My Hero (Cowboy Craze)

by Sable Hunter

  With one last wistful glance, she rose from the booth and made her way out of the pub.

  …Benjen placed a handful of bills in the tip jar. Before he turned to go, he felt his whole body react in an unexpected way. Frissons of excitement rose on his skin. A tingle of awareness crept up his spine. He’d only felt this way one other time that he could remember…

  Lifting his eyes, he gazed into the mirror – hunting someone.

  And then he saw her.

  Five-foot two. Eyes of blue. But oh, what those five foot can do.

  “Has anybody seen my gal?” he softly sang the next words of the old 1920’s song his grandmother used to sing when she baked cookies in her kitchen.

  “Well, there you are.” Hungrily, he followed the woman’s progress as she moved through the tables. She kept a smile on her heart-shaped face as she begged people’s pardon and he couldn’t help but smile in return. His palms tingled with the need to touch her, run his fingers through her long warm brown hair, graze the back of his hand over the velvet of her cheek. And her body… “Holy Fuck.” He was in awe of her shape. Tiny waist. Luscious breasts. Rounded hips. “You were well worth the wait, beautiful.”

  Benjen stood there in an awestruck trance…until he realized she was getting away. Demanding his Justin boots to move, he edged through the ever-growing crowd. “Come on, Blackhawk. Don’t let her slip through your fingers.”

  “Benjen! Stop!”

  From out of nowhere, Easy showed up and caught him by the arm.

  “Not now. Let go! There’s this…”

  “Why haven’t you answered your damn phone? I’ve been calling you for the last hour!”

  This got his attention. “What’s wrong?”

  “We have cattle strewn all along Highway 71. We’ve got to get them in before one gets run over.”

  “Hell.” He fell in step with his brother but kept his eyes open for the vision he’d been trailing. “I was just about to meet a girl.”

  “About time!”

  “Not if she disappears on me.” He rushed out the door to scan the parking lot. “Ah, damn. Where did she go?”

  “What did she look like?” Easy asked as they headed toward their trucks.

  While pulling his key fob from his pocket, Benjen considered his answer. “Ever seen that old show the Ghost Whisperer? Remember, we watched it when we were kids.”

  “You always loved the whole idea of talking to ghosts and that movie star was as hot as a firecracker,” Easy answered, then realized what his brother was saying. “She looks like Melinda?”

  “Oh, yea. In all the best ways.”

  Even though he made for his truck, he didn’t stop looking for the girl who’d captured his attention so completely. “Dammit, she’s gone.”

  “Oh, she’ll turn up. This area’s not so heavily populated that we don’t run into folks periodically.” Easy came to his vehicle, opened the door, and crawled in. “You’d better hope she’s available.”

  “Oh, hell. Right.” Benjen hadn’t thought of that. Surely, fate wouldn’t be so unkind…again. “Or she might be just passing through.” As he climbed into his own truck, his heart felt the loss of possibilities.

  * * *

  “Don’t give me that side-eye sass, Miss Hope. You know you have to get your shots.”

  Benjen laughed as the dog gave him an accusing look. When they turned on Tucker Street, the wise terrier had figured out they were on their way to the vet. She had pouting down to a fine science, even letting out a small whimper every other breath.

  “Look, if you’ll do this with a minimum of fuss, we’ll get ice cream on the way home.”

  Woof!

  “Good deal, it’s a date.” He grinned, reaching over to cup the top of Hope’s head, giving her a good pet. “You’re a mess. Do you know that?”

  She gave him a happy, open-mouth smile. Benjen’s heart contracted as he remembered the pitiful condition she’d been in when he rescued her from the side of the road. Abused. Starved. Hopeless. “Yea, that’s why I named you Hope, girl. You have a new life now, don’t you?”

  Woof!

  When he pulled up to the small white clapboard house where Dr. Wahlberg practiced veterinary medicine, Benjen was taken aback by the CLOSED sign on the door. “Oh, heck. What’s the deal?” He climbed out of the truck to go read the sign taped to the front door. “Office closed indefinitely due to illness. Dr. Wahlberg is referring all clients to Dr. Cleveland on Sycamore Street. Sorry for the inconvenience.” With hand on hip, he frowned. “Well, I’ll be. Wonder what’s wrong with Wahlberg?” Benjen knew the vet was getting up in years. “Oh, well, I hate that.”

  Heading back to the truck, he opened the door and saw Hope looking pleased with the turn of events. “Wipe that smug look off your face, you still have to have your vaccinations. I need to visit this new vet anyway to establish a relationship with him for our cattle business.” Hope huffed out a sigh and laid down in the seat.

  In a few minutes, Benjen was pulling up into the parking lot of Dr. Cleveland’s office. “I don’t know if they take walk-ins like Wahlberg. I guess we’ll see.” He clipped on Hope’s leash and lifted her from the truck seat. “There may be cats inside, so I expect you to behave.”

  Woof!

  When he entered the small waiting room, he was relieved to see only one person ahead of him, a woman holding a trembling chihuahua. Hope wanted to go sniff at the other dog, but Benjen guided her up to the reception desk to sign in. There was no one behind the counter, so he put his signature and Hope’s name on the next available line, then went to take a seat at the far end of the row of chairs away from the other customer. As he waited, he picked up a Farm and Ranch magazine to leaf through, absently staring at the photographs of pedigreed bulls and properties for sale.

  “Mrs. Holmes, you can bring Hercules back now.”

  Benjen grinned at the tiny dog’s name. He looked up to glance at the technician who was speaking and when he did, Benjen forgot to breathe. The angel behind the counter reached for the chihuahua and her smile lit up the room. He stared – he couldn’t help it. “Found you!” he whispered. Now, he could see her brown hair had gold and red highlights. Her eyes were such a deep blue, they looked like bruised violets. And her lips were plump, pink, and so kissable his heart was racing. When she turned her gaze to him, she seemed to freeze, and Benjen felt time slow down to one perfect moment as everyone else in the world disappeared. With an enraptured stare, he watched her flick a stray strand of silky hair over her shoulder with a ringless left hand.

  “I’ll be with you in just a moment.” She glanced down at the register. “Mr. Blackhawk and Hope.”

  Benjen felt his heart jump in his chest. “Yes, ma’am. We’ll be waiting.” Once he was alone, he pushed his Stetson back on his head and whispered, “Thank God. What a doll. Don’t waste this opportunity, doofus.”

  As if trying to ascertain what her master said, Hope rose up on her back legs to rest her front paws on Benjen’s knee. “Your turn’s coming, Pris. And you’ve got one pretty lady who’ll be looking after you.”

  While he impatiently waited, Benjen checked for messages on his phone. He was surprised to find no texts from his brothers. They usually took advantage of his trips, asking him to run errands or make stops. Next, to calm his nerves, he visited his favorite YouTube channel and found a video of a chicken pecking out America the Beautiful on a keyboard. “Good gracious, Hope. Look at this.” He held his phone where the dog could see. “I can’t even get you to roll over or shake hands.”

  Hope whined and frowned at him, turning her head sideways.

  “You’re going to have to step up to the bat, girl. Being outdone by a chicken is for the birds.”

  A noise from the rear of the small clinic caused both man and dog to glance up. Mrs. Holmes and Hercules were coming out of the examining area. Benjen watched as the older woman paid her bill and the beautiful brunette reciprocated with a receipt and a treat for the little chihuahua
. “There you go, sweet man.” The expression on her face was so kind and loving, he couldn’t look away from the enticing vision before him. When her attention turned to him, Benjen felt his heart rate speed up.

  “What can I do for you and Hope today, Mr. Blackhawk?”

  Benjen rose and approached the reception desk. “I know we didn’t have an appointment. Generally, we use Dr. Wahlberg, but I just found out his office is closed.” He picked up the white terrier. “Hope just needs her annual shots and a refill of her heartworm tablets.”

  “Great!” She tapped a few keys on a laptop computer. “Dr. Cleveland isn’t in today, but I can take care of most things. I know Dr. Wahlberg sent us his records. Let me access Hope’s file.”

  “Okey-doke.” Trying not to stare as the attractive woman chewed on her suckable lower lip, he let his eyes rove over the displays sitting on the surface of the counter advertising flea medicine, a flyer promoting an obedience clinic, and an offer for free kittens. When his gaze landed on a silver holder displaying a name plate, he had to chuckle. “Your name’s Apple?”

  “Yes, that’s correct. Apple Cates at your service.”

  “Great name.” Benjen grinned happily. “I love apples.”

  Momentarily at a loss for words, she extended her hand to rub Hope’s head. “Okay, if you two will follow me, I’ll get her fixed up.”

  “My name is Benjamin Blackhawk, but everyone calls me Benjen” he offered, hoping she liked the sound of his name as much as he did hers.

  “Oh, I like that. So descriptive. I can almost see a magical black bird in flight.” Now, she had a name to go with his remarkable face. Apple kept digging her fingernails into her palm, testing to make sure she was wide awake and not dreaming. He was here! When she’d looked up and into his vibrant blue eyes, the world had shifted beneath her feet. If Apple were fanciful at all, she’d see this as a sign. But…no. Harsh reality had smacked her in the face once too often for her to believe in anything as frivolous as fate.

  “Did I see you at Reverend Mike’s Dam Pub last night?”

  “You saw me?” And he remembered?

  “Yes, I did. Did you see me?”

  His question put her on the spot, a wonderful, terrible spot. If she said yes, he might think she’d been mooning over him – which she had. If she said no, he might think she was too preoccupied with someone else. Why this would be a bad idea didn’t bear thinking about.

  The truth rose unbidden to her lips. “Yes, I might have noticed you at the bar.” With a most beautiful woman. “They have good food there.”

  Benjen chuckled. “I think you might need to try a few new restaurants. Maybe…”

  “Come this way.” She whirled on her heels before she fell at his feet.

  He fell into step behind her. “How do you like working for Dr. Cleveland? Is he a good vet?”

  “She.” Apple giggled, a sweet sound. “And yes, I enjoy working here. Dr. Ashley Cleveland is a very good doctor.”

  “Oh, excuse me, bad assumption on my part.” He laughed, his eyes following her progress as she led them into an examining room. Benjen followed along behind, his eyes trying to get a hint of her fantastic shape beneath the baggy lab coat. “Presuming anything usually gets me into trouble. Does she work with horses and cattle?”

  “Yes, and she makes ranch visits.” Apple patted the paper covered table, indicating he should place Hope on it. “Or she sends me if it’s something in my realm of expertise. I have several years of experience.”

  “Lucky animals.” Benjen gave her a slow wink that set Apple’s heart to hammering in her chest. “Since Dr. Wahlberg recommended Dr. Cleveland, can I put you on speed dial?”

  “Absolutely. I’ll give you a card on your way out.”

  Benjen smiled as she pretended to ignore his subtle flirting. “Thanks.”

  “Okay, let’s see how you’re doing, girl.” She began to examine Hope, looking at her chart. “Wow, she’s had a hard life.”

  Benjen knew Apple was reading the details of the dog’s condition when he’d found her almost dead, her mouth duct-taped shut. “Yes, I’m glad I spotted her when I did. She wouldn’t have lasted much longer.”

  To his delight, Apple bent and kissed Hope’s face. “People who abuse animals don’t deserve to walk this Earth.”

  “Amen.” Benjen nodded. This was a woman after his own heart.

  “Hold her for me,” she told him as she readied a couple of injections. “We don’t want her jumping off the table.”

  “Sure will.” Bracing Hope around her middle, he sought to calm her down. “Easy, girl, easy.” As he whispered to the dog, his eyes were drawn to the V of her sweater and the voluptuous swell of round, firm breasts. “Lord have mercy.”

  “Everything will be fine, I assure you, Mr. Blackhawk. I’ve never lost a patient during inoculations.” Apple smiled indulgently at Hope as she quickly gave her the shot. “One down. Hold on. I’ll make it quick.”

  In a moment, it was all over and both dog and master had survived. Benjen let out a breath. “Have you lived in Kingsland long? I don’t remember seeing you around.”

  “Not long at all, but I do tend to blend in.” She tossed the disposable syringes into the garbage.

  “I beg to differ,” Benjen said as he picked up the terrier, holding her in his arms like a football. “I think you’d stand out in any crowd.”

  As if to disagree, she shook her head. “I moved here a month ago from San Angelo. So far, I really like the area.”

  “Do you have family here?” Yea, he was being nosy. He hadn’t met a woman who intrigued him so much since…

  “A great uncle. We lost him last year.” She’d lost a lot of things in the last year. Her grandfather. Her husband. Her home. Her confidence. “I was able to buy his place from the estate. I’m glad to be able to keep it in the family.” Even though it was in wretched condition, it was hers.

  “Who? I’ve lived here all of my life, I might’ve known your great uncle.” Benjen trailed along behind her as she headed back to the front to prepare his bill. He enjoyed inhaling a faint whiff of a floral scent.

  “Lonnie Ellison. He was my mom’s uncle,” she said matter-of-factly, finding a tag for Hope’s collar to show she was current on her shots.

  Benjen knelt with the dog to fasten the tag in place. “I know who you’re talking about. Good man. Sorry for your loss.” He frowned. “As best as I can remember, that old shot-gun house is pretty rundown.” Falling down was a more accurate assessment.

  “Yes. I’m working on making it livable.”

  “The good thing is that the Ellison place isn’t very far from ours. I guess that makes us neighbors,” he told her eagerly. “Our place is in the shadow of Packsaddle Mountain.”

  “Really? I haven’t had time to do much exploring.” Apple jammed her hands in the pockets of her coat, trying to hide the fact that they were shaking. She felt flustered and…hot. The way he filled out his western shirt and jeans made her mouth water. This man was making her feel things she wasn’t ready to feel. Benjen was handsome, sexy, and best of all, he was a nice guy.

  “Well, speaking of exploring…how would you like…”

  “Help! Help!”

  Benjen and Apple’s attention was immediately drawn to a commotion outside the front entrance.

  “What in the world?” Apple said as she rushed around the counter. Benjen opened the door for her. He regretted the interruption, he’d been about to ask the pretty lady for a date.

  “Shush, Hope.” Benjen calmed his dog as he took in the situation. A harried looking woman was struggling with a German shepherd, trying to drag him to the ramp leading to the office porch. “Need some help?” he offered, handing Hope to Apple.

  “This dog is a maniac,” the woman muttered between clenched teeth. “I just can’t handle her anymore.”

  Benjen bounded down the steps, moving to take the leash from the frightened woman’s hands. The dog was doing her dead-level best to get loo
se – snarling, snapping, pulling, and jerking. He knew such behavior in a dog usually stemmed from fear. Sympathy for the animal suspended any caution. “Here, let me.” Reaching for the leash, he took it from the woman. Before he could gain control, the dog lunged and bit Benjen on the hand.

  “Oh, no!” Apple exclaimed. “Are you hurt?”

  “No.” Benjen waved off her concern. “She’s just scared.” Clasping the leash at a lower point he finally got control, bringing the dog to heel. All the while, he whispered to her, reassuring, calming words, “It’s all right, everything will be all right. No one is going to hurt you, girl.”

  “Bring her in.” Apple opened the door, then looked at the frazzled owner. “What’s wrong? Is she hurt? Are you here for shots?”

  “No.” The woman held up her hands. “I don’t want her. I can’t handle this dog any longer! Dr. Cleveland talked my son into taking the puppy, so she can find another home for it. The bitch is defective. I think she’s brain damaged or something. If the doctor doesn’t want to take the time to find it another home, just take her to the pound and have her put down. I don’t care. I just don’t want her anymore.” With that harsh edict, the woman stalked off, leaving Apple and Benjen standing on the porch with the two dogs.

  “I can’t believe this.” He watched the woman drive away without looking back. “What will you do?”

  “Bring her inside.” She walked into the lobby and tied Hope’s leash to a leg of a wrought iron bookcase holding magazines. “You’ll be okay here for a moment or two, girl.”