Page 11 of A Touch of Cowboy

Will would’ve sworn the dog preened.

“He has his moments.” Avery’s comment might’ve been a little dry.

“I think he’s adorable.” Kennedy grinned.

Will met the counsellor’s gaze. “You’re lucky. We have a sheepdog on the ranch, but she’s not mine. And it wouldn’t be fair for me to have a dog of my own. Since I work so much.”

She offered him a shy smile, her blue eyes turning gentle. “Well, you can spend as much time with Rex as you like.” She gazed at her pooch. “I suspect he’s going to be sticking like glue to you tomorrow. Which means you’re going to have kids hanging around you as well.”

A quick pang zinged through Will. “That’s totally cool. My sister, MaryAnn, has a daughter and son. I love my niece and nephew and don’t see them nearly enough. That’s on me,” he quickly added.

“They’re in Mission City?”

Kennedy met his gaze.

“Uh, yeah. I should’ve spent more time here, but there’s always work on the ranch, you know. And believe it or not, rustlers are a thing. Have to keep an eye on the cattle.”

Avery chuckled. “Okay, that’s a sentence I never thought I’d hear uttered. Well, you’re here now. If you want to bring them—”

Will held up his hands. “Thanks. They’re…a little too much to handle.”

“We’ve got plenty of adults.” Kennedy smiled. “Might give your sister a break.”

For just an instant, Will reconsidered. But no, Susie and Richie were just too much to handle. He’d give MaryAnn and Barry a night off before he went home. Just not tomorrow. “Thanks, anyway—although very kind of you to offer. I should be going.”

“Oh, Avery can walk you out.” Kennedy glanced down at Rex. “A chance to say goodbye.”

“Until tomorrow,” Avery added.

“Yeah. Until tomorrow.” Until that moment, Will hadn’t been absolutely certain he’d go. One look at the anticipation shining in Avery’s eyes made him realize he’d never really been considering not going. A chance to see these wonderful people? And in a social setting? Yeah, he was in.

“Let me grab my coat and bag.”

Avery hustled back to where Will assumed her office was.

“She’s a good woman.”

He swung back to face Kennedy. “Yeah, she seems very genuine.”

“And could easily have her heart broken.”

Tipping his head, he regarded her carefully. “Yes, ma’am. I know I’m only here for a short time.”

“Nothing wrong with having fun while you’re here.”

“I’m ready to go.” Avery emerged wearing a pale-blue wool trench coat and carrying a messenger bag.

Rex yipped.

Will met Kennedy’s gaze.Is she warning me off or giving me permission?

He just didn’t know.

Chapter Five

AverylovedChristmas.Christmason the ranch was always special. The Christmas party, as always, was the pinnacle of the season.

This year, there weren’t as many children as with some years. Although Denise’s client roster was full, not all the parents were in a position to bring their kids out to the ranch if they weren’t here for a session. The ranch was a good fifteen minutes north of Mission City, so not easily accessible to everyone.

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