Courted by the Cowboy Page 5

  She arched a brow. “You think you’re funny, don’t you?”

  “I have my moments. You have to admit, it’s a little quieter back here.” He smiled. “Let me take you back to see Chance.”

  She nodded, a small smile on her face. In the few days since he’d seen her, he’d thought a lot about her smile. “Is it always this crowded?”

  He shook his head. “Last Monday of the month we have discounted vaccinations. Tends to be our busiest day of the month.”

  “Oh.” Her expression softened further. “That’s really nice.”

  “We try to do that around here,” he returned. “Be nice. Take care of animals. And their people.”

  “What was that thing on the cart?” Shawn asked, pointing at the gurney and its comatose occupant.

  “It’s a bobcat,” Kylee answered. Her huge blue gaze fixed on him, “Right?”

  “Yep.” Fisher nodded, inspecting her. She looked tired, with dark circles under her eyes. But then, working all night would do that to a person. How she managed her job and kept up with Shawn was a mystery. Looking at her, he’d bet she could use a break. It was close enough to quitting time—maybe he could take them for an ice cream.

  She’d say no, he knew that. She was too guarded. But he’d already learned she had two soft spots. Her brother and animals. He respected her desire to protect those who were weak. Hell, that was one of the reasons he was in the line of work he was in. Maybe she wouldn’t be so quick to turn him down if he showed them around the hospital. “Just got here. Wanna see?” he asked Shawn.

  Shawn glanced back and forth between his sister and Fisher. It was only after Kylee nodded that Shawn followed Fisher into the exam room where the bobcat lay.

  “Jake, what can you tell us about the patient?” Fisher asked.

  “Lynx rufus,” Jake said, listening to the animal’s heart with his stethoscope. “His vitals are steady. Bleeding is controlled. Actually pretty minor. Waiting on X-rays.”

  Fisher nodded. Sounded like everything was on track. He turned to Shawn. “He’s out cold, if you want to pet him.”

  Shawn stared at the bobcat. “Really?”

  Fisher nodded. “Sure thing.” He looked at Kylee then, figuring he might need to ask her first. But she was just as transfixed by the animal. Something about the look on her face made his chest feel heavy—and warm. “You, too, Kylee.” He smiled at the uncertain expression on her face. “Not every day you get to pet one of these. Normally they have too many teeth and claws.”

  Shawn moved forward slowly, his hands wavering before sinking deep in the cat’s fur. “He’s so soft.” He looked at his sister. “Kylee.” The boy’s exasperated tone brought a smile to Fisher’s lips. How often had he goaded Renata into doing something?

  Kylee placed Chance’s rawhide chew on the counter and moved to Shawn’s side. Her fingers barely touched the cat’s fur before she drew back. Her hand returned, stroking the bobcat’s head with more confidence. “Poor thing,” she murmured. The smile that appeared on her face was mesmerizing. She was mesmerizing—too mesmerizing.

  Fisher understood the awe on Shawn’s face. There was something magical about animals, they inspired delight and wonder—something it was easy to forget when you worked with them day in and day out.

  “What happened to it?” Kylee asked. “How did it get hurt? His leg...is it broken?”

  “It looks broken,” Shawn echoed.

  Fisher nodded toward the bobcat’s back leg. “Got hit by a Jeep.”

  Shawn winced.

  Fisher nodded.

  “How did it get here?” Kylee asked, her brow furrowing.

  “The driver, the one who hit him, loaded him into her car while it was knocked out and drove him here.” Fisher shrugged, still amazed that the woman hadn’t stopped to think about what might happen once the bobcat woke up. A slew of stitches wasn’t good, but it could have been a lot worse.

  Jake jumped in. “Then the bobcat woke up while she was still in the Jeep.”

  Kylee’s mouth fell open. “Is she okay?”

  “She will be. But she needs stitches,” Michelle answered, handing the chart to Fisher for review.

  Kylee grabbed Shawn by the shoulders and pulled him back.

  “He won’t be waking up anytime soon,” Fisher reassured them. “It’s safe, I promise.”

  Shawn resumed stroking the bobcat, his black hair flopping forward onto his forehead. “He has spots.”

  “Know why the bobcat is spotted?” Fisher asked, glancing over the notes Jake and Michelle had added to the chart.

  “No,” Shawn shook his head.

  Fisher handed the clipboard back to Michelle. “One Native American tribe, Shawnee I think, say the bobcat trapped a wily rabbit. Once he was caught, the rabbit told the bobcat he’d taste better grilled. So the bobcat built a fire. But the rabbit told the bobcat the best wood to use was damp wood. Know what happens when you burn damp wood?” he asked Shawn.

  Shawn shook his head.

  “The wood swells, pops and can be a real fire hazard,” he explained. “So when the wood burned, it popped and snapped, and the embers singed the cat’s fur, leaving spots.”

  Kylee frowned. “Mean rabbit.”

  “Smart rabbit.” Shawn laughed. “Bet he didn’t get eaten.”

  Fisher chuckled. “I bet you’re right.” He glanced at Kylee to find her watching him.

  “What will happen to him?” she asked.

  He swallowed, unnerved by the intensity in her blue eyes. “We’ll fix him. If he can be fully rehabilitated, he’ll be released in the wild. If not, my brother Archer has a rehabilitation and refuge center. He’ll take in any animal that needs a safe place to live out their life.” He saw the slight crease between her brows. She looked like that a lot when they were together but he didn’t know why. He got the feeling she was waiting for him to do or say something else. He hoped she wouldn’t be disappointed to know that, with him, what you saw was what you got.

  * * *

  LISTENING TO FISHER’S folktale filled her with unexpected longing. She didn’t put much stock in being sentimental or dwelling on the past. Most of her memories were best forgotten. But she had a few of her mother that she cherished. Climbing into her mother’s lap with a book, the feel of her mother’s softness, her sweet scent engulfing her and the soft lilt of her voice. Kylee had felt safe and protected...two things she hadn’t felt in years, two things she’d almost forgotten were a part of her childhood.

  “Dr. Archer on his way?” Fisher asked the students.

  “Yes, sir,” the girl answered. “He said he’d meet us in the OR after X-rays were done.”

  “I’m betting there’s a hip issue,” Fisher spoke, leaning over the bobcat. “See the displacement?” Both the students crowded beside him, peering at the slight bulge of bone along the cat’s hip. Kylee almost smiled at their eagerness. “Make sure you get clear images. Might want to have an ultrasound on standby, as well.”

  Shawn was still stroking the bobcat, but even he’d bent closer to the animal. His eyes narrowed as he studied the area Fisher had pointed out. His nose scrunched up and he frowned as he realized what the lump might mean. “Will you have to do surgery on him?” Shawn asked.

  Fisher smiled at her brother. “Looks like it. He’ll be up and around in no time.”

  Kylee was surprised to realize she believed him. And, from the small smile on Shawn’s face, so did he.

  “Since he’s in such capable hands, how about I show you around?” Fisher offered.

  “That would be cool.” Shawn was instantly excited.

  It did sound cool, but she knew Fisher was being polite. “No, we should go,” she argued, placing a calming hand on her brother’s shoulder. “We don’t want to interrupt. You obviously have work to do.”r />
  Fisher shook his head. “I wouldn’t have offered if it was an interruption. I’m off in—” he glanced at his watch before finishing “—eighteen minutes anyway.”

  “Please, Kylee,” Shawn pleaded. “This place is awesome.”

  “It really is,” the female student agreed. “I came here on a field trip when I was in seventh grade and knew I wanted to go to school here.”

  “You took a field trip here?” Shawn asked.

  “Every year,” Fisher said. “The kids get to be a vet for a day.”

  The girl nodded. “I saw all these dogs and cats and knew this was my future.”

  Kylee smiled when Shawn looked at her. They hadn’t spent much time talking about the future before. Their days had been about surviving—keeping Jesse happy. Thinking beyond their day-to-day was dangerous; it led to ideas and hope. And hope meant there was something to lose. But if they stayed here in Stonewall Crossing that might change. Shawn could grow up making plans for a real future, have friends and gain legal skills for a good life.

  She didn’t say much as Fisher gave them a tour. It was an overwhelming facility, full of high-tech gadgets and impressive equipment. The only experiences she’d had with medical facilities had been for stitches, slings or treatment for her latest injury. She’d always equated hospitals and clinics with the suffering she and Shawn had experienced. But now...she saw beyond the injury to the healing. What would it be like to be a student here? To be trained on the newest, best equipment. To have engaging and passionate teachers like Fisher. To help.

  Shawn had a million questions and Fisher answered them all—just like she’d known he would. She was beginning to consider Fisher was something she thought didn’t exist: a good guy. She waited for Fisher to be preoccupied with Shawn before studying him. Fisher’s smile, his laugh, his easygoing nature was a stark contrast to Jesse. Which was good—Shawn needed a better role model.

  “Recovery ward,” Fisher said, pushing open another door.

  Chance greeted them with several awkward spins and the frantic wave of his stubby tail.

  “He’s happy to see you,” Fisher translated.

  “Even I figured that one out.” Kylee couldn’t stop her smile then. “He looks great.”

  “He’s a real sweetheart.” Fisher squatted so he could rub the dog behind his good ear. “Good disposition. A real pleaser.”

  “What will happen to him when he’s all healed?” Shawn asked, sitting on the floor. Chance was on him then, circling Shawn, licking his ear, whimpering with unfiltered happiness. “Hey, boy, I brought you something.”

  Chance took the rawhide chew, put it in the corner of his cage and ran—awkward but steady—back to Shawn. Shawn held his arms out, hugging the little dog close and carefully rubbing the wiggling creature.

  “We’ll find him a home,” Fisher said, watching Shawn. “He’s got too much energy to live here at the school.”

  “Some animals do?” she asked, surprised.

  “Tripod does,” Fisher answered, turning his green eyes on her.

  “Who’s Tripod?” Shawn asked, giggling as Chance curled up in his lap.

  “He’s a pretty important cat, actually. He comforts the patients that are hurting.”

  “A cat?” Kylee repeated. “Patients, as in other animals?”

  “Not all of ’em. He seems to know who needs him.” Fisher grinned. “I know it sounds weird but he helps. I’ve seen it, calming the other animals’ BP. He’ll lie by them, groom them, sometimes he just puts his paw on them. He must give off some sort of healing vibe that other animals respond to.”

  “Sounds like another story?” Shawn asked. “Like the bobcat and his spots?”

  Fisher chuckled. “It’s true. I promise.”

  “A nurse cat?” Shawn asked, still skeptical.

  “Pretty much,” Fisher agreed.

  Kylee was intrigued. “That’s amazing.”

  “It is. Even more so considering he’s three-legged.” Fisher’s gaze caught and held hers. It was warm and steady, soothing yet...alarming. “I’ll take you back to the offices. He’ll be there somewhere,” he offered, completely unaware of the conflicting emotions he inspired in her.

  “We don’t want to keep you.” Even if she was a little tempted. “I need to get Shawn back for dinner—”

  “After we take Chance for a walk, we could get some burgers?” He was asking her, his gaze never wavering.

  She tore her gaze from his and knelt on the ground by Shawn. Having dinner with him would make it a little hard to avoid him and no men was still number one on her list. She was still trying to figure Fisher Boone out. What did he want? Why was he so nice? He’d have an angle, men always did. Until she knew what it was she needed to avoid him. She looked at him. “I have to work tonight.” Which was true.

  He paused, studying her. She didn’t like it. She didn’t like the disappointed sigh, the slight narrowing of his watchful gaze or the smile that spread slowly across his handsome face. He cocked his head to the side. “I was heading to the bowling alley down the road, meeting up with Jo and Hunter and their son, Eli. You might have met him at Shots? He and Shawn are buddies.” Fisher paused. “I could take Shawn. Probably be a bunch more boys their age there. Won’t keep him out late. And we can bring you a burger after?”

  She frowned at Fisher. He had no right to ask like that—in front of Shawn. Of course, he’d have no way of knowing she rarely let Shawn out of her sight. She had good reason. At least, she’d had good reason when they were in Las Vegas. But they weren’t in Las Vegas anymore. And things here, in Stonewall Crossing, were different.

  She wavered, but her unease won out. They might not be in Las Vegas, but that didn’t mean she was okay sending her little brother off with someone who was practically a stranger.

  She glanced at her brother and their gazes locked. He must have understood her hesitation because Shawn murmured, “Thanks anyway, Dr. Fisher.” The tone of his voice revealed just how frustrated her little brother was.

  “No problem. Maybe next time. Here.” Fisher handed her brother the leash. “Let’s take Chance out for some exercise.”

  She watched the dog wiggle and squirm as Shawn attached the leash. Shawn’s laugh was infectious, making her smile in spite of the ache in her chest. She hated disappointing Shawn but the years had taught her to protect, not trust. Trust wasn’t something she did easily. Everything about Fisher was unknown.

  Fisher nodded toward the door at the end of the recovery wing. “Chance knows the way,” he said to Shawn.

  Kylee watched as her little brother was pulled toward the door by a very excited Chance.

  “I’m sorry if I overstepped,” Fisher said quietly.

  She stared at him. He was apologizing?

  “I just thought...” He shrugged. “He and Eli are about the same age. A boy needs friends. And a dog.” He nodded after them.

  Kylee studied his face. There was no hint of teasing. He seemed sincere. It would be so much easier if she could find some way to believe the worst of him. She needed to keep Fisher at arm’s length. She knew how to do that. For the last few years it had been her and Shawn against the world. It made life a lot easier. Having friendships? This was foreign territory. She was about to say “I don’t know you,” but stopped herself. Any explanation would require more information than she was willing to give. Instead she said, “Shawn’s had a lot of disappointments in life—”

  “I wasn’t planning on disappointing him, Kylee. Bowling and burgers and a few laughs. According to my nephew Eli, kids like that sort of thing.”

  She sucked in a deep breath, turning her attention to Shawn. He had left the door open—so she could see him, flat on his back, with the dog crawling over him. Kids like that sort of thing. Shawn’s childhood hadn’t exactly been easy. Then again, n
either had hers.

  “Kylee?” Fisher’s voice was so soft. “How about we plan for two weeks from today? Me, you, Shawn and my brother and his family?”

  She didn’t answer.

  “I’ll warn you,” Fisher kept going, “I’m a damn fine bowler.”

  She tried not to grin. “You have a high opinion of yourself, Doc.”

  “If the shoe fits.” He nudged her, winking.

  “You two coming?” Shawn called.

  “I’ll think about it. And thanks for the offer of a ride, but we’ll walk home,” she said.

  “I don’t mind—”

  “We’ll walk,” she insisted. She picked up the pace, putting distance between herself and Fisher. The more distance the better. Yes, Fisher was nice. And handsome. And he had a great sense of humor. If she was being honest with herself, she’d admit there seemed to be a lot to like. Which scared her. She didn’t have the best judgment when it came to men, and she had the scars to prove it.

  Chapter Four

  Fisher slid the envelope across the bar. “Don’t make a big deal out of this,” Fisher warned the grinning old man.

  Cutter shook his head, but he kept grinning.

  “What?”

  “In my day a fella would bring flowers,” Cutter muttered. “Or take her out for a nice dinner.”

  “This is for Shawn,” Fisher argued. No twelve-year-old boy wanted to spend the whole summer cooped up indoors, not knowing anyone, with nothing to do. “The camp had a last minute cancellation—”

  “I get it.” Cutter interrupted. “I still say you’re takin’ the scenic route on this trip. But whatever works.”

  Fisher couldn’t hold back his smile then. “I owe you one, Cutter.”

  “Good for the boy.” Cutter tapped the envelope on the counter. “Kid deserves a break. So does his sister.”

  Over a very bad cup of coffee, Cutter had shared everything he knew about his new employee and her brother. It wasn’t much, but it was enough. Kylee and Shawn were on their own. They had no family and no safety net. Cutter’s sister ran a boardinghouse for those who’d otherwise be homeless. She was the one who had packed Kylee and Shawn onto a bus in Las Vegas and sent them to Stonewall Crossing.