Her Secret Cowboy

by Debra Holt

  Braxton Animal Clinic was the wording on the side door. His gaze homed in to where the driver was emerging from the vehicle. There was definitely a major kick of adrenaline that shot through his tired body when he saw Rissa Flanagan lean her hips back against the closed door, watching his approach. Much to his disappointment, a pair of dark shades shielded her intriguing eyes from his gaze. But, the view of the rest of her made his tired body catch a second wind. Was that a hint of a smile on her face? Okay, that was definitely an added boost.

  “To what do I owe this unexpected, but highly welcome surprise visit?” He tried to react in a normal manner, but for some reason, he felt a little unsure of himself in her presence.

  That was an eye-opener for Dev. Of course, a lot of it might have to do with the fact that the vet wasn’t in her usual scrubs or work jeans and boots. Her long legs were encased in a pair of black leather, high-heeled boots that were visible under the mid-calf length of her black leather skirt. The scarlet blouse left her shoulders bare and the sleeves fluttered in the light breeze. Her raven-black hair hung loose past the creamy skin of her shoulders to just above her waist.

  A pair of gold hoops swung from her ears as she turned her head and a simple gold chain with a gold band hung from her neck. Wow. Double wow. If there was any question whether his body was still feeling the effects of his past events in Vegas, he could report to his doctor that all was functioning better than ever.

  And then a not so great idea swept into his brain, and a twist in his gut dimmed the smile on his face. She wasn’t dressed for work. So, did that mean she was going out for the evening ahead? What did he know about the woman? Was she taken? She wore no ring, because he had checked out that important bit of information when he first saw her at the clinic. It would only add up that she was going out on a date. He suddenly felt a pang of envy for the man, whoever he might be. And Dev wasn’t used to envying any man. It wasn’t a feeling he cared for… not one bit.

  “I was headed out this way, and thought I’d save you a trip into town.”

  “A trip into town? For what reason?”

  “Your dog, of course. She’s released from care now.”

  “Mine?” Dev stepped up beside her, and looked inside the back window of the SUV. There was the dog, a smile and question in those button eyes, as she sat prim and proper in the back passenger seat. There was even a pink collar around her neck, and a shiny tag hung from it.

  Dev slowly shook his head. “I didn’t think you were in favor of me as an adoptive prospect. When I stopped by the clinic, I couldn’t help but get the impression that my application would go on the bottom of the consideration file.”

  “Well, I considered. But you’re right. I had to give it some thought. Who knows if you plan to stick around here much longer? I know you say that you are, but seeing is believing. I didn’t want this little one to end up in a shelter after all if you left and couldn’t take her with you. Maybe I did make a mistake and you’re heading out of town again?” The woman slid the glasses to the top of her head and turned her deep amber gaze on him.

  Was she daring him to prove her right? Her hand went to the door handle of the driver’s door, but his shot out and stopped her.

  “No, I’m not leaving. And I don’t want her to go to any shelter. You just caught me off guard. I wasn’t expecting you to make your decision so quickly. But I’m glad you did. You won’t regret it.” His words earned him another of her slow smiles.

  Another realization hit him out of the blue. It was true… he could forget to breathe. Dev was suddenly in a place he had little experience with up to that point in his thirty-four years of life. And it was all because of Rissa Flanagan.

  “Good. I hoped you wouldn’t let her down. I did take the liberty of providing her a collar, and she has her rabies tag on it. I didn’t know a name to place on it for her. But I imagine you’ll have to get to know each other better before you choose the right one. There’s a bag of dog food that we recommend to our clients in the back of my car. And, if I can have my hand back, I have a bag in the front seat for you with her paperwork and a chew toy I thought she’d like.”

  Hand? Dev looked down and found he still had his palm over hers on the door handle. He looked up and she was watching him with a look that he couldn’t read to save his life.

  “Sorry… I didn’t realize that…” He removed his hand from hers and anchored it inside his jeans pocket.

  She opened the door and soon handed him the rest of the bags and paperwork. “I’ve placed her written instructions for the meds inside. Just in case you notice more pronounced limping, which might mean she’s overdoing things a bit. Or she could be just fine and won’t need any additional medication. And I’m just a phone call away, twenty-four seven.”

  “That’s good to know. I’m a definite novice at being a pet owner.”

  Was there a softening light in the eyes that he found himself being drawn into no matter how hard he tried to fight their allure?

  “I’m amazed to know that. But, you were always a busy person… always traveling… and whatever. You’re about to find out that being a pet owner does have a lot of responsibility to it. And a pet can tie you down at times. Although we do offer kenneling at the clinic… on a limited basis.”

  “I appreciate the information. But I think there’s a lot to be said about staying in one place. I’m realizing more and more each day what I’ve missed out on in life already. Such as knowing where your home is each and every day. And having people care that you do know where you belong. And you realize you care about their welfare right back.” There was no hesitancy with his response.

  For the first time, since his return, he shocked himself with the clarity of the truth of the brief statement. Home… he was home, and a peace settled over him along with the knowledge. The woman in front of him had lifted any shadow of a doubt in his mind. She had made it easy for him to speak the words.

  “I’m home for good. I belong here.”

  “That’s interesting. Are you certain you won’t come to realize that we’re just too boring here in Braxton for a globetrotter like yourself?”

  “Globetrotting isn’t all it’s cracked up to be,” he responded. “There’s something to be said for home and family and roots. Guess it just took me a little longer than some to figure that out. But, you won’t be getting rid of me.” He smiled and his gaze locked with hers.

  Rissa gave a smaller version of his smile back at him. He could see that there was still some indecision behind her beautiful eyes as to whether she should buy what he was saying. He couldn’t blame her. The old Devlin had done a good job making people believe he was a footloose, devil-may-care, self-indulgent playboy. He had never stayed long enough to prove anything to anyone. Until now.

  He hoped she would give him the chance to show her the real Dev Braxton. It shocked him to know how badly he wanted that to happen. Walk before you can run. Those sage words from his medical team filtered through his thoughts. That was appropriate for all levels of his life… physical, mental, and relationship-wise. It wasn’t going to be easy, but nothing worth achieving ever was. And proving he was worthy of the trust of this woman had an importance attached to it he wasn’t ready to look at with a microscope. Truly, he would take it one day at a time. And who knew it would begin with him becoming a pet owner for the first time in his life?

  Chapter Four

  “I’m so glad you were able to come tonight. We had to postpone it once this week… Em had such an earache,” Josie said, ushering Rissa through the front door and into the house. They moved down the wide hall and into the kitchen area, where Dee was perched on a high stool at the bar, garnishing the relish trays.

  “Your child comes first. I’m glad she’s feeling better. But I feel a little out of place being here since it’s basically for all the ranch employees. I—”

  “And none of that stuff.” Chance cut off the rest. He strode through the kitchen to grab another bag of ice from the free
zer. “You’re family via being one of the oldest friends Josie and I have, and you have done more than enough work on the animals on this ranch to be on our regular payroll, so no more of that out-of-place stuff.” He shot her a grin across the room.

  “Oldest friend you said… is that what you consider a compliment for any female?” she shot right back at him, managing to hold the grin she wanted to add. It was enough to see the slow disintegration of his smile as he hesitated.

  “And that is how a man gets himself on the wrong end of an argument and the fast track to the doghouse. No pun intended.” The shrewd observation came from the tall figure of Rio, striding into the kitchen with another man behind him. “A smart man will quit while he’s already behind and beg for forgiveness.” He crossed over to drop a kiss on Dee’s cheek, while he snuck a cherry tomato from the tray and then popped it in his mouth, smiling at Chance.

  Chance threw a look over at the hostess of the party, seeking a lifeline.

  Josie shook her head in response. “Don’t look at me.”

  “How about you? Don’t just stand there leaning against the door, laughing at me. Help a brother out here.”

  Dev shook his head. “I stay away from quicksand and you’re sinking fast.”

  Josie latched onto Chance’s hand, shaking her head. “I’ll rescue you… this time. Our guests are waiting for ice for their drinks, so you get a reprieve. Agree, Rissa?”

  Rissa nodded with a grin for the man. “I think he’s learned a lesson.”

  The host and hostess left the kitchen. Rio picked up the completed tray and followed. That left Dee and Rissa and Dev.

  “What can I do to help in here?” Rissa felt a bit uncomfortable just standing at the counter trying to ignore the fact the man’s silent blue-eyed gaze had found hers so easily when he came into the room.

  He had changed from when she left him at the ranch house settling in his new dog. Now, he wore creased jeans, shined boots, and a button-down, long-sleeved cream-colored shirt. He looked good enough to… Hold it right there! She slammed a halt to her train of thought that was on a collision course with her common sense.

  Dev Braxton had only aged like a fine wine, and his magnetic sex appeal for the female population was more potent than ever. And that only made Rissa more determined to bolster the walls around any such feelings she might be so foolish as to succumb to whenever he was around. This wasn’t high school again. She now knew better.

  “Well, I have one more relish tray to do and the desserts on the table in the dining room need to be uncovered and sliced where needed. You have a surgeon’s skills, so if you could handle that, I would appreciate it.”

  “And I shall be happy to do that for you. Always like to take advantage of opportunities to hone my cutting skills on nonliving items.” She grinned as she reached for the proper tools from the knife rack and drawer.

  Rissa didn’t add that she welcomed the opportunity to escape the kitchen. Her excuse to herself was that Dee and her brother-in-law could use the time to get better acquainted. She ignored the hint of knowing smile she caught on Dev’s face as she made her escape.

  *

  “You can thank me now or buy me lunch at the Beehive Bakery next week.” Dee’s words made Rissa look up from the Italian crème cake she was plating on the dessert table.

  The first round of desserts had dwindled and now Rissa was replenishing the spread. Dee stood with her plate in hand, a catlike grin on her face. Her fork was poised over the slice of chocolate pie on her radar as next in line to be eaten.

  “Don’t you think you’ve already eaten your quota of sweets this evening to last the next couple of weeks at least? Or is this your imitation of a squirrel storing up for the winter ahead?”

  “Very funny analogy. But your changing of the subject at hand does not fool me one bit.”

  Rissa straightened, eyeing her friend. “I know I will regret this, but what subject is it that is at hand?”

  Dee gave a saucy nod of her head in the direction of the small group of people standing several feet away, next to the fireplace. “The only subject worth noting in that particular group of ranchers… the newest Braxton arrival… the still single Braxton brother. Need I be more specific?”

  Rissa dropped her eyes back to the table in front of her. The apple pie with its streusel topping caught her attention.

  She picked up the pie slicer and went to work. “No need to be anything, Dee. Don’t go there with your vivid imagination. That Braxton brother could be the last man on earth and still not interest me in the least.”

  There was a cough from Dee. At the same moment, a male hand reached for one of the slices she had just plated in front of her. “Sorry to hear that. Guess I’ll just have to drown my disappointment in another slice of pie.”

  Rissa’s gaze flew upward, and the warmth was covering her cheeks with the speed of a country wildfire. The sapphire gaze was unreadable, but it held steady on her. Dev had heard everything she said. She was mortified and rendered speechless. A quick sideways glance told her Dee had deserted her in a flash. She wished the floor would open and swallow her. There was nothing to be done, but own it.

  “I’m sorry you heard my comment. That came out a lot harsher than I intended. I just don’t want people getting the wrong idea. And some, more than others, like to play matchmaker and that can be very annoying unless you nip it in the bud, so I did us both a huge favor.”

  “I was hoping you intended to take a breath in all that,” Dev said. “I’d have hated for you to pass out from lack of oxygen. I’d have to ask someone else to perform the CPR since you find me so repugnant.” He didn’t wait to hear any rebuttal.

  She watched his back as he crossed the room, and then stepped outside onto the patio where his brothers stood talking. What did she expect? She was rude and she said things she wished she could take back. That wasn’t her… she didn’t seek ways to hurt anyone. But she couldn’t explain why Devlin Braxton’s reappearance in their midst should upset her so much. It didn’t help the matter that for the rest of the evening, Dev made the effort to not invade her space again.

  *

  “I didn’t dream you up. You’re still here.” It was a flat statement. It was the best Dev could manage on a short amount of sleep… sleep interrupted too many times by bad dreams and a dog whimpering in a crate across the bedroom floor. He had opened the back door, allowed the dog to go out and take care of its business. She had used her manners and returned to sit with huge eyes, tinged with wariness, glued to the man standing in front of her, coffee mug in hand.

  “Well, we need to figure out what it takes to get you to sleep quietly during the night. And you’ve got your food dish and water in the kitchen. That leaves one thing to be done.” He sat down on the top step of the porch, pausing as he took a long sip from his mug, stretching his legs out in front of him over the other steps.

  One hand went to massage the right knee area. That area had taken some good hits from a tire tool… or so his vague memory had recalled in one of his earlier dreams in the hospital. The mind could be a powerful tool in protecting itself. Much of what happened to him in the desert was a blur or nonexistent. The doctors told him that was often the mind shielding the body and helping it to heal. Memory could come back in bits and pieces and he didn’t care if it did or not. There was a movement and the dog tilted her head as if posing a question.

  “Can’t keep calling you Dog. So what should we name you? Got any ideas?”

  Silence met his question. “You don’t look like a Spot or Killer.” He considered options for a couple of minutes. “Well, Doc said it looked like you had been on the road for a while. You’re a traveler, fancy-free. Just a little gypsy girl.” That elicited a bark… a sound that shocked both as it was bigger than the dog herself.

  Dev laughed out loud. And for a moment, he was shocked at himself. He hadn’t laughed like that in a very long time… a really very long time.

  “That’s it. From this moment
forward, you are christened Gypsy Girl Braxton.” Then another realization hit him.

  He and the dog had a lot in common. He had been on the road for a long time, also. Maybe they were meant to cross paths. They had both found a home. Interesting.

  There were two more sharp barks before Gypsy bounded down the steps and ran to the end of the sidewalk, her nose going through the slats in the picket fencing that framed the back and side yards. Dev eased up from his seat and his eyes settled on the approaching figure of a visitor on horseback. He’d recognize the swinging ponytail beneath the cream straw cowgirl hat anywhere. He smiled and moved to the end of the sidewalk just as the rider pulled up her mount.

  “Good morning, I hope it isn’t too early to come calling on my neighbor.” She spoke first, swinging out of the saddle, the reins dropping to the ground. Cookie was highly trained and would remain wherever Josie told her to stay.

  “Too early? I’m on my second cup of coffee, and the horses in the barn have been seen to and let out into the corrals ready to be worked with. I was up before the sun. For more reasons than one.” His glance landed on the dog settled beside him, before returning to Josie.

  She shook her head, a look of amusement on her face. “Where is the real Devlin… what did you do with him? You look like a cowboy and you even have your faithful companion at the ready.”

  Dev reached over and opened the gate for her to enter. She bent down and rubbed the dog’s head as she danced around Josie’s legs. “Aren’t you a special little girl? I didn’t know you liked dogs?”