This Cowboy of Mine--Includes a Bonus Novella

by R. C. Ryan

  “I got a text warning me that the authorities are searching for you…for an escaped convict in this area.”

  His look changed from one of anger to one of thoughtfulness. “First, let me assure you I’m not an escaped convict.”

  Her head came up like a prizefighter. “And you expect me to believe you because…?”

  He shrugged. “I don’t care what you believe.” He glanced at the mustang. “But I doubt an escaped convict would bother nursing a wounded animal while he tried to outrun the law.”

  Kirby noted the wrapping on the animal’s leg and, beside the bedroll, a black medical bag. “You’re a doctor?”

  “Veterinarian. Casey Merrick. Why didn’t you just head home when you got this warning?”

  “I would have. But I got caught in the snowstorm and took a nasty fall in the dark. That’s when I decided to look for shelter until morning.”

  “And you just thought you’d come in like Annie Oakley and hold an escaped convict until the authorities arrived to take him back to prison?”

  At his sarcastic tone, Kirby’s temper flared. “I was halfway inside this cave before I realized there was someone already here. It was too late to run, so I decided to just bluff my way through.”

  “You can see how well that worked for you.”

  He put the rifle down as he placed the flashlight on a boulder. When he turned back to her, he caught her gaze darting away from the rifle lying beside his bedroll. “You wouldn’t get two steps toward it before I’d have you in a choke hold. But if it’ll make you feel safer…” He tossed her rifle and despite her surprise, she caught it in midair.

  When she took aim at him, he simply ignored her and moved toward his black bag. Without a word he picked up the fallen syringe, crossed to the mustang, and injected another dose of antibiotic into its rump. Running a hand over the frightened horse’s muzzle he whispered, “You keep trying, little filly. You’ve got a long fight ahead of you.”

  His soft words toward the injured animal caused Kirby to lower her weapon and take a moment to look around the cave.

  Casey set a fresh log on the dying embers. Soon the fire was blazing. He stood, wiping his hands on his pants. “How long have you been hiking?”

  “I started early this morning.”

  “You have to be frozen.” He nodded toward her backpack. “You got a sleeping bag in there?”

  “Yes. Why?”

  He shrugged. “Since we’ve established that I’m not a dangerous criminal, and I doubt you’re one, you might as well sleep close to the fire.”

  “You don’t mind?”

  He arched a brow. “From where I’m standing, you look like you could use a hot meal and a good, solid sleep.”

  At his words she gave a sigh of relief.

  He set the last of the beef stew over the fire.

  Kirby’s limp was pronounced as she crossed to the fire, where she spread out her bedroll.

  “That must have been some fall.”

  She nodded. “It was too dark to see the boulder until I fell over it.”

  “Want me to take a look? I could wrap it to reduce any swelling.”

  She shrank back, clearly uncomfortable. “I’ll deal with it in the morning.”

  He shrugged. “Suit yourself.” He handed her a container and a spoon.

  Without a word she ate her fill before draining a bottle of water from her backpack.

  Casey removed the blanket from the mustang and began draping it over the entrance to the cave.

  Before she could ask any questions, he explained. “Now that you’ve told me about an escaped convict in the area, I wouldn’t want anybody to spot the fire while we’re asleep.”

  “I doubt I’ll sleep much.” She patted her rifle. “I’m happy to keep watch.”

  Without a word Casey checked both horses before climbing into his sleeping bag.

  After a moment of silence, she said softly, “Thank you. For the food, the fire, and the shelter.”

  “You’re welcome. Good night.” He rolled over. “You might want to douse that light. If you’re planning on keeping an eye on me, do it by the light of the fire.”

  Her face flamed. He knew that an escape convict wasn’t the only one she’d be watching for this night. Veterinarian or not, he knew she intended to remain awake as long as possible throughout the night, rather than trust being alone in the wilderness with him.

  Chapter Three

  At least twice during the night Kirby awoke to see the man kneeling beside the mustang, hand-feeding it a few morsels of food and tipping water into its mouth before returning to his sleeping bag.

  Outside, the wind howled, flinging snow and ice against the outer walls of the cave. Hearing it, she was grateful for this shelter despite the fact that she was forced to share it with a dark, dangerous-looking stranger.

  Though she’d been determined to stay awake and keep an eye on him, the warmth of the fire and her utter exhaustion conspired against her. Gradually her eyes closed. She drifted into sleep.

  Kirby came instantly awake and sat up, shoving hair from her eyes, aware that her ankle was throbbing horribly.

  Across the cave Casey was drinking from a mug while staring out at a gauzy countryside clothed in white. He’d removed the blanket covering the mouth of the cave in order to get a better view.

  He turned. “’Morning.”

  “Good morning.” She eased out of her sleeping bag, rolling it and fastening it before setting it aside. “How’s the mustang?”

  Casey nodded toward the horse, still lying in the corner. Though it watched with wary eyes, it was no longer straining with each labored breath. “Some better, thanks to the antibiotic. But the poor little filly has a long way to go. The infection is in the blood. She needs a lot more than I can give her out here.”

  “Will you call for help to move her?”

  That had him smiling. “Have you checked your phone?”

  Puzzled, she retrieved her cell phone and realized that there was no service.

  “What was I thinking?” She tucked her phone away and limped toward the entrance of the cave. “Oh. Look at that.” The pristine beauty of the snow-covered countryside had her sighing. “It’s almost too pretty to be real.”

  “Yeah. A Christmas card in October.” Seeing the way she favored one leg, Casey asked, “How bad is the pain?”

  “Tolerable.”

  His eyes narrowed. “Maybe I’d better look at it.”

  “I’m fine.” She gave a firm shake of her head, sending a signal that she didn’t want him touching her.

  He frowned but let it go. “Coffee?”

  “Thanks.” She accepted a mug from his hand and inhaled the wonderful fragrance before drinking.

  As she started to turn away a sudden pain sliced through her ankle and she nearly fell. She let go of the mug and grabbed his arm.

  “That does it.” He helped her to sit down. “I’m taking a look at that ankle.”

  She had no choice but to lean back and watch as he untied the laces of her hiking boot and eased it from her foot. Her ankle was several shades of purple and began swelling as soon as it was free of the constraints.

  As he began to probe the tender area, she couldn’t contain a sudden intake of breath and she began to fight back tears.

  “Sorry. I know this hurts. I’ve got some dressings in my bag. I’ll wrap this and make a bag of snow to ease the swelling.”

  Without waiting for a response, he proceeded to do as he said.

  Kirby took the moment to study him while he bent to his work. Despite his size, and the look of danger about him, his touch was surprisingly gentle. He was treating her much the same as he’d treated the mustang.

  He got to his feet and left the cave, returning with a plastic bag filled with snow.

  He smiled. “Lucky for us, there’s an abundant supply of all this cold, white stuff to reduce the swelling.” He handed her the bag and she pressed it against her ankle.

  As he
began to stand, she put a hand on his arm. “I’m sorry. Could we start over?” At his arched brow she managed a smile. “I must have looked pretty silly last night, barging in, rifle drawn, ready to do battle.”

  “At least you didn’t shoot first and ask questions later.” His grin told her that he didn’t appear to hold a grudge.

  She stuck out a hand. “First, thank you for this.” She motioned toward the neat dressings on her ankle. “I was trying to be brave, but I’m really grateful for your help.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  She took in a breath. “So, for that new beginning, I’m Kirby Regan, and I work for the Association of Land Management.”

  He accepted her handshake. “Casey Merrick. Rancher and veterinarian.”

  Earlier, she’d thought his touch on her ankle was gentle and soothing, but the feel of his workworn hand on hers caused a very different kind of feeling. To cover her confusion, she asked the first thing that came to mind. “Is your ranch nearby?”

  “Practically next door.”

  At her look of surprise, he explained, “It abuts this land we’re on. It’s been Merrick land for generations. Where do you call home?”

  “For now I’m renting an apartment in Devil’s Door. Do you know of it?”

  He nodded.

  “For the past few years I’ve lived and worked in Washington, DC. I just moved back home after my uncle’s funeral. Actually, I’m here to buy his ranch, since I was raised on it.”

  “Your uncle has no other family?”

  “A daughter. She’s married and living in Idaho with her husband and two children. At the funeral she told me she’d inherited the ranch but wasn’t planning on moving back. One of my uncle’s wranglers told me Caroline was considering an offer to put it up for auction. I asked if he and the others would come back and work at the ranch again, and he assured me they’d love to. So I told my cousin I’d like to buy it.” Kirby hesitated before saying shyly, “I think she was really surprised by my offer, but she promised to go over her father’s financial affairs and get back to me with a fair price.”

  “And did she?”

  Kirby nodded, and now her face lit with pleasure. “She asked a price higher than I’d hoped, but I told her it was manageable, if I’m frugal for a few years. Well,” she added, “it’ll be a struggle for a lot of years. But worth it, just to own the place where I grew up. I sold everything I could back in DC, bought a truck, and drove here, hoping to move in as soon as the papers are signed.”

  “Good for you. I wish you luck. There are too many ranches in the area going up for auction.”

  A thunderous sound broke the silence, and Casey helped her to her feet before offering his arm as they walked to the cave’s entrance. Within minutes a Wyoming State Police helicopter came into view.

  “Looks like they’re searching for that convict.” Casey’s eyes narrowed as he watched the movement of the copter. “Which isn’t good news for us.”

  He was frowning as he studied the mustang. “That little filly is still too weak to make it back to my ranch for treatment. Which means I’m going to have to risk spending at least another night out here. Hopefully by tomorrow she can walk.”

  Kirby’s heart dropped. She chewed on her lower lip, mulling over her dilemma.

  “Knowing there’s a man still on the run out here changes everything.” He paused. “Your ankle would never hold up if you tried hiking out of these hills. But if you’re up for it, I could let you take my horse.” He nodded toward Solitaire. “He knows his way home. If you’re strong enough to stay in the saddle, you should be safely at my family’s ranch by nightfall.”

  The thought of returning to civilization was oh-so-tempting. Still, Kirby quickly weighed the pitfalls of the situation. “I appreciate the offer. That’s generous of you. And if I took you up on it, I could alert your family that you’re up here in need of a horse or some other transportation. But there are no guarantees that I’d make it out without running into the man the police are hunting. And without the use of two good legs, even with a rifle, I wouldn’t stand a chance of fighting him on my own. All he’d have to do is pull me out of the saddle and I’d be down for the count.”

  Casey nodded. “You’re welcome to stay and share this shelter. We have more than enough supplies to be comfortable. Of course, a man on the run could stumble upon this cave and decide to fight us for it. You could be exchanging one problem for another.” He gave her a long look. “I’ll respect whatever choice you make.”

  The sound of the helicopter grew louder as it made another slow turn above them. Kirby lifted her head to watch its progress. When it faded from sight, she gave a long, deep sigh.

  “In other words, damned if I do, damned if I don’t.”

  He smiled, and she thought how handsome he was. “That’s about it. Your call.”

  She nodded. “For now, I’ll take my chances here. I guess, like your mustang, another day might be just what I need before tackling the long descent from the mountain. And there’s strength in numbers. Two of us against one man on the run.”

  “One desperate man on the run. Don’t forget that. If he finds us, he’ll do whatever it takes to stay alive.”

  “That’s my goal, too.”

  Casey gave her a quick smile. “That makes two of us.”

  He turned away and began rummaging through his supplies. “Are you in the mood for sausage or steak for breakfast?”

  She gave a surprised laugh. “Are you serious?” At his grin she added, “Sausage. That way, we can have the steak for supper.”

  “Works for me.” He lifted the lid of a container and set it over the fire. While the sausages heated, he opened a second container and set out an array of hard-boiled eggs and biscuits.

  A short time later, Kirby was sitting beside him near the fire. “I’ll give you this,” she said, grinning. “You do know how to hike these hills in style.”

  He dug into his breakfast before admitting, “I can’t take any credit for this. Our ranch cook, Billy Caldwell, is a genius in the kitchen. Billy keeps my entire family happy and well-fed with his creations.”

  “Wait. You have your own cook?”

  “Doesn’t everyone?” Casey gave her a sly smile that had her heart doing a sudden bounce.

  She paused and took a long sip of coffee to steady herself. Now where had that unexpected reaction come from? Last night she’d thought of him as a surly stranger. How could one simple smile make such a difference?

  “You mentioned a family. Wife? Kids? Just how many family members are there?”

  “No wife. No kids. There’s my great-grandfather, Hammond. Everybody calls him Ham. He turned ninety this year and can still outwork all of us. Then there are my grandparents, Egan and Meg, both seventy. Their daughter, Liz, is a photographer, and their son, Bo, is my father. I have an older brother, Brand, and a new sister-in-law, his bride Avery. And a younger brother, Jonah. There’s also our ranch foreman, Chet Doyle, who has been a friend to my dad since they were boys.” He turned. “How about you? Are you from a big family, too?”

  She gave a short laugh. “Afraid not. I mentioned my uncle Frank. He took me in and shared his home with me after the death of my parents.”

  “I’m sorry. How old were you?”

  “Ten. I was feeling scared and lost and alone, and Uncle Frank seemed to know just how to ease me through all the grief and trauma. He put me to work in the horse barn, and before I knew what was happening, I had transferred all my love to those animals. For a girl from a small town, life on a ranch was just what I needed. And my uncle, who’d buried a wife and his only brother, bonded with me and became my best friend.”

  “That’s nice. And you mentioned a cousin?”

  “Caroline. She was off to college when I came to live with Uncle Frank, so I feel as though I barely know her. When she graduated, her job kept her far from home, and then she married a college sweetheart from Idaho. After the funeral, she told me she’d already made her p
eace with leaving the family ranch all those years ago.”

  Kirby turned away to refill her cup. “All my childhood memories are tied to Uncle Frank’s ranch. It just seems logical to try to continue to make it my home.”

  “Running a ranch alone can be an uphill battle.”

  She shrugged. “I’d like to think I’m up for it. Besides, I’ll have Uncle Frank’s wranglers, at least those willing to come back to work. I know a lot of them have already found other jobs. But if even half are willing to work for me, I think I can make it.”

  Casey studied her with new interest before setting aside his empty plate.

  She held up the coffeepot. “Want a refill?”

  He nodded and held out his cup. They drank in companionable silence. When he’d finished, he set down his cup and crossed to the mustang.

  From her position beside the fire Kirby watched as he unwrapped the dressing on the horse’s leg and administered ointment before wrapping it with fresh dressing. After administering another dose of antibiotics, he ran a hand over the mustang’s mane.

  For the first time the animal didn’t react in fear. Its ears remained up, its gaze fixed on the man as he stroked and soothed.

  Kirby set aside her coffee. “I’d say you’ve gained her trust.”

  “For now. That doesn’t mean she won’t revert to her old ways. But for now, she realizes that she needs me.” He stood and crossed to his own horse, setting out fresh food and water. “I know you’re restless, Solitaire. But I’m afraid you’re stuck in here with the rest of us.”

  Hearing the sound of Casey’s voice, the big horse tossed its head, as though understanding every word.

  “You do have a way about you, Doctor.”

  At Kirby’s words Casey turned and grinned. “At least with animals.”

  She felt the quick hitch in her heart and wanted to contradict him, but she held her silence.

  Not just with animals, Dr. Merrick. That sexy smile is guaranteed to go straight to a woman’s heart. As if you don’t already know that.