“Whoo-hoo,” Jake called from the side as Gil ripped the slack, elated at his first success.
Mattie appeared beside him and grinned. “Nice job, considering the calf was barely moving. Mind if I give it a try?”
Before Gil could respond, she targeted her steer, which broke from the herd and dashed into the middle of the arena. Mattie followed and roped its head on her first try. “You sure you don’t want to keep score?” she hollered to him and giggled.
Gil straightened in his saddle, his chest expanded. The doc wanted competition, did she? He knew all about sport, thrived on it, even. If the little lady wanted to play hard, who was he to let her down?
MATTIE TIPPED HER HEAD IN LAUGHTER AS SHE PULLED THE SADDLE off Tulip an hour later in the barn. “Bet you thought I’d never roped before.”
Gil led his golden mare into the barn, and his lips pulled to one side at having been shown up by a woman, seven to five. “You could have said something.”
“What, and spoil the fun? I used to help my dad doctor cattle, plus I was on the equestrian team in college.” She deposited the saddle onto a rack outside the feed room.
“Next time, we’ll go ten for ten and see who comes out on top.” He shot her a mock scowl, and they burst into laughter.
Mattie slung her arms around the gray mare’s neck and watched Gil put the tack away. His body was strong, his manner confident and sure, even though she’d whipped him at his own sport. And, he was able to laugh about it . . . at least this time. All of that, combined with his handsome face and curls, made her clutch Tulip’s neck tighter. He was the kind of man she could admire, the kind of man she might be tempted to set her sights on if she had a mind to do so.
Finished with the tack, Gil returned to his mare. “How about letting me take you out for dinner? We could stop in at the café and grab some hamburgers, or whatever you feel like eating — winner’s choice.”
Her face flushed with warmth. Was Gil asking her on a date? Or was he just being thoughtful? Mattie dropped her gaze and concentrated on brushing Tulip. “That’s kind of you to offer, but it’s been a long day. After I check on Dusty, I think I’ll turn in.”
Gil led his mare to Tulip. “Come on, you have to eat. It’s not even eight o’clock. Only old women go to bed this early.”
Mattie’s eyebrows elevated, as did her dander. “Listen, you don’t have to tend to me like I’m one of the livestock.”
The man’s gaze drifted down to her boots. “Trust me, I know the difference.”
Caught off guard by his sudden interest, Mattie’s stomach fluttered with butterflies. She frowned, at odds with her thoughts and this new feeling.
“If you don’t want to go, no problem. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. I just thought you might enjoy the company.” Seemingly impervious to her rejection, Gil took Tulip’s lead rope. “I’m going to Emporia on Saturday. If you need anything, let me know, and I can pick it up for you.”
Mattie kicked herself for being such a ninny, making too much of his dinner invitation. She considered his second offer and thought of the many items she needed but didn’t have the money to purchase until her insurance check came in. “If it’s not too much trouble, I could use some medicine. I can call in an order, if you’d like.”
“Sounds good, and don’t worry about reimbursing me. We can deal with that later.” Gil led the two mares through the barn to a hay ring outside.
Mattie regarded him as he walked away. She enjoyed his sauntering stride, not the cocky, self-assured gate of a professional athlete. Instead, his demeanor seemed to defy expectations, fitting into this environment as though he’d never stopped being a cowboy. Perhaps she’d made a mistake in turning down his dinner invitation. But if he asked again, would she have the nerve to accept? She smiled at the prospect.
TWENTY-FOUR
SATURDAY AFTERNOON, MATTIE MET TWO ELECTRICIANS AT THE barn door. They wore matching uniforms and looked to be father and son.
“We were told you needed some outlets installed,” the elderly man said.
Surprised at Gil’s initiative to hire the work done, Mattie moved out of the way and showed the electricians where she wanted the new wiring. “Thanks for coming out on a weekend to do this.”
“No problem. We’re glad to help Mr. McCray any way we can.”
Mattie pursed her lips, certain which McCray they meant. When she’d first met Gil, the adoration he received from the community annoyed her. Now she understood what the towns people saw in him. The electricians worked for over an hour, then just as they were leaving, another truck roared up the lane. Mattie stepped out to see Gil backing his Dodge to the barn, its shiny new bed full of boxes and supplies.
“What is all this?” She placed her hands on her hips, trying to hide her disbelief.
Gil hopped out of the truck, a smile plastered on his face. “Can’t have a doc practicing medicine without her medicine.”
“This is a lot more than medicine.” She noted a desk and chair piled high among other boxes, a small refrigerator, and a computer. “A coffeepot?”
“A woman’s gotta have her caffeine if she’s going to work your hours. I hope you don’t mind, but I did a little research on what you’d need to get started. We’ll have to order the big pieces next week.” He lowered the tailgate and began hauling the items to her new office.
“I can’t accept this.” She felt like blocking his entrance but moved out of the way, afraid he might plow right over her. “It must have cost a fortune.”
Gil shook his head. “I told you we’ll worry about it later . . . or better yet, take it off Dusty’s bill.” He grinned and lifted another box from the truck.
“Good idea. I should have thought of that.” Mattie pitched in to help, her pleasure building with every pound she carried. At this rate, she’d be back in business in no time.
“How can I ever thank you?” she asked when they’d finished unloading the truck.
“Well, I almost hate to ask, considering you turned me down last time.” Gil sat on the edge of her new desk. “I’ve been craving a juicy T-bone ever since I came home. No one grills a better steak than Charlie’s Steakhouse.”
Mattie’s heart thumped in her chest. How could she say no? She stared at the boxes in the room. “Okay.”
Gil clapped his hands together. “Okay, as in, you’ll go?”
Mattie laughed, the tension inside dissolving. “Don’t look so surprised. You’re not the only one who likes to eat.”
GIL EYED MATTIE FROM ACROSS THE TABLE. IF POSSIBLE, SHE LOOKED even prettier in the dim candlelight than she did in the sunshine. Her hair was pinned in a loose ponytail with one stray curl at her cheek, and she wore a sweater that matched the leaves in fall — colors that suited her red hair and fair skin quite nicely. He found it easy to give her his full attention despite the Saturday night crowd.
“Thanks for coming with me tonight.” He handed her a menu. “I hate going to places like this by myself.”
“Far be it from me to keep a man from his steak.” She chuckled, and the soft lilt in her voice made him smile.
“That’s right. When I want something, you better not stand in my way.” He placed a cloth napkin on his lap, then sipped his ice water. “Any idea what you want to order?” He glanced over the menu, already knowing the dinner he’d choose.
“I think I’ll have the filet mignon with rice and salad.”
“No potatoes?” He guessed Mattie to be more of a french fry kind of girl. “You’re not trying to impress me with a dainty appetite, are you? Because I’ve seen you eat, remember?”
She laid the menu on the table and smiled, her eyes sparkling like the ice in her glass. “You’re right. Order me some cottage fries. I’m a little rusty at this dating thing.”
Gil’s eyebrows rose. The doc considered this a date? He smiled, feeling even more confident about the evening. “How long has it been, exactly?”
She leaned back and tallied the number on her fi
ngers. “That depends on whether you count going to bingo and sitting by a man twice my age.” A grin tipped her mouth. “If not, it’s been a couple of years. Not that I haven’t been asked.”
“I’m guessing every boy in high school has come by your office at least once, as well as ranchers for miles around.” He toyed with his next thought. “Maybe even your technician. What was his name?”
Mattie straightened in her chair. “Travis is too young for me. Besides, I would never let an attraction interfere with work.”
“You’re attracted to him, then?” Gil thought he noticed something between the doc and the college intern the few times he’d seen them together. It made him glad she’d laid off her hired help.
“I never said that.” Her voice bristled in defense. “Besides, he has a girlfriend.”
Gil smirked. Just as well. The boy was not man enough for a woman like Mattie. He would have told her so too, except a waitress came to take their order.
“Maybe we should change the subject,” he said after the server left. “It’s my fault, for my poor manners.” He lifted his glass to take a drink of water.
“I recall being the target of those ill manners. Something about snickerdoodles and having too much social life?” Her challenge chilled him to the core.
Cold water spilled onto his chin. He dabbed the liquid with his napkin, remembering all too well the night he’d labeled Mattie an incompetent veterinarian. “I never apologized for that, did I? What can I say? I saw you holding Dad’s hand and jumped to conclusions.”
Gil tucked the napkin onto his lap, then reached across the table for her hand. “I’m glad you proved me wrong.”
Mattie slipped her fingers from beneath his and clutched the edge of the table. “There was nothing to prove. As I said from the beginning, your dad and I are good friends. I’m indebted to him for more things than I can count.”
“You’ll forgive me for thinking the worst?” Gil revealed his most charming smile, hoping she’d loosen up. It seemed to work.
“Is that why you bombarded me with all those gifts today? Guilt?”
“Not gifts — a trade for Dusty’s care, remember?”
Mattie shook her head. “You’ve gone above and beyond the call of duty.” She surprised him by reaching out to squeeze his hand. At her touch, he swore he could feel his heart melting.
TWENTY-FIVE
MATTIE TOSSED HER NAPKIN ON THE TABLE, STUFFED FROM TOO many fries. “I can’t eat another bite.”
Gil stared at her plate. “You’re not going to let that steak go to waste, are you?”
“If you want it, be my guest.” She pushed her plate toward him, and his eyes lit with pleasure.
“Don’t mind if I do.” He stabbed the piece of meat, savoring each bite. When finished, he wiped his mouth with a napkin to reveal a satisfied grin. “They don’t make steaks like this in California.”
“So I’ve heard.”
Two teenage boys edged up to the table, nudging each other as though to build their courage. “Mr. McCray, could we have your autograph?” The one in front offered paper and pen, while the other boy held out his canvas cap for Gil to sign.
Mattie waited while Gil dealt with his junior fan club, amazed at how well he handled the invasion of privacy. He winked at her once the boys left and tucked a hundred dollar bill under his plate. “Shall we leave before someone else decides he needs an autograph?”
She followed him outside, and the cold air sliced through her jeans.
“Care to walk off some of this food before we return to the ranch?” Gil zipped his leather jacket and motioned behind the restaurant toward the Cottonwood River that flowed through the edge of town.
Mattie pulled on the fleece-lined gloves stuffed in her wool coat pocket. “The weatherman said there was a chance for snow tonight.”
“I’ll believe it when I see it.” Gil stared up at the sky.
The north wind bit into Mattie’s skin as she lifted her collar around her neck. They hiked the trail to the natural waterfall, their warm breath rising in the frosty night air. As they neared, the sound of the river cascading over stone intensified. Hundreds of stars twinkled above and Mattie sighed.
Gil clasped her gloved hand when they reached the river’s edge, and the contact unnerved her, made her self-conscious. The water trickled over the rocks, and the crisp air nipped her nose.
“Do you ever get tired of the attention?” She tried not to let his romantic gesture affect her.
He released her hand. “You mean at the restaurant?” The light above the trail cast a shadow against the side of his face.
“I don’t know how you stand it. If I had strangers approach me all the time, I’d be tempted to hibernate.”
Gil chuckled. “You get used to it. It’s part of being a celebrity.” He said the word as though making fun of himself.
“Did you always want to play professional ball? I mean, you must have. How else could you tolerate the attention?” She sat on a wooden bench and heard the orchestra of the falls blend with the cry of a nighthawk.
“My dreams were no different than any other boy out here. Horses and rodeo.” He hiked his foot to the bench and rested his forearm on his knee. “Never had any desire to play football until high school, and then only because of my friends.”
Mattie shook her head, unable to understand how a boy who cared so little about football had turned into a professional quarterback. “What changed?”
He ducked his chin into his coat collar. “Frank died.”
“I didn’t mean to pry.” She kicked at a broken limb, then stood to follow the dirt trail along the bank.
Gil offered his arm.
“Frank and I team roped together. He planned to go on the rodeo circuit after high school, which was fine with my dad — until he learned I intended to join him.” Gil shook his head, and as he talked, Mattie became more at ease. “You wouldn’t believe the arguments we had then.”
“Worse than those you have now?” She looked up, and Gil’s eyes flickered. Her toes freezing, she clung tighter to his arm for warmth. “I take it he didn’t approve of your idea.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever pleased the man. He wanted me to stay home and ranch with him. Can you imagine the two of us making business decisions together?” He laughed, but it couldn’t disguise the heaviness in his tone. “When Frank died, my fascination for rodeo died with him. That’s when football started making sense. As a defensive lineman, I could hit the guy in front of me as hard as I wanted and not get into trouble.”
Mattie ached for his teenage years. The heartache he endured losing his brother at such a tender age. Something niggled about his words though. “You didn’t start out as a quarterback?”
Gil didn’t answer for a moment. “Nope . . . it’s funny how things work out sometimes.”
ALL THIS TALK ABOUT FRANK AND HIGH SCHOOL MADE GIL’S STOMACH churn. Now that he’d retired, he wanted to move on with his life, not dwell on the bad times, the bittersweet moments. Nor did he care to reveal what talking about Frank did to him. How his betrayal haunted him.
He much preferred thinking about Mattie and repositioned his arm around her shoulders, glad for the opportunity to pull her close. Hovering over her, he caught a whiff of her hair, clean and sweet like roses. “What about you? Did you always want to be a veterinarian?”
“I got along well with animals, plus I excelled at science.”
“Don’t tell me — you were one of those girls who never studied and always got straight A’s.” She nudged him in the ribs, and he welcomed her tolerance for teasing. The little lady could take as much as she could give. He liked that about her.
“The summer I worked for Doc Bryant convinced me to become a vet,” she said. “After that, I knew I wanted to return to Charris County where I could help the ranchers.”
“A noble cause.” Most girls he’d known at that age were interested in makeup and going to the prom, not in serving others.
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p; “Not entirely.” She stopped and grinned. “Doc promised to sell his business to me when he retired. I figured if I worked in Diamond Falls, I might eventually own some land, maybe even a ranch.”
“Or better yet, marry a rancher?” He couldn’t resist.
At that, she pulled away and went to stand by the wooden fence bordering the trail. “If the right man ever comes along . . . and I don’t mean your father.”
“What about now? Have you considered how long it’ll take to rebuild?”
Mattie shook her head. “I figure once my clinic’s set up, I’ll start visiting ranchers, let them know I’m back in business. From there, I guess we’ll see how long it takes.”
“You’re not worried?” Her practice had been unsteady before the fire. Considering her own father’s bankruptcy, it had to weigh heavy on her mind.
She shifted her feet and pulled her coat tighter around her neck. “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t. But the Lord tells us not to worry about tomorrow, so I’m going to take things one day at a time.”
“Do not worry about what you will drink or what you will wear.”
“That’s right. I’m not as pretty as a lily in the field, but God’s going to look after me just the same.”
“Even better,” he added.
A smile crept onto her face, and the sheer beauty of it, innocence coupled with integrity, made Gil’s heart topple inside his chest. He stood before her and studied her face in the dim overhead light. Mattie was far prettier than a flower. Curved brows over thick lashes, green eyes that reflected her every emotion. Long, slender nose.
The two of them were so different. Growing up, he hadn’t been able to run from these hills fast enough, and she couldn’t wait to get back. Why did he feel so attracted to her, as though God meant for them to be together?
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