Roping in the Cowgirl

by Judy Duarte

  “Actually, so am I.” He paused a beat, and when she glanced his way, a crease in his brow suggested that he might be worried that he’d revealed too much.

  She realized she was reading too much into his expression when he shrugged and added, “I’m going to leave once the water recedes.”

  So dragging out his stay had nothing to do with kissing her.

  As much as she’d like to bemoan that fact, she couldn’t very well let it get to her. He wasn’t long for the Rocking C, so what did it matter if he had another woman back in California, eager for him to get home?

  Shannon took another sip of cocoa and slumped back in her seat. Blake was completely wrong for her anyway—no matter which way she tried to spin it.

  * * *

  As Blake sat beside Shannon, close enough to reach out and take her hand in his, he lost interest in the movie.

  Only a fool would try to convince himself that he hadn’t been thinking about her all day and insisting that their kisses hadn’t meant a thing. In fact, he was tempted to take her in his arms again, to kiss her senseless, then invite her back to the small house in which he was staying, where they could make love until dawn.

  But that was crazy.

  Wasn’t it?

  He had nothing to offer her other than a night or two of pleasure, then he’d be gone. Would she be content with that?

  Something told him she wouldn’t be. Another man might have ditched the erotic thoughts he’d been having and focus on the movie. But Blake couldn’t seem to get his mind off those fiery kisses and the sexy nurse seated beside him.

  “How’s that leg?” she asked.

  It still hurt, but he could put more weight on it now. Yet rather than giving her an honest answer, he couldn’t help but toss her a flirtatious grin. “Do you want me to drop my pants again so you can take a look?”

  Her cheeks flushed. “That’s probably not necessary.”

  No, not for any medical reason. But he could see the wheels turning in her mind, no doubt going over those blasted questions he’d been asking himself, ever since that last kiss. And he sensed the yearning in her eyes, the desire.

  He had a feeling they’d be in agreement about taking a little walk to Sam’s place, which was empty and waiting for someone to enjoy the pleasures of that double bed.

  “What are we going to do about this?” he finally asked, opening the door to discussion and the suggestion of a tumble in the hay.

  “About what?” she asked.

  “This,” said Blake, gesturing between them. “You know what I mean. There’s something going on here, between us. Ever since we kissed.”

  Shannon blushed. “I know what I’d like to do,” she said. “But you’ll be leaving soon. Right?”

  He’d like to stretch out his visit, but as it was, he’d already been away from the office way too long. “I’m going to fly out in a day or so, as soon as the road opens and I can drive to Houston.”

  She bit down on her bottom lip, a pensive reaction that sent his blood racing. He suspected she was about to agree to the suggestion he hadn’t actually spelled out.

  That is, until she looked up, caught his eye and said, “Believe it or not, I’m an old-fashioned girl.”

  Which meant what? That before making love she wanted a ring, a white lace gown, a walk down the aisle to the altar and a vow that they would last forever?

  He supposed he couldn’t blame her for that. And in a way, he actually admired her for it. But that wasn’t something he could offer her.

  They sat quietly for a while, but her words still hung in the air. And so did his desire for her.

  He reached for her hand, feeling its warmth, its strength, its fragility. “I’m afraid that, under the circumstances, I can’t give you any kind of commitment. But I can give you tonight—and a promise to make it worth your time.”

  “I have no doubt about that. I’ve kissed you enough to know how good making love would be.”

  That’s exactly why he’d broached the subject. He knew that things would be even better than good. He knew it in his heart, in his soul.

  But he couldn’t very well sit beside her the rest of the evening, battling a powerful arousal that rose up each time he thought about their fiery kisses.

  “I’d better turn in for the night,” he said, slowly getting to his feet. “If you have any second thoughts, you know where to find me.”

  Then he headed back to Sam’s place alone, wishing he could have offered her more than what would only amount to a one-night stand. But he’d established a lucrative career for himself in LA that was a far cry from the bucolic life in Brighton Valley. So it was best for everyone involved if he kept his focus.

  Still, while his head was convinced, there were a few other parts of him that insisted he should have put up a better argument.

  * * *

  As much as Blake would like to hang out on the Rocking C for an indefinite period of time and wait for Shannon to have a change of heart, he really had to get back to the office—and for more reasons than his work ethic.

  The attraction brewing between him and the head nurse was sure to boil over into a heated mess if he wasn’t careful.

  He wasn’t sure if she was struggling with their obvious attraction as badly as he was, but if she’d had any second thoughts about joining him at Sam’s place last night, they certainly hadn’t convinced her to do it.

  On the upside, the rain had stopped several hours before dawn, and at breakfast, one of the young hands had said the road was open again, at least temporarily. So the excuse Blake had given Carol about staying in Texas was no longer valid. Just moments ago, he’d called her and told her to go ahead and schedule his return flight because, by the look of those dark incoming clouds, the road wasn’t going to stay open for long.

  All he had left to do, besides telling Shannon goodbye, was to let his uncle know that he was leaving. So he crossed the yard in search of Sam. He didn’t have to go far. Sam was just walking out of the big house, holding Joy’s hand. She was carrying her purse.

  “Where are you two going?” Blake asked.

  “Into town for ranch supplies and groceries,” Sam said. “While we’re gone, my girl and I are going to have lunch and see a movie.”

  “Going on a date, huh?” Blake couldn’t help but smile. He might have had doubts about Joy in the past, but he’d come to realize that she was a good-hearted woman. “You both deserve some time away from the ranch.”

  “I think so, too.” Sam slipped an arm around his “girl” and grinned. “But you don’t need to worry about anyone dropping the ball. Joy already prepared sandwiches and potato salad for the rest of you to eat. Shannon said she’d take over the kitchen duties today, and I’m leaving Nate Gallagher in charge of the ranch.”

  “Sounds like you have it all covered.”

  “I wouldn’t have been able to talk Joy into leaving if I hadn’t planned it out. But give us a call if you need us. Our cell phones should work once we get beyond the Rio Rico Bridge.”

  “Will do,” Blake said. “And have fun. But just so you know, I might not be here when you return. I need to get back to LA.”

  His uncle gave him a once over, no doubt checking out his jeans and boots. “So you’re done playing cowboy?”

  “For the time being.” It was funny, though. After falling back into the swing of ranch life, however briefly, he was going to miss it when he returned home.

  Sam glanced down at Blake’s knee. “I see you’re up and about, so I take it you’re on the mend.”

  “Yep. I can even walk on it without hobbling too badly.”

  “Good.” Sam stroked Joy’s back, then nodded toward the area near the barn, where the vehicles were parked. “Let’s go, honey. We have a lot to do and need to get back before the rain hits again.”

  The couple walked away, hand in hand. Blake watched them go until they reached the ranch pickup they’d be driving into town.

  Sam was clearly happy these days
and looking better and healthier than he had in well over a year. And Joy appeared to really care for him.

  So Blake’s time in Texas had been well spent. At least as far as his uncle was concerned.

  He wished he could say the same thing about the week he’d spent getting to know Shannon. Not that he hadn’t enjoyed it, but he’d be spinning his wheels if he hung around her any longer. He wasn’t sure what he was feeling for her—beyond desire—or what, if anything, he could do about it.

  Maybe, after he returned to California, the puzzle pieces would fall into place. He sure hoped so because, crazy as it might sound, he was finding ranch life a little too appealing, especially after he’d made a wise and solid decision about the direction his life needed to take.

  Back when he’d been studying for the bar, Sam had tried to talk him into giving it all up—the city, the dream of a high-dollar career. Blake had refused to consider it then, and there was far more holding him in California now.

  As the screen door squeaked open, he turned toward the house and watched Shannon walk out onto the porch. Admittedly, striking up a relationship with her might provide him with a bigger dilemma.

  No, that wasn’t true. She had dreams to work at the Brighton Valley Medical Center. And he’d created a good life for himself in Beverly Hills. He certainly wasn’t going to leave it all behind and move to Texas.

  Still, as Shannon made her way toward him, he realized he wanted more from her than the kisses they’d already shared. But just what would he be willing to give up for that chance?

  He couldn’t very well make a commitment to a woman who lived halfway across the country. Or could he?

  “Now that the road is open,” she said, “Alicia was able to come to work and relieve me. So, while I have the chance, I’m going to go home to check on things there.”

  “All right. I’m going to drive to Houston and catch a flight back to LA.”

  Her brow knit together ever so softly, as though she might be disappointed to see him go.

  “I’ll be back in a couple of weeks,” he added.

  Her expression softened into a smile. “Your uncle will be glad to hear that.”

  Yes, but was Shannon glad to hear it?

  Before either of them could respond, the screen door squeaked open again. They both glanced toward the house to see one of the oldsters, his eyes wide, his voice frantic. “Shannon, come quick. Rex is having a heart attack.”

  Chapter Ten

  Shannon’s heart sprang to her throat as she rushed to the front door. She would have been quick to respond, even if the patient in question hadn’t been one of her favorites.

  “Where is he?” she asked Pete Hawkins, the elderly cowboy who’d called her to help.

  “In his room. Alicia’s with him, but after she called 9-1-1, she asked me to come and get you.”

  In spite of the promise Shannon had made Rex about doctors and hospitals, this was the one exception, the type of emergency she’d told him about. If Rex didn’t get the medical treatment he needed, his physical condition could worsen, making him even more dependent than he already was.

  Once Shannon reached the elderly cowboy’s bedroom, she spotted him lying on the floor. Alicia was kneeling beside him, her stethoscope placed on his chest.

  “Hey,” Shannon said, trying to keep the worry from her voice. “What’s going on in here?”

  “It’s nothing,” Rex said.

  She hoped he was right—and that he’d understand why the paramedics would be arriving with their lights flashing and siren blaring.

  “Alicia is worried for nothing,” Rex said, his face pale, his brow damp. “It was my own fault. I was trying to get to the john, and I jumped up too fast. The room began to swirl like a tilt-a-whirl at the county fair, and I just passed out. It’s no big deal. Just a little vertigo. I get it all the time. So you may as well go home like you planned.”

  There was no way she’d leave the ranch now, no matter how competent Alicia might be.

  “Passing out is a big deal,” she told Rex. “And so is vertigo. Doc Nelson needs to know about it.”

  Rex swore under his breath. “Don’t bother that old codger with something this minor. I told you I was fine.”

  “I think it’s his heart.” Alicia turned away from Rex and looked at Shannon, her gaze revealing her worry. “He’s also been stroking his left arm.”

  “Aw, hell. That’s only because I landed on my shoulder when I fell. It ain’t my blasted heart. So call off the dogs, will you?” Rex glanced at the doorway, then blew out a sigh of relief. “Thank God. There’s my lawyer now. Will you please tell these ladies to go about their business and leave me alone?”

  Shannon turned toward the door, surprised to see Blake standing there. Somehow, in all the turmoil, she hadn’t realized he’d followed her. His presence lent a comfort at a time like this. She’d have to thank him for not rushing off to the airport during all the excitement, something she’d thought he might do.

  “Don’t worry,” Blake said, as he eased his way into the small bedroom. “I’ll make sure your wishes are known. But I’m afraid I have to agree with the nurses. You should let Doc Nelson examine you. Then, at that time, you can choose your own treatment plan.”

  Alicia and Shannon continued to treat Rex for a possible heart attack. And he continued to object. Finally, a siren sounded in the distance, and within minutes, two paramedics entered the small room with a stretcher.

  “Aw, crap,” Rex said. “Who in the hell called them?”

  “It doesn’t matter,” Shannon said. “Alicia and I have a responsibility to our patients and we’re just following procedures.”

  Alicia provided her findings to the paramedics, then got to her feet and let them take over.

  “We’re going to take you to the medical center,” the taller of the two paramedics told Rex.

  “Like hell you will,” the feisty old cowboy hollered.

  At that, Shannon stroked Rex’s arm. “Settle down. This is just a formality. I’m sure you’ll be back before dinner.” Then she turned to the medics. “He has a DNR on file. That’s his biggest concern.”

  “No worries,” the tall, lanky medic told Rex. “We’ll make sure the hospital has your paperwork and honors your request.”

  “What’s that paper called?” Rex asked Shannon. “The D...?”

  “It’s a DNR. It’s part of your medical directive and will go with you.” Then she spoke to the paramedics. “He doesn’t want anyone to perform CPR on him or to hook him up on life support. He’s ready to die and doesn’t want any last-minute heroics.”

  “Don’t worry,” the shorter paramedic told Rex. “We’ve got your back.”

  At that assurance, Rex calmed down and allowed them to wheel him out to the ambulance.

  “I’ll be riding along with you,” Alicia told Rex.

  Shannon was tempted to go along, too, but someone needed to stay on the ranch. “Please keep me posted.”

  Alicia nodded, then followed the paramedics out, leaving Shannon and Blake alone in the room. As his gaze swept over her, her pulse soared. If she weren’t careful, she might forget all about the emergency they’d just had.

  Shake it off, she told herself. But she couldn’t seem to.

  Even though little alarms should be going off in her head, cautioning her not to make any false assumptions about what Blake might be thinking, what he might be feeling, she didn’t get a single warning vibe.

  Instead she was tempted to give him a hug for sticking around and making Rex feel better about what the future might bring.

  “You look like you could use some coffee,” Blake said. “Why don’t you join me for a cup in the kitchen?”

  Apparently he wasn’t in that big of a hurry to leave, and quite frankly, she was glad that he wasn’t. “Sure, but I’ll have to make it quick. I need to call Darlene and ask her to cover for me so I can go to the hospital. Having me there might help Rex go along with whatever treatment he needs.” />
  “I’m sure you’re right.”

  When he held out a hand in an after-you gesture, she headed down the hall, on her way to the kitchen. While concerned about Rex, she knew he was in good hands with Alicia.

  Besides, this might be her last opportunity to spend some quality time with the man who was taking up more and more of her thoughts and showing up in her dreams.

  * * *

  Blake poured two mugs of coffee, then handed one to Shannon. As she added a splash of cream and a packet of sweetener, he nodded toward the front door. “Let’s take this out onto the porch. It might be nice to get some fresh air while we can.”

  “All right.” She followed him outside, then took a seat in one of the rockers.

  He chose the one beside her. The sun, which had been shining when he woke up this morning, had disappeared behind a dark gray cloud. “Looks like we’re going to get more rain.”

  “I know. If you want to get on the road, you probably shouldn’t wait too long.”

  He knew that. But he hadn’t even packed his bag yet, something he couldn’t seem to get around to doing. And he wasn’t about to ponder the reason. He knew that, too. Shannon had really gotten under his skin—but in the nicest way.

  After taking a sip of coffee, he turned to the nurse he’d come to respect, the lovely woman who’d touched something deep inside of him. “I hope everyone at the Rocking C knows how lucky they are to have you. You’re an amazing and dedicated nurse. I think you made a perfect career choice.”

  She seemed to glow a bit at his praise. “Thanks. I’m glad I was here today.” She lifted her mug and took a drink. “Actually, I’d wanted to be a doctor, but that plan didn’t work out.”

  Her admission surprised him. “Why not?”

  “After my dad was diagnosed with cancer, the chemo made him so sick and weak that there was no way he could work. And I was so busy looking after him that I couldn’t take on an extra job.” Her shoulders slumped as she studied her mug without taking another sip. Then she looked at Blake. “My dad was a good man, but he hadn’t put much away for a rainy day, so we lost the ranch.”