Vetting the Cowboy

by J. P. Bowie

  “Give him another call,” Bob said.

  “Right.” He punched in Walker’s number and was diverted to his receptionist, Trish. “Oh, hi. Just wondering how much longer the doc’s gonna be. This is Seth over at the Seven Plus.”

  “He got delayed over at the Armitage place, Seth. He sent his new assistant, Doctor Henry, instead. He should’ve been there by now. He must’ve got lost or something. He’s new to the area, only been here a couple of weeks or so. I’ll call him and see what’s going on.”

  “Thanks. Let me know if there’s a problem.”

  “Will do.” Trish hung up and almost immediately, Seth heard a car pull up in the parking area near the stable.

  He stepped outside and watched a young man fling himself out of a Toyota Camry. Whoa, when did they start making vets like this one? Is he even old enough to be a vet? He had curly brown hair and was wearing a loose white shirt and skinny jeans. While he hurried toward the stable, he kept pushing his black-framed glasses up over the bridge of his nose. He suddenly stopped in his tracks, muttered something under his breath then headed back to the car. He pulled a bag from inside then practically ran toward the stable door.

  “Sorry,” he yelled on seeing Seth. “I got completely turned around trying to get here. Guess I’m going to have to get a car with a GPS when I turn this rental back in.” He held out a hand. “Doctor Mike Henry, and you are?”

  “Seth Archer.” Seth took the outstretched hand and shook it.

  “Doctor Walker said to ask for Mr. Jones.”

  “Parker, our boss. I’ll call him now you’re here.” He grabbed his cell phone and called Parker. “Hey, boss, the vet’s here, only it’s not Doctor Walker, it’s a Doctor Henry.”

  “Okay, Seth, I’ll be right there.”

  The doctor’s blue eyes peered at Seth though his glasses. “Uh, you can call me Mike…less formal, really. So, where’s the patient?”

  “That would be Bonney, right here,” Seth said, indicating the brown mare.

  “Oh…she’s a beauty.” Mike hesitated. “Uh, have to admit, I don’t know much about horses. This’ll be a first for me.” He pushed his glasses back into place while he stared at Bonney.

  “Well, she’s gentle as a lamb,” Seth remarked, wondering why Doc. Walker had sent someone unfamiliar with horses. Parker isn’t gonna be pleased. He had to admit, though, that the guy was really, really cute. That curly hair, and those big blue eyes behind his glasses were a real turn-on. Wonder if he’s gay…

  “Okay. I see you have the front hoof covered. Is that where the problem is?”

  “Yeah. Parker figures it’s an abscess.”

  “Right, well, if you could just lift her hoof so I can take a look.”

  “Sure.”

  Bonney whinnied softly as Seth knelt and balanced her foreleg on his knee. He removed the pad covering her hoof and Mike knelt beside Seth to start his examination.

  “Huh,” Mike murmured. “Mr. Jones is correct. That’s an abscess, all right. Needs draining right away.” His glasses slipped down his nose as he peered at the inflammation and Seth had to smile when Mike pushed them back up with his forefinger.

  “What?”

  “Your glasses. Think they might need a little tightening.”

  Mike chuckled. “Oh yeah, I meant to go visit the optometrist before I left Seattle, just didn’t get to it with the rush to get here.” He grinned at Seth then bent his head to take another look at Bonney’s hoof. Seth gazed at Mike’s curly hair. Now he was this close, it wasn’t brown like he’d first thought. More a kind of chestnut, maybe, and there were lighter-colored wisps intermingled with the curls. Is that natural or does a hairdresser have something to do with the highlights? He studied the backs of Mike’s ears and the way his hair curled around them. Pretty ears… He had an almost overwhelming urge to kiss the small well-shaped shell. Get a fuckin’ grip, Archer!

  “Doctor Henry?”

  Parker’s voice from behind them made Mike and Seth jump at the same time. Their heads collided and Mike’s glasses flew off his face.

  “Shit, I’m sorry,” Seth gasped, watching Mike grope around in the straw.

  “No worries,” Mike mumbled. “I got ’em.” He rammed them back on and stood up. After carefully lowering Bonney’s hoof to the floor, Seth followed Mike out of the stall. Parker was staring at them with an amused smile on his face.

  “Uh, Mr. Jones.” Mike wiped his hands off on his jeans then held one out in greeting. “Doctor Mike Henry. Sorry about that, back there.”

  “No problem, for me, anyway.” Parker laughed softly while he shook Mike’s hand. “You guys might have bruised heads to deal with, though.”

  Mike touched his forehead. “It’s fine…glasses too. So, Mr. Jones…”

  “Call me Parker.”

  “Uh, yes…Parker. Your diagnosis is correct, and with your permission I’d like to get started on the treatment right away before the infection spreads.”

  Chapter Two

  Seth wasn’t sure how much longer he could hover without Parker or one of the other hands asking him if he didn’t have something better to do. Truth was, he’d hover all day just watching Mike while he went about treating Bonney’s hoof. He might not know a lot about horses, but it was obvious he just plain loved animals. Seth was only too happy to play fetch and carry for the young vet, feeling like he’d won a prize each time Mike smiled at him when he brought him something he’d asked for.

  Funny thing was, Mike wasn’t really Seth’s type. He liked taller men, lean muscles, rough riders, those he’d considered all his life to be real men…like Parker. Small and slim and curly-haired with cute ears didn’t quite fit the bill, but Seth was having a hard time getting past those vivid blue eyes and that appealing smile. And when Mike moved this way and that way or bent over, Seth was almost drooling, eyeing those tight muscles under Mike’s shirt, and of course the tight butt that went with them. Shit, he had to get a grip or he’d be sporting the boner he had to mentally suppress by thinking of his grandma’s undies instead of wondering whether Mike wore boxers or briefs. He was hoping for briefs, if the truth were known.

  Parker seemed pleased with the attention Mike was giving Bonney, even telling Doc. Walker when he called to check in that yes, Mike was doing a great job and no, he didn’t have to come over if he was busy with other calls.

  “Mr. J― uh, Parker…” Mike beckoned Parker over to the stall. “Okay, I’ve drained the abscess and cleaned the entire hoof. There was no wound so I guess she picked up some bacteria somewhere. I’ve used a really good antiseptic ointment. It’s new on the market and has had excellent results. This dressing should be changed tomorrow afternoon, but I’ll come by and see to it. Other than that, I think she’s going to be just fine.” He slipped the pad over Bonney’s hoof and straightened up. “She should take it easy on the exercise for a few days.”

  “Thanks, Mike.” Parker held out his hand for Mike to shake.

  “I should thank Seth. He’s been a big help,” Mike said.

  “Good job, Seth.” Parker winked at him. “Why don’t you walk Mike to his car?”

  “Huh? Oh, uh, okay…” Way to go, Seth, really smooth. He fell into step with Mike as they left the stable. “So, you did good with your first horse.”

  “I think I was lucky that she’s such a mild-mannered animal. Can’t imagine how a friskier horse would have reacted to me sticking that drainage tube in there. But thanks again for all your help, Seth. Really appreciate it.”

  “No problem. Sorry about the bump on the head.” He touched Mike’s forehead gently. “Gonna have a bruise there.”

  “You too.” Mike chuckled. “Way to remember our first meeting.” Their eyes met and Seth was very much aware of a distinct tingle in his groin. Mike cleared his throat and jangled his car keys. “Well, thanks again. Nice meeting you, Seth.” He grabbed Seth’s hand and shook it firmly.

  “You too, Mike.” Seth could have held on to Mike’s hand for a lot long
er than it took for a handshake, but he stood back awkwardly so Mike could open the car door.

  “Bye then,” Mike said, slipping inside the car.

  “Bye.” Hold up, I want to ask you out on a date. Don’t be stupid, he’s not interested in dating a ranch hand. But he smiled at me…a lot. He’s a nice guy. He smiled at Parker and Bob too. Forget it… He raised his hand when Mike tooted the horn then drove away through the gates.

  “So, did you ask him out?”

  “What?” He’d been so intent on watching Mike’s car disappear he hadn’t heard Parker walk up behind him. “What? No…of course not. He’s not my type.”

  “Really? I’d never have guessed that from the way you were looking at him the whole time he was tending to Bonney.”

  “Shit…was I that obvious?”

  “Only to me. You’d have to go jump on him for Bob to notice.”

  Seth snickered. “Yeah, guess so. Anyway, he’s probably got someone a lot smarter than me to date.”

  “You won’t know that if you don’t ask. He’ll be here tomorrow so you get another shot.”

  Seth laughed. “What is this, you playing matchmaker?”

  “Not at all. You’re on your own with this one. Oh, and by the way…forget types. That’s so clichéd.”

  “Who sez?”

  “Royce sez, and you know he’s always right.”

  Seth rolled his eyes. “So you’re saying Royce wasn’t your type?”

  “Oh, he was very much my type, except, like you, I thought he wouldn’t be interested in a guy like me. Him a law school graduate, me riding broncos.”

  “Hmm, so you’re saying Mike could be interested in me?”

  “Why not? You’re big and buff and blond, but like I said, one way to find out.”

  They were interrupted by the clatter of hooves as the men brought some of the horses in from pasture.

  “Tell you what.” Parker guided Seth out of the way with a hand on his shoulder. “You know Friday nights we always have a cookout for the customers. This week we’re low on numbers, so what I’m thinking is I’ll have some of the guys over to swell the company. Why don’t you ask Mike if he’d like to join us? That way, it’s not putting him on the spot, in case he doesn’t want to be, that is.”

  Seth thought about it for a moment or two. “Yeah, like no pressure.”

  “Right, and you can talk and get to know each other better. Then you can jump on him.”

  Seth laughed. “Boss, you are like no other boss I’ve ever known.”

  “Hope that’s a good thing.”

  “A real good thing.”

  * * * *

  Mike pulled into the parking lot outside Walker Veterinarian, turned off the engine and sat quietly thinking of what had transpired earlier at the Seven Plus Ranch. Mainly, he was thinking about Seth. There had been a time in his life when, if a good-looking dude like Seth had shown even half the interest in him that Seth had, he’d have been all over him like a warm blanket. Most certainly he’d have asked him on a date. The guy was physically just what Mike loved in a man. Bigger than him, blond, built, with a mouth that was made for kissing, and those green eyes like limpid pools he could drown in.

  Snap out of it, for fuck’s sake. That was then and this, most definitely is now…and after what he’d left in Seattle there was no way he was going in for round two of punches, threats and heartbreak.

  No, sir.

  Sighing, he heaved himself out of the car and, taking his medical bag from the passenger seat, then pushing his glasses back over the bridge of his nose, he made his way to the office entrance. I really need to get these glasses fixed before this pushing becomes an annoying habit. Even Seth noticed. Sheesh…

  “Hi.” Trish greeted him with a smile. “Did you get lost going out to the Seven Plus Ranch?”

  “Kinda.” He grinned ruefully. “I’ll lease a car with a GPS system when I turn in the Camry. Lots of winding roads with no signposts out there. Doctor Walker back yet?”

  “No, I guess the calf at the Armitage place is taking longer to come out of its mama.” She giggled. “I saw it happen once when Doctor Walker took me out to one of the farms. It was exciting, but it can be difficult at times.”

  “I treated my first horse today. That was exciting too.”

  “Oh, I bet. Doctor Walker was just a little concerned. He wanted to wean you in slowly, he said, but he had no alternative today.”

  “Fortunately, Seth, one of the ranch hands, was a big help.”

  “Oh, Seth, he’s such a cutie.”

  “Ye…I mean, you know him?”

  Trish nodded. “Doctor Walker, when he hired me six months ago, took me on a tour of the nearby ranches. I got to meet the owners and some of the hands. They were all so nice and friendly. At the Double R, I met the foreman Jed Miller, another cutie. Too bad he’s gay like Seth and Parker.”

  Mike turned away so Trish couldn’t see his smile. “So, any other calls to make this afternoon?”

  “Nope, not so far. You can take off if you like, or…” She batted her eyelashes at him. “You could wait a half hour and take me for a drink.”

  Oh, Lord… “Uh, that sounds nice, maybe another time. I’d like to get back to Doc. Walker’s and unpack some boxes.” Lame, but not really a lie. He was renting a room and bathroom at the older doctor’s house until he got settled.

  “Okay, don’t think my boyfriend would approve anyway. He’s a bit of the jealous kind.”

  “Is he? Well, we’ll just have to ask him to join us, so he sees there’s nothing to be jealous of.”

  Trish giggled. “You’re gay, aren’t you?”

  Mike raised his eyebrows and his glasses slipped. Damn. He pushed them back with his forefinger. “What makes you say that?”

  “Well, stuff, and…a straight guy would’ve said…” She deepened her voice. “‘Let’s give him something to be jealous about.’ You gay guys are just so nice.”

  Mike’s laugh sounded off even to him. “Not all gay guys are nice, Trish.”

  “You speaking from experience?”

  “Something like that.” He picked up his bag. “Well, I’m gonna take off. Tell the doc, if he needs me, I’m heading back to his house and my cell is attached to my hip. See you tomorrow.”

  “Bye, Mike.”

  Chapter Three

  When Seth got to the ranch the following morning, he went straight over to the stable to see how Bonney was doing. Parker was already there with two guys Seth recognized as their only paying customers until Friday, when two more couples would be arriving. One guy, a willowy blond, was giving Parker a bad time about something.

  Jeez, why can’t people just come and enjoy themselves without finding stuff to pick on?

  “Mornin’, boss,” he said loud enough to be heard over the guy’s carping.

  “Mornin’, Seth.”

  “What I can’t understand,” the guy said in a whining tone, “is that you said we could have our pick of any horse. Now you’re saying we can’t.”

  “You can have your pick of any horse, except Bonney, Mr. Foster.” Parker’s tone was patient. “Like I have explained, Bonney has a hoof abscess and is being treated by the vet. He has prescribed two to three days’ rest along with medication. I am not going to endanger my horse because of your insistence on riding her today.”

  “Well, that’s really inconvenient,” Foster huffed.

  What is he, some kind of idiot? Seth was so tempted to slap him up the back of the head.

  “And even more inconvenient for Bonney. She’s in pain.” Parker moved away from Bonney’s stall. “Take your pick of any other horse, Mr. Foster. If you’re looking for another gentle horse, I suggest Misty here.”

  “There you go, Harold,” Foster’s partner, Monty Grant, said. “Problem solved.”

  “But I really like Bonney, and I know she likes me.”

  Unlikely…

  “We’re leaving on Saturday morning. Will I be able to ride her before then?”


  “I’ll see what Doctor Henry says when he gets here,” Parker told him.

  Seth felt a little prickle of excitement at the mention of Mike’s name and the fact that he’d see him later today.

  “Seth, can you get Misty saddled up for Mr. Foster? I’ll take care of Mr. Grant.”

  Seth found it interesting that Parker was using the guys’ formal names. Usually he got around to first names real quick. Must be he doesn’t care for these two. Can’t say I blame him.

  Clint, one of the trainers, arrived to take the two men out for a ride. Parker never let customers go out alone for the first three days, and only then if their trainer told him they were ready to be let loose on the trails surrounding the ranch.

  “Hi, boss…guys.” Clint was easygoing and most customers liked being around him.

  Even these two, Seth thought snarkily, watching them simper when Clint gave them both a hearty handshake. Actually, to be fair, it wasn’t the both of them who got on everyone’s nerves. Harold Foster’s partner, Monty, seemed like an okay guy, but it was obvious he was under Foster’s thumb. And how can he stand all that bitchin’? Seth figured he couldn’t take more than ten seconds of listening to those whiny complaints and generally putting one helluva damper on what he presumed should’ve been an exciting week for them.

  “We’ll take the high trail today,” Clint said as he saddled one of the bays. “It’s a little rougher, but I think you’re both ready for it. Just stay close behind me and you’ll be fine.”

  “Oh, but we were hoping to go out alone,” Foster whined.

  “Maybe later in the day,” Clint said firmly. “Let’s see how you do this morning.”

  Seth smirked when Foster pouted, but Clint turned a winning smile on him and he caved. Clint had that effect on people. If they got in his face with a complaint, his wholesome smile seemed to dispel their grouchy mood instantly. Seth had hoped Clint was gay when he’d first arrived at the ranch, but no such luck. Not only straight but engaged to a sweet lady who was Royce Chandler’s secretary.

  “How’s Sherry?” he asked Clint.