Courted by the Cowboy Page 9

  “Doc.” She nodded as Devon slid a tub of clean beer tumblers and glasses in front of her. “Beer?” Kylie asked, barely glancing at him.

  “Yes, please.” He accepted the bottle she slid his way. “Looks like a quiet night.”

  She nodded, wiping out a tumbler before putting it away. Her gaze swept the room, one of her habits he was beginning to recognize.

  “How was your week?” he asked.

  “Fine.” But she didn’t look at him. She started unloading the tub, sliding glasses into the overhead slots and stacking the tumblers on the shelf behind her.

  “Mine was long, thanks for asking. Got myself a dog—he’s a real handful. Some crazy woman saved him from being eaten by two big dogs.” He watched her reaction. She had the sweetest smile he’d ever seen. “Chance has more energy than three dogs combined. Archer’s not exactly thrilled but...” He shrugged. “And I spent a couple of nights working at Archer’s place—”

  “To get your house back?” she asked, glancing at him.

  He nodded. “I like to think I’m helping my brother gain his independence.” He grinned. “And I have a new surgical resident. Which means training.” He nodded his head at the dance floor where Brook and Toben were spinning like crazy. “If there was a surgery or an emergency this week, I think we worked it.”

  “She’s a veterinarian?” Kylee asked, looking at the couple.

  He nodded. “Really good, too, as far as I can tell. She’s smart and gets along with everyone—even Archer, so far. That says a lot. Part of my job is to show her the ropes.” Was it his imagination or did Kylee’s mouth tighten? “Though it looks like Toben wants to take over.”

  Kylee glanced at him then. “You sure that’s a good idea?”

  He laughed. “She’s a big girl. What she does with her free time is her business.”

  Kylee’s gaze met his.

  “You’re up,” Devon called, holding a large tray of pints high.

  “Got it.” Kylee’s gaze left his as she headed down the bar to a waiting customer.

  He watched her move, the way her new jeans hugged her hips and thighs when she bent and stretched. Her long hair swayed with every step, slipping over her shoulder to shield her face. He wanted to tuck it back, to run his fingers through its silky strands. He clenched his fists, hoping to redirect his focus. But then she bent forward, her shirt clinging to her chest and driving him to the edge. His grip on his beer bottle grew dangerously tight as he took a long swig.

  “That’s her?” Brook asked, coming to sit beside him at the bar. “She’s gorgeous.”

  He nodded, never taking his eyes off Kylee. Hell, he could stare at her all night.

  “Toben’s right. You’re whipped, Dr. Boone,” Brook’s words were soft, but he heard her amusement.

  Fisher shot Brook a look. “Thanks for the opinion.”

  “What can I get you?” Kylee asked, drawing his attention back to her—and those blue eyes. His throat felt tight.

  “I’ll have what he’s having,” Brook said.

  He shot Brook a look. “Kylee, this is Brook Marcus, the new surgical resident at the hospital.”

  “All the way from New York,” Brook agreed. “Nice to meet you.”

  Kylee nodded, the slightest smile on her face. “You, too.” She popped the top off a beer bottle before setting it on the bar.

  The song on the jukebox changed and Brook hopped up. “I can dance to this without breaking your toes, cowboy.”

  He glanced at Kylee. She drew in a deep breath, her big blue eyes shifting from him to Brook. He’d give just about anything to know what she was thinking.

  “Come on,” Brook continued, pulling him from the bar.

  He left his beer on the counter and let her lead him onto the dance floor.

  Brook chuckled, moving to the beat. “I think you should ask her out, Fisher.”

  “If only it were that easy,” he muttered.

  She stared up at him. “Nobody said it was easy to get what you want.”

  He laughed then. She was right. And, no matter what Kylee had been through, he wanted a chance to prove things could be better. Things could be good. He wanted them to be good, for her and Shawn both. He glanced at the end of the bar. Shawn sat there, pencil between his lips, staring at his notebook.

  “What’s holding you back?” Brook asked.

  “She’s been through a lot,” he murmured.

  “Haven’t we all?”

  “No, not like her.” His defense was quick. “I don’t want to mess things up. Or scare her off.” Something about Kylee made him hesitate. She was strong, that much was clear. But she was also fragile.

  Brook didn’t say anything else about Kylee. Instead, she asked him about Stonewall Crossing and what the locals did for fun.

  “You’re doing it,” he told her, laughing again. “Rodeo most weekends. Dance halls, bowling and the occasional holiday events are about it.”

  Brook shook her head. “This is such a small town.”

  One of the things Brook had mentioned—at least a dozen times—was how cute Stonewall Crossing was. She couldn’t get over the fact that the town was smaller than her undergraduate university.

  “It is,” he agreed.

  She looked up at him. “From the distinct pride in your voice, I’m assuming you’ve no grand plans to go on to bigger and better things?”

  He smiled, shaking his head. “There might be bigger, but I doubt there’s better.” There was only one thing that could make Stonewall Crossing any better than it was. His gaze found Kylee at the bar—staring right back at him. Now he needed to get up the nerve to tell her as much.

  Chapter Six

  Kylee tore her gaze from Fisher. She should be happy for him. She should want him to be happy. He deserved it. Brook Marcus was his sort of woman. Smart, attractive, confident—an animal lover. And Brook made Fisher laugh. He had a great laugh. Every time Kylee heard it, she found herself grinning in response.

  She should be happy for him...but watching them on the dance floor left Kylee feeling hollow.

  Since she wasn’t ready to consider the reason, she busied herself with wiping the bar down and checking in with Shawn. He sat at the end of the bar, lost in his work, his fingers and his forehead smudged with pencil lead. She grinned, wiping the marks from his face. But Shawn’s drawing made her pause. Her little brother’s talent was awe-inspiring. “Amazing,” she whispered, giving him a quick hug. “Need anything? Hungry? Want something to drink?”

  He shook his head, barely glancing up before returning to his work, his fingers blurring the thicker lines to give the illusion of movement.

  By the time she’d restocked the towels, Brook and Fisher were sitting at the bar. They were smiling at each other, in deep conversation. Kylee ignored the ache that settled in the pit of her stomach, reminding herself over and over that Fisher Boone was a friend, a good friend. And that was all he would ever be.

  If she was bothered by the budding romance between Brook and Fisher, it had nothing to do with the good doctor and everything to do with being lonely. It was a choice, she knew that. But watching over Shawn, keeping them safe, hadn’t left a lot of room for much else. Most of the time she managed to keep her emotions bottled up, but when she stopped long enough it was hard to ignore just how lonely she was. She wouldn’t wish it on anyone. Especially someone like Fisher.

  Brook spoke quickly, her hands moving and her face animated, catching Kylee’s eye. With her crazy curly red hair, big brown eyes and thick dark lashes there was no denying she was pretty. What’s more, she had a friendly and open sort of energy. She and Fisher could be good together.

  Kylee left them alone, finding Devon to review the week’s order and work schedule. She might have Saturday off, but she was working the late sh
ift every night this week. It wasn’t the hours she objected to, it was dragging Shawn along with her. Like her, he was making strides with their new life, but he still didn’t like to be alone. She worried about him, his odd sleep schedule and the eclectic company he kept. But all those things came hand in hand with her working in a bar.

  She waved at Devon as the other woman clocked out, then she picked up one of the large tubs for cleanup. Kylee made a sweep of the dance hall, clearing three tables and pocketing tip money before making her way back to the bar. It might be a slow night, but the table of older ladies had been generous tippers. A rare treat.

  She tucked the tip into her pocket, catching sight of Shawn, yawning, at the end of the bar. If she worked at the animal hospital she wouldn’t need to worry about tips or regular late-night shifts. The only thing stopping her from turning in the completed application was fear. Something she was working hard to let go of. She was smart—she could learn the skills necessary for this job. She’d strive to become the best damn employee there. And give Shawn the future he deserved.

  Just like that, she made up her mind. She’d turn in the application Monday morning and do her best to be as polite as possible. If they hired her, she’d have to work on her customer-service skills—admittedly not her strong suit.

  “Can we get some water?” Brook called, smiling at her.

  Kylee headed back to the bar, a spring in her step. She filled two mugs with ice and water and put them on the counter. Since it was so slow, she was going to work in the supply closet. That way Fisher and Brook would have some privacy, and she’d have some space.

  “Thanks. You haven’t been in Stonewall Crossing all that long have you, Kylee?” Brook asked before she could disappear. “This place is a trip. I half expected to see a horse tied up out front.”

  “It happens now and then,” Kylee agreed, thinking about Fisher’s horse tied in front of Pop’s bakery. She and Shawn had laughed, in total shock. From the corner of her eye, she saw Fisher glance Shawn’s way. He was smiling.

  “Really? I’ll have to take pictures of that.” Brook’s brown eyes went round. “How long did it take before it started feeling normal for you?”

  Kylee had to smile at that. She’d never had a normal so she couldn’t really answer the question. Instead she said, “Everyone made us feel welcome right away.” Everyone, like Fisher. She glanced at him—he was looking at his beer bottle.

  Her chest ached.

  “So you feel at home here?” Brook pushed.

  Kylee nodded, without thought. She didn’t know when this small town had become home, but it was. The anxiety that gripped her had all but disappeared. She wasn’t suspicious of everyone she met. There was security here—even if she and her brother were living in a tiny apartment in the back of a bar. For the first time in years, she and Shawn were safe.

  “I’m not sure I could ever feel at home here,” Brook laughed. “But I guess I can enjoy good beer, some pool and cowboys.” She winked at Kylee.

  Kylee glanced at Fisher, then back at Brook. If Fisher was interested in Brook, he needed to step up his game.

  “I’m off to play some pool.” Brook tipped her beer bottle at Fisher. “With some cowboys.”

  Kylee expected Fisher to go with her, so his, “Have fun,” was a surprise. Shouldn’t he be running interference between Toben and Brook instead of smiling at her from his bar stool? Sort of like how she should be heading into the supply room to double-check inventory but wasn’t.

  She had missed his easygoing smile and conversation. She’d missed him, being here, being him. She was beginning to think she was the only woman to appreciate just what a good man Fisher was. If Brook Marcus had any brains, she’d forget fooling around with sweet-talkers like Toben and go for the real thing—Fisher. She knew if things were different, Fisher Boone was the sort of man she’d want at her side.

  “You look pretty, Kylee,” Fisher said quietly. But his words made something warm and light bubble up inside her. Her heart thumped so hard and fast she worried he might hear it. But he rested an elbow on the bar. “Shawn drawing more horses? Too bad y’all didn’t get here a few weeks earlier for the Fourth of July. Shawn would have gotten a kick out of all the horses. We’ll have another parade for Labor Day, though.” He paused, sipping his beer. “Got any special plans coming up?

  She shrugged, the pounding of her heart barely slowing.

  “Any interest in bowling?” he asked.

  Kylee looked at him then, her eyes meeting his—and holding.

  His gaze was warm and welcoming, the smile on his face too distracting to ignore. She couldn’t hold back her answering smile or stop the rush of pleasure through her blood. It was easy to smile with him, to be herself. She swallowed, tearing her gaze from his.

  Herself.

  Broken. Vulnerable. Bitter. Confused. Fisher wouldn’t want to know that girl. A girl who’d done things he could never understand. She’d never ask him to. No matter how he might make her feel, she needed to remember who she was and where she came from. They lived in different worlds and always would.

  “Renata’s got big things planned for Labor Day this year. The parade, a craft market, some gunfight reenactments or something—the crowds love that. I’m helping out with some hayrides, too. Maybe Shawn could help with that?” he asked, his question drawing her attention back to him. His eyes flashed and the corner of his mouth quirked in a half smile.

  Her lungs felt empty. “You c-can ask him.”

  He nodded. “Just wanted to make sure it was okay with you first—this time.”

  Meaning he didn’t want to upset her again. It meant a lot that he’d remembered. But Fisher would remember. Fisher would look for ways to include Shawn, too. Because that was who he was, thoughtful, caring, handsome...and off-limits. “I appreciate that, Doc.” Her voice wavered.

  “It’s a good month away but you should plan on going.” His gaze got tangled up in hers just long enough to make her dazed and speechless.

  “Maybe.” She glanced beyond him at Brook. “We’ll keep an eye out for you two.”

  “Two?” he asked, a crease forming on his forehead.

  She nodded. “Brook. She’s new in town. You two have a lot in common.”

  He blinked, confusion lining his face. “Work?”

  “She’s pretty, Doc,” Kylee encouraged. Was he denying what she’d seen on the dance floor? There was a spark there, a connection. “You should ask her out.”

  He stared at Kylee then, completely frozen.

  Why was he acting so...strange? Was he uncomfortable talking about his feelings? She could relate to that. She tried again, “I know you’re not a ladies’ man—”

  “Whoa, whoa.” That snapped him out of it. “Why do you say that?”

  “I’ve never seen you hit on anyone...or interested before.” Kylee couldn’t help laughing at the affront on his face.

  “Before?” he asked, confusion lining his features.

  “I saw you two out there.” She paused, that empty, hollow ache threatening to consume her. She hurried on, “You’re into the teasing and funny thing. It makes you safe.” He made her feel safe. Which was why, after everything she’d been through, Fisher was such a complete surprise. He was the best man she’d ever met.

  He stared at her for a long time before asking, “Safe is bad?”

  “No,” she assured him, holding up her hands. “All I meant was... I just thought...” If he didn’t get a move on, men like Toben would turn Brook’s head and he’d never stand a chance. Why women were drawn to that, the Tobens of this world, she’d never understand. She glanced at the redhead, then back at Fisher. “Maybe, I could help you?”

  He arched a brow. “Help me?”

  “Get the girl,” she murmured. This was for him. To see him laughing and dancing would make he
r happy. She wanted that for him.

  The longer he sat there, his green eyes searching hers, the more uncomfortable she became. Had she offended him? She hadn’t meant to. Maybe her delivery needed work. Further proof that she had no business trying to have any sort of relationship—friendship or otherwise.

  “You’re helping me because...?” he asked, eyes narrowed.

  Her heart was in her throat. “You’ve been really good to Shawn and me, Doc. I appreciate it.”

  “I’m glad. But you don’t need to pay me back, Kylee.”

  His words cut through her. He’d saved Chance and taken an interest in Shawn. No matter how much he denied it, she knew he had something to do with Shawn’s scholarship to camp. He’d done all those things with no ulterior motive—and it humbled her. In her old world, actions or favors had costs. Jesse taught her that. This was a very different world, one she was becoming fond of, but old habits die hard.

  Her experience with men was limited to Jesse. Jesse, who told her who to be nice to and taught her that if she smiled or talked to anyone else there would be painful consequences. Other than Shawn, she’d never thought of willingly being attached to a man. And feeling affection—feeling anything except fear—had never occurred to her. But nothing had prepared her for the way she felt around Fisher. He was the first man she’d liked having around, and she wanted to do something for him. Not as payback, but in appreciation. She just didn’t know how to say that to him.

  Something on her face must have told him she was struggling because his hand slid across the bar, reaching for hers before she realized what he was doing. The spark between his hand and hers made her whole body tremble. Whatever hollowness she felt was replaced by an altogether different feeling. Heavy, warm, aching and oh, so good. She didn’t pull away, she couldn’t. Instead, she stared at their hands, at his sun-bronzed fingers twined with hers. His fingertips were rough, his nails short and clean, his strength wrapped securely around her. Her heart thundered like crazy, making her shirt tremble in time with each rapid beat.