Page 2 of A Touch of Cowboy

His rough voice washed over her and set her skin tingling. Even the little she could see—worn jeans with a plaid shirt, and a real cowboy hat—spoke of someone who worked with his hands for a living. He wasn’t a wannabe guy. She knew that deep in her soul.

“Excuse me, ma’am.” He lifted off his hat. “Shouldn’t be wearing that indoors.”

“It’s all right. Truly. This is, after all, a working ranch.”

He inclined his head.

“Well, we have horses.”

“Who work as counsellors.”

His sardonic grin bit just a touch.

“I’m accustomed to actually working with horses. Herding cattle, in fact.”

“Not a lot of cattle in Mission City.” She cocked her head. “Or Cedar Valley, for that matter.” The town lay just over an hour east of Vancouver in southwestern British Columbia.

“I’m from Alberta.”

“Oh.” The next province over was more than a twelve hour’s drive. “You’re a long ways from home, cowboy.” She smiled, offering her best show of support.

“Yeah, well…it’s kind of a long story.”

“Which I’ll be happy to hear all about.” Another masculine voice resonated in the room.

The cowboy’s and Avery’s gazes snapped at the same time to the newcomer.

Who held up his hands. “Sorry to interrupt.”

“Justin, you’re too quiet.” Avery gave her coworker a mock glare.

He grinned unrepentantly. The redhead topped out at six foot three, with flaming red hair and stunning blue eyes.

Avery’d always had a soft spot for the younger man. Who was now married and had two adopted children. Justin’s husband, Stanley, was a very lucky man. They both were.

She smiled. “Justin, right on time. Is this your new client?” She turned her attention to the cowboy. “I’m Avery. I really should’ve introduced myself.” She pointed to the guy’s lap. “And that’s Rex.”

Justin peered over the chair and caught sight of the dog. He arched an eyebrow at Avery.

She shrugged. “He was super enthusiastic about meeting…”

“Will.” The cowboy continued to pet the dog. “And I’m super enthusiastic about meeting him. We have a cattle dog on the ranch. Amazing Australian shepherd. I kinda miss her.”

“Well, you’re welcome to keep Rex with you during your session.”

She quickly peeked at Justin who nodded with vigor. Anything that made clients comfortable was encouraged.

Tiffany, the ranch’s official comfort dog, was in with Denise Lang and one of her young patients.

Traumatized children always got first dibs on Tiffany. If a client wanted Rex, though, and he was amenable, he made a good second choice.

“I’d love to have Rex join me.” Gently, Will helped the dog to the floor.

The impudent canine immediately pressed against Will’s leg as the man stood.

Avery snickered. “I think he likes you more than he likes me.”

“Well, ma’am, I’m not quite sure how that might happen. You’re pretty fetching.” His eyes widened. “That was inappropriate—”

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