or not, his comment crossed the line. “First of all, whether I’m qualified is none of your business.” When the man opened his mouth to speak, Cheyenne held up her hand. “I let you share your piece, now it’s my turn, so listen up. Secondly, I don’t owe you an explanation. This is between me and Cooper, but I’ll give one because I don’t want you spreading your concerns around town. I was up-front about my education and lack of experience when Cooper offered me this job. I’ve said if he isn’t satisfied with my performance, I’ll step aside.”

  “I’m relieved to hear that. Just make sure you do so before his business and the community suffer.”

  “That’s it. If you—”

  Cooper’s office door flew open, halting Cheyenne midsentence. Lucky for the mayor because she’d been about to blast the arrogant, meddling ass with both barrels.

  “I thought I heard voices,” Cooper said as he strode toward them, his hand outstretched. “Are you Mr. Eldon, our eight o’clock?”

  Before Cheyenne could open her mouth, the mayor scooped up the fruit basket and pretty much shoved the gift into Cooper’s hands. “Dr. Abbott, I’m Edward Timmons, Wishing’s mayor. I’m here to officially welcome you and wish you good luck on your first day. Not that you need it, of course, because Dr. King said your credentials are beyond impressive.”

  “Thank you. I’m excited to be here,” Cooper said as he placed the fruit back on the counter. “Cheyenne, could you find a place for this where everyone can have some?”

  “I’ll put a few pieces on the water and treats station.”

  “Speaking of Cheyenne, she and I were talking about how demanding this job will be.” The mayor rattled off Velma’s education the way he had with her. “I hope Cheyenne is up to the task. If not—”

  Cheyenne attacked the cellophane covering the basket, making it crinkle and crackle as much as possible, drowning out the mayor. Take that. She could be rude, too.

  Mayor Timmons yanked the basket out of her reach. “Dr. Abbott and I are talking.”

  Um, yeah, that was the point. Cheyenne bit her lip to keep from smiling and caught Cooper’s look out of the corner of her eye. His gaze hinted he was having similar trouble controlling his amusement. “Sorry, Mayor, I didn’t realize opening the plastic would make so much noise.”

  Cooper coughed and narrowed his gaze as if to say she’d better not press her luck further. While he wasn’t buying her meek act, the mayor still was, and she’d gone about as far as she dared.

  “I couldn’t have found a better person to help here. Cheyenne’s great with animals, knows the town, and has a natural head for business,” Cooper said as she headed for the waiting room, a banana, apple and orange in hand.

  Cheyenne smiled. Lord bless the man for coming to her defense. Again. Considering how often he’d done so since coming to town, the man deserved a white horse.

  “You’re aware she lacks any higher education?”

  She stalked back to the office as her temper exploded. How dare the man? She was done overlooking his behavior. “You mean spirited skunk. You may be the mayor, but I’ll be damned—”

  Cooper stepped in between her and the pompous ass. “Cheyenne, would you check the exam room to see it’s ready?”

  Her chest heaving with the force of her anger, her breath coming out in harsh puffs, she’d gotten a good head of steam going and hadn’t even started to tell the mayor what she thought. She glanced at Cooper intent on telling him no way was she going anywhere, but the plea in his eyes stopped her. She mouthed the words. “For you I’ll go.”

  Once inside the exam room, she left the door open a crack and pressed her ear against it. “This is my practice and in America I’m free to hire whoever I want. Are we clear?” Cooper said, his voice polite, but threaded with iron resolve.

  “I meant no offense, Dr. Abbott. I merely wanted to ensure there were no misunderstandings. As I said, the town and I wish you nothing but the best.”

  “As far as I’m concerned, that’s who I have working for me, and this discussion is over.”

  Cheyenne’s heart pitter-pattered. She’d have to figure out when Cooper’s birthday was. The man definitely deserved a white horse.

  Chapter Eleven

  Cooper had been content to let Cheyenne handle the mayor and his rude comments, until smoke started pouring out her ears. Not that he blamed her, but he couldn’t have Cheyenne giving the mayor a well-deserved dressing down in the clinic.

  “Contact my office if there’s anything you need. The community is so thankful to have you, and it’s important to all of us that you succeed.”

  “It’s fairly important to me, too,” Cooper said.

  The front doorbell’s bright jingle sounded and in walked what he hoped was his eight o’clock appointment. The man, who had to be in his seventies, shuffled in holding an equally grizzled orange tabby. Cooper greeted the man and introduced himself.

  “Good to see you here visiting our newest resident, Howard,” the mayor said as he nodded to the older man.

  “Wouldn’t be here ’cept Chester got loose and animal control picked him up. Gave me a fine ’cause he’s past due on his rabies shot.”

  “I’ll talk to Chief Quinn about dismissing the fine since you’ve come to see our new vet,” the mayor said.

  “I preciate that. You know I don’t let Chester run and if’n it hadn’t been for Dr. King breaking his hip, Chester wouldn’t have missed his shots.”

  “No need to do that, mayor. I’ll call the chief and fax him a copy of Chester’s rabies certificate.”

  The mayor nodded his consent, and welcome
d Cooper to the business community again, before finally taking his leave.

  “I hear you and the chief are tight,” Howard said once the mayor left.

  Tough cookie. His comment to call AJ hadn’t loosened the man up the way Cooper hoped.

  “Dr. Abbott is also good friends with Ty Barnett, and has been visiting the Bar 7 for years,” Cheyenne said, appearing beside them. “That hardly makes him a town newbie.”

  “I don’t know ’bout that, but I’m a fair man. I’ll reserve judgment until I see how he is with Chester.”

  Cooper would settle for that. After all, it was a start and better than a kick in the teeth. “Cheyenne, will you show Mr. Eldon and Chester to an exam room while I look at the records again?”

  “Chester and I been seein’ old Joe King all his life. I know where to go.”

  Cooper cleared his throat. “My mistake. ’Course you do.”

  The man turned a sharp eye on him. “You gonna raise your prices? You probably charged an arm and a leg in College Station, but we’re not fancy high-paid college professors here.”

  “Mr. Eldon, Dr. Abbott hasn’t raised prices,” Cheyenne rushed to say.

  “Prices are staying where they are,” Cooper agreed.

  “Good thing,” the older man grumbled as he headed for the exam room.

  Before Cooper could join him, Cheyenne placed a hand on his arm. “Thank you for keeping me from telling the mayor off.”

  “Were you eavesdropping?”

  “Absolutely.”

  Cooper chuckled. “I like your honesty. The mayor’s a piece of work.”

  Cheyenne handed him Chester’s records and leaned closer. “Ask Mr. Eldon how Chester predicts rain, it’ll break the ice.”

  “Predicts rain? Really?”

  “He’s got a better record than the local weather forecasters.”

  Cooper stepped into the exam room to find the grizzled older man standing beside the exam table, practically shielding his cat from Cooper. Nothing like having his first client be a major test on whether he could make a go of his life’s dream. He swallowed hard. If he could win over Mr. Eldon, he could handle anyone.