Tripod jumped onto the counter, his purr loud and distracting.
“Hey, Tripod.” Fisher rubbed the cat’s black head, smiling at the look of bliss on his face. “How’s my favorite helper? Were you visiting Angelica?” he asked.
Angelica was a female cat that had been hit by a car. She was going to be okay, but she was pretty banged up and scared. She sat huddled in the far corner of her cage, mewing pathetically. Earlier he’d let Tripod into her cage and, after a fit of hisses and spitting, Angelica had quieted down. He’d peeked inside to see Tripod grooming the young calico.
“You’re a good boy,” he said, scratching the cat between the shoulder blades and along his spine. He glanced up to see Kylee in the doorway, watching him.
“You’re talking to the cat?” Kylee asked. “And what is he saying?”
Fisher smiled at her. “He’s pretty sure he’s the coolest cat on three legs.”
She giggled, rubbing Tripod’s head. “Are there a lot of three-legged cats around here?”
Fisher pretended to cover Tripod’s ears. “You don’t want to hurt his feelings.” He winked.
“This is the one? That cares for the other animals?” she asked, showering affection on the cat.
He nodded, watching her hand stroke Tripod. “He’s an original,” he murmured, caught up in the curve of her smile. “You ready to get Shawn?”
She nodded, her smile growing as Tripod flopped onto his back and exposed his belly.
“That’s a sign of trust,” Fisher explained. “Or he’s daring you to rub his belly.”
“Daring me?” she asked.
“You know, you touch my tummy and I’ll bite you sort of thing.” He shrugged. “Cats do that from time to time. They like to mess with people.”
She looked at him then. “They do?”
He nodded. “They have an odd sense of humor.”
She giggled. “I didn’t know that.”
He wanted to stroke the curve of her cheek. So he shoved his hands in his pockets instead. “Hunter’s invited us to join them after Shawn’s ride. Some bowling, maybe?”
“Maybe.” She didn’t sound enthusiastic, but it wasn’t a no.
Tripod jumped down and trotted out of the exam room.
“Guess that means it’s time to go?” she asked.
Fisher nodded. “You already speak pretty good cat.”
He led her to his office so he could pack up his laptop and the stack of surgery assignments he needed to grade. Brook had taken half of them, so that left him with thirty-five papers to review.
“Homework?” she asked, staring around his office at the multitude of pet pictures and owner thank-you notes that Fisher had tacked up to decorate his walls.
“And here I thought I was done with school,” he teased. “Good thing I love my job.”
She turned, her blue gaze considering. “People respond to you—animals, too.”
He almost dropped his bag on his desk, wanting to reach for her but worrying he was moving too fast. “Respond to me?”
She nodded, the intensity of her gaze holding him in place. Her reaction to him had been unforgettable. Would she respond the same way now? He couldn’t test it. Shawn was waiting for him—no way he was going to disappoint the boy. So he finished packing up, turned off his office light and locked the door behind them.
“All those thank-you notes and drawings? All over your office? I’m assuming they’re from owners.” She walked with him.
“Some are. Some are from the kids that come on field trips.” He grinned. “We do a week each year for the surrounding elementary schools. We fix all sorts of torn and damaged stuffed animals for the kids, with a few stitches, some compression wrap and a couple of well-placed bandages. The kids love it. And me, too, of course.”
She laughed. “I’m sure they have a great time.”
He glanced at her, loving the sound of her laughter and the ease of her smile.
“Do you really think Shawn will be ready for the camp?” she asked as they made their way out of the school and across the parking lot to his truck.
He unlocked the passenger door and held it open for her. “I do.”
She smiled, taking the hand he offered to step up into his truck. “Thank you.”
“My sincere pleasure,” he said, closing the door and walking around the front of the truck to get in. “Like I said, he’s a natural rider. He and Trigger already have a solid rhythm. By the time camp starts, no one will be able to tell he’s a beginner.”
Their conversation centered on Shawn and the upcoming camp. He could tell she wasn’t as excited over it as her little brother.
“Tell me what’s worrying you so I can fix it,” he said.
She looked at him. “About Shawn?” she asked.
That simple question made him pause. Would she tell him? Would she share the weight of all of her concerns with him?
“We can start there,” he said.
“It’s not a short list,” she teased. But underneath the light and airy tone of voice he suspected she wasn’t teasing at all.
“Tonight, I’m all yours,” he said, regretting the words the instant they were out of his mouth. He knew she was looking at him but couldn’t look at her. “I mean, you have my undivided attention.” When he did look her way, he was surprised to see a small smile on her face.
“I need to get him plugged in to something. He spends too much time alone for someone his age.” She stared out the truck window. “In Vegas, we went everywhere together. But I can’t bring him to work with me—I know that’s not acceptable. Working at Shots can’t compare to the vet hospital’s pay or benefits, but Cutter doesn’t mind if Shawn’s around.” She shook her head. “I don’t know what to do with him, to keep him busy and out of trouble.”
He didn’t have an answer for her. He’d spent the long, hot days of summer running around with his brothers on the ranch. Most days his father had a list of chores he expected them to do. But once that was done, they’d climb trees, look for scorpions, skip stones on the lake or—if the water was high enough—tube down the river that ran through the ranch.
But Shawn was alone, in town. And there wasn’t much for a twelve-year-old boy to do in a town the size of Stonewall Crossing. Unless...
“He could get a job,” he offered.
Kylee looked at him. “I wasn’t expecting you to fix anything, Fisher, I was just...talking.”
She was talking to him. And he liked it, a lot. “I know. And I’m not trying to tend to your business. But I know Archer’s been looking for some help at the animal rehabilitation center. He probably wouldn’t pay Shawn, because Archer is Archer. But Shawn could volunteer there. Maybe a day or two there and another at the hospital. It can be dirty work, but it would definitely keep him busy. Until school starts in the fall. And he’d learn a lot about animals—and people, too.”
They pulled in to Shots then and Shawn barreled into the truck, effectively ending the conversation. Instead of climbing into the back, Shawn squeezed in beside Kylee on the bench seat. That meant Kylee was flush against Fisher’s side, knee to knee, thigh to thigh, hip to hip...
She stiffened instantly but slowly relaxed enough to lean against him. He didn’t want to read too much into that. She was finally comfortable with him—that’s all. It didn’t mean she wanted his touch the way he craved hers. Did it?
Being so close to her, feeling the brush of her against him, made for one hell of a long drive. And he didn’t mind one bit. He savored every second of the drive from town to the ranch and down to the barn. When they parked, Fisher had a hard time moving away from her. He was pretty happy to sit wrapped in her heat, her scent, with the air-conditioning blowing long strands of her hair against his neck.
He climbed out of the truck and glanced at h
er. She was sitting, her hands fisted on her knees, that look on her face. The look she’d had after he kissed her. The look that told him, maybe, her body was humming just as much as his. When their gazes collided, there was a palpable sizzle in the air. There was no denying the immediate effect she had on him. The desire to touch her was almost overwhelming. If Shawn hadn’t been there, he’d have pulled her from the truck and picked up where they left off in the locker room. But Shawn was there, so Fisher winked at her instead. Her smile was huge.
“You going to ride, Kylee?” Shawn asked, coming around the truck to join Fisher.
She shook her head. “How about I watch.”
Shawn nodded. “Will you try next time?”
Fisher waited, hoping she’d say yes. Shawn wanted to share this with her. It would be a good way to start making new memories together.
She nodded. “I will.” She glanced down at her clothes. “Just remind me to put on some other clothes.”
“Okay,” he and Shawn said in unison, making her giggle.
A streak of gray and black came barreling across the yard and into Fisher’s side. “How did you get out?” he asked Chance, who was dancing around on his back feet, eager for attention.
“Hey, Chance.” Shawn knelt, all too happy to shower affection on the wriggling dog. “You an escape artist? Don’t you know you’re lucky to have this place for a home?” He held the dog’s head between his hands. “You remember that and be a good dog for Doc Fisher.”
The dog sat, his good ear perked forward, listening to Shawn. His stubby little tail wagged, he cocked his head to the side and he proceeded to cover Shawn’s face with dog kisses. Shawn was laughing too hard to protest...
Seeing Shawn so carefree, laughing and smiling and acting like a boy his age should, made Fisher happy.
When Kylee’s laughter joined her brother’s, Fisher was pretty sure life couldn’t get much better.
“I’ve been trying to teach him some manners,” he finally said. “Chance, come on now, you’re making me look bad.”
Chance’s ear perked up, then he ran to Fisher’s side and sat at his feet.
“A little late now,” he said to the dog, unable to not smile down at the animal.
“That’s impressive,” Kylee nodded at Chance. “He’s listening to you.”
“Sometimes,” Fisher agreed.
“Sounds like he and Shawn have a lot in common,” Kylee teased, hugging her brother with one arm.
Shawn grinned broadly. “You love me anyway.”
Kylee kissed her brother’s temple. “You know I do.” Fisher caught the look she gave her brother, so full of love there was no way the boy could doubt it.
Shawn sighed, shrugging out from under her arm. “I think I’ll go get the saddle and gear together.”
“You know where it is.” Fisher nodded, pleased Shawn was so excited over his riding time. Shawn headed straight for the barn. Chance was at his heels, ear quirked up and ready for direction.
Fisher’s attention returned to Kylee.
She was looking at him. “Thank you,” she said, walking the short distance that separated them. She stared up at him, so beautiful and tempting he didn’t know which was better—looking at her or kissing her. With Shawn in the barn, he decided to keep his hands to himself. But it wasn’t easy.
He swallowed against the lump in his throat. “For what?” His voice was gruff.
“For caring about Shawn,” she murmured, placing a hand on his chest. “For showing him he’s worthy of your time.”
His hand covered hers. “He is.” He paused. “And so are you, Kylee.” His fingers threaded through hers, pressing her palm over his heart. “I want to spend more time with you.”
She drew in a deep, unsteady breath. “I’m here.”
Fisher lifted her hand and kissed her palm. “I’m glad. Having you here feels right. I hope it becomes a regular occurrence.” Maybe he shouldn’t be so forthright with her. But when they were alone together he opened his mouth and all his thoughts and emotions tumbled out, unfiltered and raw.
“Fisher...” She broke off, her eyes searching his. “I... I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything.” He held her hand and set off toward the barn. “Shawn’s probably waiting on us. He and Trigger are off to a real solid start. Shawn’s a natural cowboy.” He glanced at her. “Not the big-belt-buckle type.”
Chapter Ten
Kylee was amazed. Shawn looked like he’d grown up in the saddle. Every day he got better. His lean frame swayed in time with the horse’s rolling gait. She didn’t know how she felt about the pace they were going, but Shawn seemed nothing but happy.
Happy.
She’d never expected that to be a regular part of her life. But in the week since Fisher had sent her those flowers it had been there, waiting for her. Happiness. It was Fisher, she knew that.
She’d never had a man want to know her the way he did. It wasn’t about sex, though she could tell he was interested. It was more than that. It was the way he offered an encouraging word when she was working at the vet hospital. The warm, yet always respectful way he treated her in public. Like she was his equal, not his inferior. And the way he worked to make her laugh.
She’d only just realized it, but something about her laugh made him stand up straight with pride. She didn’t want to admit she was in love with him—that was beyond her reach. Whatever this bone deep ache and sweetness was, she knew she didn’t want it to end.
Shawn waved at her as he and Trigger galloped by. Fisher was on Waylon, at Shawn’s side to spot her brother.
There were times she still couldn’t believe they were here, safe and...happy. If Miss Millie hadn’t loaded them onto that bus, where would they be? Jesse had told her she was going to work for Mr. Fox doing things she didn’t want to think about and Shawn was staying with Jesse. She’d told him no and ended up in the emergency room.
Mr. Fox wasn’t a street criminal like Jesse, he was bigger—scarier. Mr. Fox had a legendary temper, treating his employees like property. Her life with Jesse wouldn’t seem so bad in comparison to working for Fox.
She crossed her arms over her chest, a chill racking her body and covering her arms with goose bumps. That was over. She was lucky. They were lucky. She was here...with Shawn.
“What do you think?” Shawn asked, slowing Trigger in front of her.
“I think you look good,” she said, shading her eyes against the fading sun. “I’m impressed.”
“I know, isn’t it cool?”
She nodded.
“Fisher’s been great,” Shawn said. “He’s real patient. He doesn’t yell or anything.”
She glanced at Fisher and saw the quick frown on his face. He recovered, a smile in place when Shawn turned to look at him.
“Doc Fisher is great,” she agreed, meaning it.
Fisher tipped his hat to her then, the gesture so old-fashioned and charming she couldn’t stop herself from smiling.
“Can I walk him around the arena a few times?” Shawn asked Fisher. “I’ll go slow.”
“Sure,” Fisher said.
Shawn moved away, letting Trigger amble along the fence line.
“You were right,” she said.
Fisher nudged Waylon closer. “About what?” he asked.
“He’s really good,” she said, patting Waylon’s neck.
Fisher’s attention wandered beyond her, making her turn around. Hunter, his wife, Josie, and Eli were heading over from the barn to the corral.
“Nice to see you, Kylee,” Josie said, smiling brightly. “Shawn looks great on Trigger.”
Kylee nodded. “He’s loving it.”
“We thought we’d stop by. They’re playing a movie on the courthouse lawn tonigh
t.” Hunter said. “Eli really wants Shawn to come.”
“Can he spend the night?” Eli asked.
Hunter smiled. “We’d like to invite Shawn back to the house for an overnight, too, if that won’t interfere with any plans.”
She paused. Shawn had never spent the night away from her—ever. But maybe he should. If he wanted to, she should let him. It was all part of a normal childhood, wasn’t it? Sleepovers, bowling with friends, having a good time.
“If he wants to,” she agreed, trying to sound like it was no big deal.
“I’ll go ask him,” Eli said, already heading across the corral to Trigger and Shawn.
“You two want to join us?” Hunter asked.
“Or Fisher could make her dinner.” Josie glanced at her husband. “Give Kylee a break. Archer’s helping your dad at the Lodge, so it’ll be a break for you, too, Fisher.”
They all laughed then.
She and Fisher, alone. No interruptions. Just the two of them. They’d had a few stolen kisses but they were rarely alone. The last thing Kylee had expected to feel was anticipation. But she did. At the same time, she didn’t want to presume that Fisher wanted—
“Sounds like a plan,” Fisher said.
Twenty minutes later the horses were in their stalls, Shawn was packed into Hunter’s truck and Kylee was standing in Fisher’s living room. She’d spent some time here during the last week, when Shawn was riding. That Fisher had built the stone-and-wood house with his family made it even more impressive. With its vaulted ceiling and a carved wood mantel over the fireplace against the back wall it was both homey and dramatic. They’d played some cards, eaten some incredible stew and biscuits Fisher had made for them, enjoyed toasting marshmallows in the fireplace with the rest of his family and were still working on a huge puzzle of a herd of galloping horses. In one short week, she had come to love being here—with Fisher.
Her fingers traced the intricate wire frame of a table lamp. The bold black steel looked like recycled wagon wheels, horseshoes and other farming implements.
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