Her Secret Cowboy

by Debra Holt

  His hand was still waiting.

  Her brain was running to catch up. “What is that?”

  “It’s part of the case file notes on Tony Carter. The truth is often easier to understand when a person has the unvarnished version before them. It might help you to learn about the man. Read it or shred it… the decision is yours.”

  “I don’t know what to say. But thank you. And I was going to call you this morning, but things got crazy. As you can probably tell.” She swept her free hand across her torn and soiled outfit.

  “You look pretty good to me.” He stepped back. “I won’t keep you. I know you’re busy.”

  Rissa didn’t know what else to say.

  So she repeated her thanks. “I do appreciate this. I’ll read it. And it was nice finally meeting you, Dev Braxton. I do mean that. And the flowers that arrived at the house… they are beautiful and there’s nothing to forgive. You did your job. You aren’t to blame for what happened between Tony and me. That is all on him.” She left him standing on the steps.

  She didn’t trust herself to say anything more. The lump in her throat was swelling.

  Dev went into the post office. And Rissa headed across the street to her vehicle. Once inside, she took a moment. They acted like two civil adults. So why did it feel off? Maybe it would get easier as time went on. Maybe.

  Chapter Fifteen

  “Friends? That’s what you both decided on?” Josie just shook her head in disbelief. Dee’s foot nudged hers beneath the table and she bit back more words.

  “Friendship is a good place to begin. And since we came here to go over our checklists for the Fourth, I suggest we get to it.” Dee handed Josie and Rissa their copies of the list. “Josie, you’re handling arts and crafts vendor booths. Rissa, you’ve got the petting zoo, wildlife exhibitors, and in general, being on-hand for the rodeo stock contractor. Do you have enough people to help you on that one? Rio will be glad to lend a hand to you wherever you need. Just let him know.”

  “Thanks. I may do that. But I do have some of my staff techs who will be here, as well as, a couple of new interns that have begun their hours in the clinic.”

  “I’m excited. This should be a great fundraiser for the pedi-cancer unit,” Josie said.

  “You ladies look like you’re up to something over here. Do I want to know what my wife has you involved in?” Chance had come to stand beside their table in the diner that was filling up with lunch patrons.

  “Why do you assume I am the ringleader?” Josie gave him a mock look of disbelief.

  “That’s true,” Dee chimed in. “We each take turns in getting us in hot water… one way or another.”

  “That’s a fact. Well, you ladies continue with your plotting… er, decision-making.” He flashed a grin at his wife. “The rest of my group just arrived. Have a good day.”

  Rissa glanced over in the direction he was walking toward, and her gaze fell on one tall member. Dev was in the group of men. If he noticed who Chance had stopped to speak with, he gave no indication. He slid the Stetson from his head, putting it on the hat rack behind their table. Then he seated himself where, if he looked around, he’d see her.

  “Earth to Rissa. Hello?” Dee was attempting to get her attention.

  She didn’t need to be caught out staring at the man she had just announced only wanted friendship from her.

  “I heard you. I was just checking for our waitress. I might want some dessert, after all.”

  “Dessert comes with our lunch. It arrived while you were ogling a certain cowboy.”

  Rissa had been found out easily enough. It was useless to respond.

  But she did anyway. “I don’t ogle.”

  “Good.” Josie nodded. “Because I will, and I’ll report that a cute little blonde just sat down next to him. She seems to be very chummy with him. But I don’t think she’s local. I’ll have to ask Chance about her.”

  Rissa’s grip on her fork tightened. She resisted the urge to look over in that direction. It was none of her business who was dining with who in the diner. And Dev could certainly be friendly with a lot of people. Those were all very sensible things, but there was a rolling sensation in her stomach that had nothing to do with food. In fact, there was a sudden lack of interest in the food on her plate. Ridiculous.

  That was it for the rest of the meal and planning talk. Rissa was useless. Her brain kept revolting and she kept fighting to keep her gaze from going in one particular direction. It was most uncomfortable. And then the inevitable happened. Chance walked by, leading the group out. He stopped to speak because his wife motioned for him to do so.

  “Enjoy your lunch? You have quite a group joining you. I recognize most of them. But not the blonde lady?”

  Rissa shared a look with Dee, but was working hard to keep a pleasant, yet uninterested smile on her features as she finished her dessert. And then Dev had to walk up and stand at Chance’s shoulder. She couldn’t be rude.

  Dev’s nod encompassed them all. “Ladies. Good to see all of you.”

  Chance turned to his brother. “My wife would like to be introduced to our newest member of the rodeo committee. Since you and she are old friends, why don’t you do the introductions?”

  “Of course.” He turned to the short, petite blonde beside him and smiled. “Everyone, this is Noel Peters. Her family is supplying the stock for the rodeo.” Then he turned to Dee. “This sweet lady is my sister-in-law, Dee… Rio’s wife.” They exchanged nods. Next, it was Rissa’s turn. “This lady is our illustrious town vet, Dr. Rissa Flanagan.” Rissa kept her attention on the woman and not the man. Although, she noted his stance might be deemed a little closer than was necessary to the blonde. But then the diner was crowded.

  “I’ve heard a lot about you. I hear you’ll be on hand to help out if needed with our stock. I look forward to seeing you again,” Noel Peters said, a wide smile on her face.

  I bet you do. Okay, that was a catty response and not one that made her proud.

  Rissa made certain her smile was as genuine and welcoming as possible. “Thank you. I’ll look forward to it, as well.”

  “We need to be moving. See you at home later. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon, ladies.” Chance dropped a swift kiss on his wife’s cheek and led the group toward the front door.

  “Well, there you go. I solved the mystery,” Josie said with a grin.

  “Smooth move, indeed,” Rissa responded. “But I have a surgery to get back to the office for. It’s been fun, but have to run.”

  The lunch colored the rest of the afternoon. She kept busy but in the few minutes in between patients, her mind floated back to it and she didn’t care for that. Why should she care that Dev Braxton was using his charming self to entertain some blonde visitor? Only Chance had mentioned they were old friends. Good for them. She should be glad Dev was settling in more to the town and even reaching out to people outside Braxton. And only she knew how lame that sounded in her brain. Move past it.

  She needed to remember that Dev didn’t have to give her a copy of Tony’s report. In fact, she was pretty sure it would be considered a big no-no if he were still involved with his former bosses. Rissa had read each word. Then she had reread it again. When she had finished the last page, she turned on the shredder in her office and destroyed every page. And that was the period on the paragraph of who and what Tony Carter was all about. She was well and truly done with any memory of him in her life.

  The rest of the week was busy, which helped a lot. People seemed to have last-minute emergencies that kept Rissa working past the usual time in the evenings. There was less time to dwell on a lot of things… particularly those involving Dev. No matter what conversation, place, time… somehow he always managed to be there on the edges. Sometimes, he’d be smiling his sexy grin. Or he’d be solemn and his eyes dark sapphires as he gave a look that would curl her toes with wanting to feel things she shouldn’t be wanting.

  The fact was plain as writing on the wall. She hadn�
�t seen nor heard from the man in almost a week. When he more or less said they could start over, she had no idea they would be just acquaintances to share a nod or good morning to while passing on the street. They had kissed. They had even slept together… without the sex, but still that had to count for being more than just acquaintances. However, if the blonde was still around, as she heard through the grapevine that she had been seen a time or two driving through town, then that explained a lot. He probably had his hands full… of her. Let it go.

  Friday morning, Rissa sat at her desk, finishing up a couple of folders on dogs that were being released after observation, when Grace came in with a couple more folders to add to the stack.

  “These don’t need anything but your once over and initials. The new tech, Jennifer, handled them.” She turned and Rissa looked over at the newcomers. The first name caught her eye.

  “Hold on. Did you say these people came in this morning?” She reached for the top folder. “Gypsy Braxton was in here this morning?”

  Grace turned at the door. “Yes. She had her paw checked out. She got into some cactus while chasing a prairie dog and there were a couple of spines that had to be pulled out and the paw disinfected. Just routine.”

  “Who brought her in?”

  Grace’s brows rose in a feigned look of surprise at the question. Except, they both knew what the real question was about. “Well, she doesn’t have her license to drive yet, so Dev Braxton had to bring her in.”

  “Was I busy at the time?”

  “No, you were in here working at your desk, I believe. And no, he did not ask for you. He said anyone available would be fine.”

  “Thanks.” Rissa went back to her other files. Grace left. Then, and only then, did Rissa throw down her pen. She had time to see the dog. But he hadn’t cared about that. Anyone would do. So she was put in that acquaintance box again. Well, if that was how it was going to be, then so be it.

  *

  “I hated to call you out tonight, Rissa. I know you probably had other plans for your Saturday night.” Rio led the way through the stable and into the back hall where the larger birthing stalls were located. When one of their prized mares was giving birth, they would be housed in that area that had a few more advantages than just a regular horse stall. In fact, Rissa often remarked they would soon surpass her facilities, including an emergency operating room, if needed.

  Belle was the mare, and this was her second pregnancy. All was progressing fine, but Rio sensed something was off, and Rissa trusted his horse instincts.

  She agreed to come out and take a look for herself. “This is all part and parcel of the job I signed on for when I became a vet. No problem with calling me at any time.” She stepped into the stall and began speaking in lowered tones, moving quietly, observing her patient.

  Then she sidled up to her and began more hands on. It didn’t take long for her to give her first assessment.

  “She’s definitely in labor. Her last one took a while, so this one could also. Why don’t you go and get some supper and then some shuteye? I’ll be here with her. Then you can come back and if it is still slow going, we’ll take shifts as needed.” He nodded and soon it was just Rissa and Belle. Rissa spread a blanket over a couple of stacked hay bales outside the stall door. She settled on them, taking out a new medical journal she had yet found time to read. Then was as good a time as any. She could knock out two birds at the same time… keeping one eye on her patient and catching up on her reading material. The time would pass faster that way.

  “I saw the lights on and your truck out front as I was coming home. Is there an emergency?” Dev’s voice came out of the stillness and Rissa realized she had been sitting in the quiet for almost a full hour.

  When the man materialized from the shadows, she was surprised to see him in a dark suit, sans tie. Then she remembered… he must have been at the dinner she skipped. For some reason, she couldn’t find much interest in sitting in a room full of people talking about the celebration last year and how this coming one would be even better and patting themselves on the back and so forth and so on. She told herself that was the real reason. Or maybe she didn’t want to have to see Dev and his friendly blonde together.

  “Belle’s in labor. Rio had one of his feelings and since she lost one foal before, we are erring on the side of caution.”

  “I see. Well, you didn’t miss anything tonight.”

  “I figured as much. I suppose there was a crowd though?”

  “I guess. Since I wasn’t there at last year’s, I have nothing to gauge it by.” They fell into silence.

  “I heard that Gypsy was in the clinic this morning. How is she doing? Did my tech take good care of her?”

  “Yes, we did stop by. She’s limping now and then, but she seems to be doing better. The tech did a good job. I would have asked for you, but it seemed such a small thing and you have more important duties. I didn’t want to take your time from them.”

  So, he hadn’t just slighted her for no good reason. Rissa felt ashamed she had jumped to such conclusions. Why couldn’t she just stop when she was ahead?

  “Did your friend enjoy the dinner? She seemed very pleasant.”

  Dev looked a little confused at first, but then he seemed to give it some thought. “I think she did. She was sorry she didn’t get an opportunity to speak to you. She had an interest in veterinary science. She’d probably talk your ear off, if she got the chance.”

  “Did you two meet while you were doing your undercover work? I ask just because I can’t picture you hanging out around rodeos that much.”

  “Really? Well, I did spend a year working the circuit as a bullfighter. It was all part of an operation.”

  “Now that is a total shock. You… a bullfighter… as in clown? Getting in the faces of those huge animals?”

  Dev moved forward and hesitated.

  “I’d offer to share this hay bale with you, but it might ruin the expensive material of your suit.”

  “Thanks. Don’t mind if I do.” And he sat down in the space she mentioned.

  He seemed in no hurry to be someplace else. Nor did he have any concern for his clothing.

  “Truth be told, I kinda got a kick out of it.” Then he laughed. “No pun intended there.”

  “You’re a man of many hidden talents. I suppose you’ve been in a lot of different situations… taken on many different roles. It would be hard to keep them separate after a while… or at least that’s what I imagine.”

  He nodded, leaning back against the railings behind them. “It got to be that way. At first, it seemed easy and even had a bit of thrill to it. But then, it got to be harder. Especially when you saw the devastation being bombarded on the good people. You had to always be on guard. One wrong slip of the tongue or hesitancy could cause some bad things to happen. But, along the way, I also met some good people.”

  “Like Ms. Peters.”

  “Yes, Noel and her family were very good to me while I worked undercover with their rodeo company.”

  He didn’t elaborate, and she was hesitant to intrude farther.

  “So, you think Belle will deliver soon?”

  “She’s exhibiting all the signs. And she is getting really antsy. Rio and I will be taking turns watching her,” she said.

  “I can change clothes and help out. I take orders well. You tell me what to do and I will do it. So, I’ll text Rio and tell him to stay put.”

  He didn’t wait for her response, but pulled out his phone and began clicking away. Belle began to stir. And then things went into overdrive. Rissa was on her feet in a second and inside the stall in the next one.

  “Belle has decided that she is tired of waiting around. We’re going to have a foal sooner rather than later.”

  “Just tell me what you need.” The jacket was gone, sleeves rolled up and he stood ready.

  Rissa went into auto-drive. Most of what that entailed was watching and being ready to help out mom and/or baby should something go s
outh in the delivery. Belle took another twenty minutes of labor and then it was time for delivery. The foal came out inside its protective sack which mom did her best to coax it out of with nudges and licks. Rissa had to step in only once to help clear nostrils for a better airway to allow the little one to fill its lungs faster. Dev had fallen in to help and followed her orders, giving her the instruments needed, helping with the sack, and generally being ready for anything.

  “I never tire of this. And looks like we’ve got a viable little colt with his mom’s coloring and a white blaze down his face. Once he stands up, and finds mom’s dinner table, then we can rest assured she’s got it covered.”

  “That was pretty amazing, Doc. Thanks for letting me be your assistant even though I just stood here and watched you work for the most part. I think I have an idea now of why you enjoy your job so much.”

  The sincerity in his tone and his words made her heart warm.

  “Thanks. And yes, seeing that little one and his mom, makes up for those times when things don’t go as you hope. It makes it worth getting up in the mornings and keeps you moving forward when the road gets rougher. I do appreciate your support. I’m just sorry that your suit got some snags and placenta stains on the knees. I’ll be glad to replace it. It’s the least I can do.”

  He shook his head. “A suit is nothing. This experience was worth a hundred of them. I’ll be glad to be your assistant anytime.”

  “I bet you would.” Rio’s voice surprised them both. He was leaning against the corner stall, and they had no idea he had even entered.

  “How do you do that?” Dev spoke up. “You can move so quietly. I could have used that skill in my other life.”

  “Well, there’s no need for you to know it now. I came to meet the newest member of the Braxton Ranch equine family, and to relieve Doc. Why don’t you walk her to her truck?”

  Rissa was already standing, and gathering her things, packing her backpack. “That’s not necessary.”