by Rose Verde
“Thanks.”
“Let me help you.” Wyatt took Kitty to allow Crissy to grab the papers. Thankfully, there was just one person who was already leaving.
A half-hour later, with the physical examination completed, Dr. Ben said, “Do you have any drugs, rodent poison, or something like that around the house?”
“No, actually, I just came in two days ago. My cousin is out of town. You think she ate something?”
“That would be my guess. Not every poison manifests immediately. We're going to do some tests and if it's confirmed, we'll initiate some treatment but that will mean keeping her overnight.”
“Will she be okay?”
“Hopefully.”
When they got back to the waiting area, Crissy glanced at her wristwatch. “You should go. I'll find my way home.”
“I hate to leave you.”
“I understand.”
Wyatt held her gaze. “You're worried.”
Crissy nodded. He took her hand. He loved the feel of her small, warm palm against his.
“What will I tell Pam if Kitty doesn't recover?”
Wyatt ran his thumb over the back of her hand. “We'll believe for the best. I'll be praying for her. Besides, whatever is wrong with Kitty probably started before yesterday.”
They sat in silence some more. “I was thinking of inviting you for the wedding rehearsal. But, maybe you should stay and find out more so you can communicate with Pamela.”
She nodded. Minutes later, finally running out of excuses to hang around, he rose. She looked like she was close to tears. “Can I give you a hug?”
She gave him a watery laugh and nodded. Wyatt leaned down and held her close. He inhaled her scent. “I want to stay, but Dustin needs me. We've had this scheduled for months.”
He let her go and held her gaze again.
“Don't worry. Go on.”
“I'll call you.”
As he walked out the vet clinic that evening, he asked himself the one question he'd been dodging for days. Was he falling for Crissy?
Chapter Six
Crissy made some hot chocolate, and opening her laptop, she sat at the kitchen island. She didn't have an appetite. Leaving Kitty at the vet was a hard decision, but if the cat ran into problems in the night, what could Crissy do to help?
Her phone rang and Pam’s smiling face came on the screen. Crissy groaned. No matter how she dreaded it, she couldn't put off talking with Pam about her cat.
Swiping the screen, she said, “Hey. How are you and Fred?”
“Tired. He had his tests today. We'll see the doctor tomorrow.”
“That's good. Is he close by?”
“No, he's sleeping. How are you coping? Wyatt told me you two walked the horses today.”
“Yes. We also cleaned out the place.”
“I told him you know what to do and that he didn’t need to come by, but he assured me that it was no problem. He's just nice that way.”
“Yeah.” And he was tearing down her desire to keep her heart under lock and key.
“I worry about him sometimes. He’s got a lot on his hands and he’s still in a lot of pain from his injury. He doesn’t like to let it show but I can tell.”
“I appreciate his help. He seems like a really great guy.” Crissy turned her mug round and round on the table, her mind on the person in question. Not what she should be doing, she knew.
“He is. How's Kitty?”
“She's fine. I actually just got off the phone with the vet tech—”
A short gasp filtered across the line. “Oh, no! Is she okay? What happened?
“It might be nothing.” Crissy rushed on. “She was refusing to eat, and then I noticed she wasn’t very comfortable, so I took her in. Have you had any poisons around?”
“Is that what the vet thinks?”
“Uh, something like that.”
“She escaped into the garage a few days ago. We have some weed chemicals in there. If she had contact with it, I didn't know. It's hard to figure out what problems are due to her age or not. Poor baby. By the time we return, I'll have her in for routine check.”
“Dr. Ben did all that.”
“Thanks so much. I’ll reimburse you when I come.”
“Nah, take that as my little contribution for all the years you've helped me. I wouldn't be here if you and fred hadn't encouraged me to apply for the scholarship. I love it here."
“Aww, that's so sweet. Thank you. But you know I’d do it again in a heartbeat.” There was a pause. “How are you getting along with Wyatt? No more attacks?”
Crissy laughed. “Definitely not. Especially after the price I paid.”
“Whoa, what price?”
“I'm still sore after a whole day day roping calves. I told you.”
“Oh, come on. Don't tell me you didn't enjoy it," Pam said. "Besides, I didn't know it was punishment." She laid emphasis on punishment.
“It was fun, actually. Great to get out of the house. The weather was nice, fresh air, good people, it was worth the ache in my legs.”
“I'm seeing prospects.”
“Of?”
“Just saying. You've always been good with animals. I remembered when Cole was teaching us to rope, you got the hang of it faster than any of us.” She laughed. “Poor animals suffered at my hand. Besides, you don't want to keep working for that boss of yours who doesn't value you.”
“He's more bark than bite.” At least she hoped. She wasn't anywhere near fulfilling the reason she came, and if she wanted a job to go back to, she'd better get her story.
“So, have you talked to Wyatt about your article?”
“Not yet. Like you said, he's media shy. I may have to do some snooping on my own. I met his brother, though. Maybe, I could talk to him about it.”
"I'm sure any of them will be glad to help. I understand Wyatt's wariness. You know how the media is. If a story is told the way it is, it wouldn't be juicy so they embellish it to make it marketable."
"I guess that's what most people think. It's not always that way."
"Right. I know you don't write like that. What's your opinion about his family though?"
Crissy hid a chuckle. It was like Pam was trying to get a confession of love from her. "I think they're okay. "
"Just okay?"
Crissy could hear the mock horror in Pam's voice. "Yeah. Wyatt told them about the attack and his brother just came out and asked if I was the one who almost killed him."
Pamela laughed. "I bet you made an impression with him if he told his family about you that quickly."
Crissy rolled her eyes. "Look, I got to go. I'll keep you posted on Kitty."
"Run, cousin dear. Fingers crossed."
Crissy laughed and pressed the end button. As soon as the call ended, another one came in.
“Wyatt?”
“Finally. I’ve been trying to reach you. Who have you been talking with for so long, lady?”
“Pam. How's it going?”
“Great. The rehearsal is finally over. Friends are just hanging around, talking now. Have you eaten?”
“With poor Kitty sick, I haven't even thought of what to make for dinner. I just don't have the energy, to be honest.”
“I can fix that. Mexican or Chinese?”
“What do you mean? You’re not staying to chat with your friends?”
“I have a better option. I'm buying us food. Make your choice.”
Was he saying she was a better alternative than his friends? “Mexican.”
“I was sure you'd pick that.”
“You read minds?”
“Nope. Just a lucky guess. I'll be there in a few. By the way, I called the tech. Kitty’s fine.”
“Thanks. I know.”
“Great. So, we can celebrate that. See you soon.”
Crissy set the phone down. She shouldn't read any meaning into Wyatt’s gesture. He was Pam’s neighbor, that's all. But, what if... She shook her head. She didn't have time for what
ifs.
She spent the next ten minutes working on THE NOVICE RANCHER: My personal experience. After composing an email to her boss suggesting the article for the western themed column, she hit send.
The sound of Wyatt’s truck came up the drive. The butterflies in her stomach chose that moment to take flight. Willing her pulse to slow down, she went to the door.
Wyatt had a broad smile on his face as he climbed down from the truck. Crissy’s fingers itched to smooth the bangs on his forehead out of the way. Instead, she slipped her hands deep into her jeans pockets.
He glanced up at the twinkling stars.
“Grab a jacket. Let's eat outside. It's a beautiful evening.”
“Good idea.” She went back in. By the time she returned, Wyatt had the truck tailgate down. He patted the spot on the other side of him, their food in between.
“You thought of this?”
“No. I'm spontaneous by nature. I like to say I prepare for every opportunity.”
“Hmm.” She accepted his hand as he helped her up into the truck bed. “What did you get?”
“See for yourself.”
Crissy opened the food pack and the smell of the herbs and seasoning in the Pozole sent her stomach rumbling and her digestive juices flowing.
Wyatt smiled. “Told you I'd fix your loss of appetite. Dig in.”
Crissy started to eat. The burst of flavor on her tongue had her groaning. “This is good.”
“Yeah. One of my favorites on the circuit. I have a small freezer in my trailer where I stock a variety of Mexican food. Our cooks have always been Mexican. Go figure.”
They talked about random things as they ate comfortably together. After their bellies were full and their plates cleared away, Wyatt stretched out on the truck bed. Propping a hand behind his head, he stared at the stars.
“What was it like the first time you climbed on a bull?” she ventured. "Were you freaking out?"
He was quiet for a moment and she thought he might not answer.
“Scary, exhilarating, adrenaline pumping through my body." Wyatt turned to look at her. "The feeling is always the same for me because every bull is unique. You’re not always sure what each bull will bring to the arena. You just get on his back and do your thing.” A small smile played on his lips.
“You almost won your second buckle last year.”
"How'd you know that? You been researching me?" The porch light reflected the surprise in his eyes.
“Pam's parents were rodeo lovers back in the day. I've been to a number in my lifetime. Somehow, I find myself following the PBR seasons. What was it like to win the first time?”
Wyatt linked their hands and stared at it for a moment. “A dream come true. Then I found out that it wasn't as easy as just winning and that was it.”
“What do you mean?”
“Every buckle won was just the beginning of a desire for another. It's a tedious competition that requires focus, but I love it. My priorities are God, my family, and bull riding, in that order.” He chuckled.
Before she could stop herself, she said, “Has your injury set you back greatly?”
He nodded. “I want to show you something.”
He rose and hoisted himself down. Crissy sat up and moved close to the edge. But before she could climb down, he picked her up like she weighed nothing and deposited her beside him.
After latching the tailgate, he led her to the passenger side and opened the door. “We're just going over to our place. When do you go to bed?”
“Ten, eleven. Depends.”
He glanced at his wristwatch. “A few minutes past nine. You'll be back in plenty of time.”
He climbed in, grinned at her, and then pulled out.
Her heart rate had gone up, making it double time. She was falling for Wyatt. But what would happen when she left?
WHEN THEY ARRIVED BACK at his place, Wyatt placed a hand on the small of her back, leading her to his practice barn. He flipped the light on.
“A mechanical bull?” The awe in her voice was evident.
“Yup. A gift from a friend after my accident. You'll meet him at the wedding.”
“Are you inviting me to your friend’s wedding?”
“Uh, yeah and I'd be glad if you agreed. It's nothing dressy. Cowboy themed.”
“Jeans and shirt? Because that’s all I came with.”
“I could pick you up at four tomorrow and we’ll go pick out something for you.”
“Nope, but thanks.”
Wyatt frowned. “Why not?”
“Kitty's bill has made a dent in my savings.”
“I'm not asking you to pay for it, just believe for it.” He winked. “The thing is, I invited you and I'm paying. Please don't say no.”
She stared at him with those blue eyes, and he felt as though he was drowning in their depth. The air between them crackled. For a moment, they stood transfixed. Then Wyatt took a step toward her, then two.
He reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. She held his gaze, a wild pulse beating in her neck. Would she pull away if he kissed her?
He swallowed a sigh. How long had he known Crissy? Chelsea didn't have this kind of effect on him. Should he be worried? He didn't believe in love at first sight, yet from the day he met Crissy, more like trapped her on the barn floor, he'd known he wanted to get to know this woman standing right in front of him.
Wyatt brushed his thumb across her lip and stepped back. Was that disappointment he read in her eyes? He pointed to the Rodeo bull. “Wanna try?”
She laughed, the sound breathless. Was it from fear of getting on the bull, or from what they both knew had almost transpired? If he kissed Crissy, there'd be no going back. Was he ready to take the risk?
“No, I'll stick with kayaking and mountain climbing.”
“Which is scarier? I'd take bull riding over mountain climbing any day. So?”
She shook her head again.
“Come on. If you don't want me to turn it on, I won't. Or if you are feeling brave, I can put it at the slowest speed and turn it off before it throws you.” He bent down and touched the padded flooring. “With this you're safe.” He faced her. “You'll love it.”
She swallowed visibly and nodded. Wyatt almost laughed. The woman who wasn't afraid to come out at night to rescue animals, who, through determination, roped more calves than any other female he'd known, was afraid to climb a bull.
He took her hand and helped her on. “You want to have stories to tell, right? As long as I'm not in it, though.” He placed her left hand on the horn of the saddle and winked. “Slow, or no.”
Her eyes lit with a smile. “Slow.”
“Hold on a sec.” Wyatt whipped out his phone and took several snapshots of her. She made crazy faces at him and had him chuckling. “Very photogenic.”
“Can I see it?”
“Not now.”
Slipping the phone in his pocket, he stepped over to the motor and set the speed and spin direction.
Crissy held her hand in the air mimicking a real ride.
“There's nothing to it.”
“Yeah, some bulls are nice that way, but then you meet mean ones...” Without warning, he adjusted the speed a little. “Like this.”
She shrieked, trying to find her balance, but couldn't. Wyatt pressed the stop just before she hit the padded floor.
“You okay?”
She held a hand to her chest, giggling. “You could've warned me.”
“I'm sorry,” he laughed. “You should have seen your face.”
She smacked him. “You're not nice.”
“I know.” He held out his hand to her. She took it. Instead of getting up, she jerked his hand. The element of surprise worked against him, and he fell forward narrowly missing her.
She giggled. “How’s that for a taste of your own medicine?”
Wyatt laughed but the pain that seared his back chopped off his breath. He winced.
Crissy turned on her belly, c
oncern marring her features. “Did I hurt you? I’m so sorry.”
“I’m okay. Don’t worry.” But his back was telling a different story. “I’ll just catch my breath for a moment.”
He closed his eyes for a moment. Crissy’s hand brushed his hair out of his eyes and he looked at her. His gaze dropped to her lips and she swallowed visibly.
Eyes staring at him with so much worry, and her flowery scent wrapping around him were two dangerous combinations. Swallowing a wince, he got up. This time when he gave her his hand, she took it gently and he pulled her up. He led her to a bench and they sat down.
“This is the closest I'm getting to any bull. I don’t know how you guys do it.”
“Yeah. You don't think about it. If you do, you won't get on.”
“And you do even when you know you could get injured.”
“Every bull rider knows he's playing his hand when he makes the decision to ride bulls. It's not if he will get injured but when and how bad. Isn't that the same every time you go mountain climbing or any of those extreme sports?”
“True. How did your family accept your choice?”
“Mom and Dad were always supportive of whatever we chose to do, as long as it was good.”
“I'm envious.” She was silent for a long time. Just when he thought she wouldn't continue with what was on her mind, she said, “It was hard to figure them out. They both acted like I was unwanted, a mistake. Even when Mom and I were in the same room, she looked right through me without seeing me. For the better part of my life, I felt like I wasn't there. And she'd spend her days in a drunken stupor.”
Crissy talked in very detached tone. But after her words about needing to earn love, he knew better. Wyatt ached for the little girl she used to be.
“Dad was always mad about something.” She stared at the back of her hand for a few seconds, then gave him a bitter smile. “I never knew what I'd done to earn his wrath. He'd hit me...” Her voice caught.
Wyatt draped his arm over her shoulder and held her.
“Nobody found out? Your teachers in school, maybe?”
“He swore me to secrecy, made sure I didn't have marks that people could see. Plus, he was always sorry afterwards and then he'd get me ice cream or buy me a new toy. Little girls want more than anything to believe their fathers, how could I tell on him? He was all I had."