by Dawn Forrest
He frowned, looking confused.
“It was a joke.” She rolled her eyes. “Cars are a lot smaller where I’ve been living.”
He nodded. Did she see a tiny hint of a smile? She wasn’t sure.
“I’ll take those.” He grabbed a case in each hand and placed them in the trunk. She was about to throw the third bag in when his big hand wrapped around hers and the handle. “I said I’ll do it.”
For a second, she held on but then saw the determined look on his face and relented. This wasn’t something to get into a battle of wills over— not with this guy who seemed more than capable of disarming her. A little taken aback because she wasn’t used to taking orders, she nevertheless said graciously, “Thank you. I’m just used to doing stuff myself.”
He straightened up and handled the case with an ease that she envied. Rachael thought that it must be great to have that kind of strength and not give it a second thought. He opened the passenger door and lent her his arm to climb in. She was immediately aware of the restrained power behind his gentle grip and felt a little fizzle of excitement at the base of her spine. She realised that, despite his stern and rather bossy manner, he was behaving like a gentleman. Then she caught him briefly eyeing her ass and biting his bottom lip. Well, maybe not totally. Her interest in him increased.
He quickly looked away as she bounced down on the grey leather bench seat and looked about the vehicle. Everything here was much bigger than she was used to—the cars, the sky, even the man now climbing into the driver’s side.
He explained why he was collecting her, “I expect that you’re tired, so I’m sorry, but we needed Colin. One of our bulls has a problem.” He looked concerned. “It’s important that we get him healthy again quickly. We planned to,” he paused, “never mind.”
“What?” she automatically asked.
He looked awkward for a moment. “We planned to collect semen in four days time for AI.”
“Oh, no worries. I’m a vet. I understand.”
Rachael had worked for a few months with a mobile bovine artificial insemination unit in England, so the thought of it didn’t faze her at all, and she was mildly amused by his reaction. She wished she’d had the guts to feign ignorance and asked him to explain, just for fun.
“Is that so?” he said, now looking impressed and relieved.
“Yes, I’ll be helping Colin out.”
As they drove away from the airport, she looked out of the window and tried to find something she recognized.
“It all seems vaguely familiar, yet I don’t actually recognize anything yet,” she murmured, lost in thought. “I was twelve when I left, and I’m just realizing that twelve-year-olds don’t pay much attention to scenic details or the spaces between destinations.”
She gazed out of the window, noting the prickly pear cacti. They were growing in clumps along fence lines and against old wooden posts bleached gray by the elements. It was April, and the wildflowers on the road verges were blooming. Rachael thought that the road looked like a scarf with multicoloured edges winding over the rolling distant hills. On one of those hills, she could see an oil pumpjack, the type aptly named a nodding donkey.
“It is very different from England,” he said, keeping his eyes on the road. “I was there about ten years ago.”
“How was it?”
“Wet.”
She chuckled. “You obviously didn’t catch the two weeks of sunshine. The big blue Texan sky is what I’ve missed most,” she added wistfully. He briefly turned to look at her, his expression warming with a smile. Wow, I’d have missed big, blue Texan eyes if I’d known about them. She changed the subject. “Are you taking me to your ranch?”
“Yep. I hope you don’t mind. Colin thought it was the best idea because no one is home at the moment. Susan is teaching and Mark is flying.”
“No, it’ll be interesting to see what I’ll be working with.”
“What?” He sounded surprised. “You intend to work with livestock here?”
“Yes, why? Did you expect cats and rats only, or dogs and frogs if I’m lucky?” She couldn’t help her sarcasm.
“No, not really. It’s just that cattle and horses are difficult physical work, and I don’t know of any other lady livestock vets in the area.”
She regarded him coolly. “There’s always a first.”
“Well, good luck with that, but you may find that some of the ranchers, particularly the old boys, will be hard on you just for being a woman.”
“And what about you, Mr. Ryden? Will you be hard on me?” She was irritated but still couldn’t help being provocative. She didn’t think that the innuendo would be lost on him.
“Well, that depends,” he drawled.
“On what?”
“On how good you are.”
“Good enough.”
She left it up to him to determine what she meant. The conversation ended, but Rachael noted that his knuckles were white as he gripped the steering wheel tightly. She was now starting to feel a little tired but couldn’t nap, not with this man sitting so close. First, he unsettled her too much, and, second, who wanted to be caught drooling by an attractive man? And she did find him attractive. Compellingly so. It was just plain odd because she didn’t know him at all. He’s so…manly was the only lame explanation she could come up with. If things followed their normal pattern of events, then he would soon bore the socks off her. He wouldn’t get as far as the pants. Pity, really.
The UV passed under a metal arch made up of the words Sweet Water Ranch, and deep vibrations reverberated in the cab as they went over a cattle grid. Fifteen minutes later, they drove into the ranch yard. There were farm buildings, paddocks, and what looked like a bunkhouse. Set off much farther to one side was a beautiful large two-story house with a wide veranda.
“It is lovely,” she sighed.
“It’s home.”
His voice and face softened. It took her breath away.
Joshua parked the truck in front of the house and quickly got out and around the vehicle to open her door. He helped her out with his big hand lingering on her elbow as she dropped her feet to the ground. She felt the warmth of his open palm and fractionally leaned into it.
“Thanks,” she murmured, and for a long moment they stood still, neither wanting to break contact.
“Rach,” someone called, breaking the spell. “Rachael!” She turned toward the voice.
“Hey, Colin!” she shouted and sprinted across the yard into his open arms. He swung her around.
“It’s so good to see you, Rach. Five years is too long. I was about to come and visit you again.”
“Oh no, I don’t think my local pub would cope.” She laughed. “They still talk about ‘that crazy Yank.’”
“Ah, they’re just jealous that I could lasso that cow.” They both laughed.
“The years have been kind,” she said, pinching his cheek. “You’re looking good. I’m thinking that marriage agrees with you.”
“That it does, that is does,” he chuckled. “And you look beautiful. I can’t believe you’ve managed to stay single. What are those English guys thinking?”
“Well, I’m picky. You know how I am about choosing clothes, and they only go on my body.”
He laughed. “There’s plenty to choose from in Meadow Ridge, if you’re interested.”
She looked toward Joshua, who was standing with another man.
“So I see.”
Colin made the introductions when they neared the men.
“Cousin, you’ve already met Joshua Ryden. This is his brother, James.”
Have I died and gone to hunk heaven? Are there no average-looking blokes here? James Ryden was at least six feet three, with a body and face any model would be happy to own. He was fairer than was his brother, with golden brown, sun-streaked, close-cut curly hair. His features were similar, but a little fresher, softer, and more symmetrical. From the smile on his lips and the twinkle in his eye, Rachael guessed that charm cam
e easily. James was about to speak, but Joshua brusquely cut in.
“Stop flirting before you even start. How’s the bull?”
“All fine. Colin can explain everything to you. I’ll take care of Rachael.” He smirked at Joshua and winked at Rachael. “C’mon, we’ll get some coffee. You must be tired after your journey.”
He raised his eyebrows in surprised when his brother cut in. “We’ll all get some coffee.”
Joshua placed himself between them as they walked toward the house. Rachael saw the quick glare he shot at James and the fake, confused what-have-I-done expression he received in return.
Business came first, and Colin explained that the bull had picked up a bacterial infection through a small cut on the leg.
“His body’s fighting it, but I’ve given him a broad spectrum antibiotic that should help to do the job faster. It’s nothing too serious.”
“What about Thursday? Will he be all right for the collection?”
“Should be, but I admit I’m concerned. I’m not sure that the normally used artificial vagina is best way of collecting this time, especially given the sore leg.”
“What’s the alternative? We’ve made a commitment, and I don’t want to let anyone down.” Joshua looked troubled.
“Well, instead of using an AV we could use the electro-ejaculation technique, but it’s technical and I’ve never done it before.”
“Do you know anyone who can?”
“I’ll have to ring around.”
“That’s not necessary. I hadn’t planned on working so soon, but if you can get the equipment, I can do it,” Rachael said.
The men turned to look at her with serious, yet surprised, expressions.
“That bull is worth nearly a million dollars,” Joshua said.
It was Rachael’s turn to be surprised. Does it have platinum balls?
“He’s part of a breeding program, and, as you know, it takes generations of selective breeding to produce an animal of his caliber. His offspring are well sought after,” Colin explained.
“I can do it. I spent three months doing it, and I assure you that I know a bull’s arse from its elbow, or, more specifically, hock cap.”
“If you mess up, you’ll be finished as a vet in Meadow Ridge County. News travels fast here. Are you sure you want to risk it?” Joshua said, studying her intently, making it clear that not only his animal but also her career was at stake.
“Look, there is always an element of risk in any procedure, but I am more than capable of doing it, and I’ll expect more livestock work to come my way if I do.”
For a moment, there was an uneasy quiet as the men considered their options.
“Give her a chance,” Colin said. “I’ll be there too.”
Joshua took a deep breath and nodded, “We’ll discuss it over coffee.”
They entered the house and sat at a large breakfast bar in a huge kitchen with all the modern conveniences. A friendly, middle-aged Mexican lady came in.
“You want me to make coffee, Mr. James?” she asked with a thick Spanish accent.
“No, it’s okay, Isabella. I’ll get these, thanks. This is Rachael Harrison, the new vet and Colin’s cousin. Rachael, this is Isabella Mendez, our housekeeper and general domestic savior.” James introduced them.
“It’s nice to meet you, Isabella.” Rachael nodded and smiled at the older woman.
“Encantada,” she replied before bustling out again.
James talked to Rachael as he made the coffee. “Y’know, we were in the same year at elementary school, but you were in a different class.”
“Really? I don’t remember clearly. Did you pull my hair?”
“I plead the Fifth.”
“You can plead whatever you want. It won’t save you. They do say that vengeance is a dish best served cold,” she joked.
He laughed and held up a mug. “Let me guess.” He deliberately glanced down at himself and slightly opened his arms. “You like medium-light with a little sugar?”
Rachael realized that James was a tease. Well, two can play at this little game. “Not usually, but I don’t mind if there’s nothing else. I prefer mine strong, dark and definitely not sweet.” She let her gaze wander to Joshua and then back to James, smiling innocently at him. “In fact, right now I need a big one.”
James’s mouth fell open, and for a few seconds, he was lost for words. Then he laughed. “I can give you that, sweetheart.” He turned to the pot, grinning.
Joshua shifted his stance and looked a little uncomfortable. For a brief moment, Rachael wondered if she had overstepped the line and that her teasing had annoyed him. Then she noticed the impressive-looking bulge in his pants and understood that wasn’t the case. She quickly snapped her gaze up to his face, swallowed down a gulp and feigned a look of polite inquiry.
He cleared his throat. “About the procedure...what’s needed?”
She immediately slipped into no-nonsense business mode. “Well, apart from the probe, which Colin will have to arrange to be couriered, you’ll need a cattle pen that is capable of being opened at the sides because, if the bull has problems standing afterward, it might need to be released quickly. I also don’t want a head bail with choke bars because it could put pressure on the animal’s spine.”
“Not a problem. We can do that.”
Rachael explained the procedure in a matter-of-fact, professional manner, highlighting the pros and cons, reassuring them that it was the best option for a bull with an injured leg.
“I’d better take a look at him to determine what size of probe we’ll need.”
As Joshua led the way to the barn, Colin walked with Rachael and leaned in close so that only she could hear his words. “Are you sure that you can handle this? I wouldn’t want to lose good clients like the Rydens,” he whispered apologetically.
“Don’t worry. I’ve done it lots of times.” She thumped his back reassuringly.
When she saw the bull, she nearly had second thoughts. He was a huge beast, and she judged that her arm would only just be long enough.
“Well, this is an easy call. We’ll need the biggest probe. Can you get one in time, Colin?”
“Yep. Mark can courier us one in from Houston. He’s making a delivery there tomorrow, as luck would have it.”
“Super. Are you still okay with me doing it, Joshua? I wouldn’t want to force my services on you.”
* * * *
She looked at him with just a ghost of a smile on her lips. Joshua wondered if she was playing with him. It was a novel experience, as most people tended to err on the side of caution when dealing with him, and a lot of women were just plain unsettled by his size and character. Her words conjured a plethora of images regarding the various ways she could service him and, though he couldn’t be sure, he had the impression that she knew what he was thinking. He tried to concentrate on ranch business and not his increasing interest in Rachael and the pounding in his pants.
“I’ll give you a chance, Rachael, trusting that you are, in fact, good enough.” He echoed her words from the conversation in his UV.
She nodded and gave him a genuine smile, which soften his hardened, and, if he were honest, lonely heart.
As they finished their coffee, he noticed that she looked a little drained. No doubt she was feeling the tiring effects of her long journey. That, together with the fact that Colin was clearly desperate to catch up with family news, had him wrapping up their business conversation quickly.
Watching them go, James turned to Joshua. “An intriguing woman.”
“You blatantly seemed to think so.”
“Well, you can’t blame a guy for trying, but I have to say, brother, I’ve never seen a woman less interested in me and more interested in you. No offense.”
“None taken; you try harder.”
“Are you staking a claim of interest?”
Joshua considered his brother’s words. “We’ll see.”
He recognized that she was smart and te
nacious, which alone made her very attractive to him. Of course, it didn’t hurt that she was mighty fine-looking too. He only hoped that her confidence wasn’t misplaced. If Thursday turned out to be a disaster, she probably wouldn’t be staying.
Chapter 2
Colin smiled to himself as he pulled away from the ranch; unless he was very much mistaken, there was some chemistry bubbling between Ryden and his cousin, but he kept his observation to himself. There was so much to catch up on and they talked all of the way home.
“So, how are my favorite aunt and uncle?”
“Fine and working hard on the farm as usual. How about your mum and dad?”
“Oh, I expect they’ve changed a bit physically since you last saw them. Obviously, they’re getting older, but they are well. They wanted to see you this evening, so they’ll be popping over to the house later with my brothers.”
“Save me! Tom and Harry were six- and eight-year-old little horrors the last time I saw them.”
“Well, they are twenty- and twenty-four-year-old big horrors now.” He laughed. “What about the Terrible Twosome?” Colin was referring to Rachael’s older twin brothers.
“At the moment, they’re in Aberdeen, Scotland, working on the offshore oil rigs. I think they may decide to come back here, though. They’ve been thinking about it for a while.”
“They aren’t settled yet then?”
“No, they’re still a bit wild, but I think Meadow Ridge County might be the place for them. I’m not certain, but I suspect they want a lifestyle like yours.”
Rachael hadn’t been able to make it to Colin’s wedding, so he told her about his family. Susan was a teacher at the local primary school and Mark owned an air courier company. They lived in town, conveniently located near Colin’s practice, the school, and the airport. He marvelled to himself at his good fortune; the relationship was working even better than they had expected. He and his best friend loved their wife; they all complemented each other. Susan was the sweetest woman he had ever known, and she gave so much of herself that he felt almost humbled. He couldn’t get enough of her and had been worried, at the beginning of the relationship, that he and Mark would be too much for her. It was an unfounded concern. She was a siren in the sack and demanded as much as they could give. They were lucky guys, no doubt about it.
