Page 6 of A Touch of Cowboy

“So here you are.”

“Yeah, here I am.” He sighed. “So can you sign off that I’m fine? That I’m not suicidal? Then I can go on my way—”

Justin held up a hand. “I would need more time. You telling me you’re fine and me actually ascertaining that fact for myself are two very different things.” He rose. “Why don’t we go meet the horses?”

Will cuddled Rex, eased him onto the floor, then popped up again. “Now you’re talking my language.”

Chapter Three

Averypouredherselfamug of tea.

Rex eyed her.

She sighed. “You know you’re not allowed around the horses unless you’re on a leash. If Justin and Will go riding, you’d be in the way.”

Her dog glanced over at Tiffany, the ranch’s comfort dog, then glared back at his mistress.

Said mistress sighed. “Tiffany’s trained to be around the horses. Stop glaring. This is a contest of wills you will never win.”

“Win what?” Kennedy, the owner of the ranch and head psychologist breezed into the kitchen. “Oh, did the kettle just boil?”

“Yes, would you like me to make you a cup?”

Kennedy waved her off, then set about making her own cup of Earl Grey. “Did you sayWill?”

Avery bit her lip, eyeing her boss. The statuesque brunette had a figure to die for, deep-brown eyes that always shone, the sweetest personality—when she wasn’t pissed, and the sharpest mind Avery’d ever met.

“Yeah…Rex was just telling me how much he enjoyed his time with Will, the new client.” She’d managed to gleam his name…but not much else.

Kennedy gazed out the kitchen window into the backyard. She had a perfect view of the riding ring. “Well, didn’t take much to convince Justin to get on a horse.”

Avery rose, mug in hand, and joined her boss in gazing out the massive window.

The winter sun shone brightly against the snow. Almost glaringly.

Two figures sat on horses as they made their way around the riding ring. Justin was on Sugar while Will rode Fallon. Fallon was normally Kennedy’s horse. She and Sugar were the largest of the four retired show horses. Sienna and Briar were likely still tucked in the warm stalls.

Tiffany chuffed.

Kennedy pivoted to the dog. “You want out?”

The yellow lab cocked her head.

“Okay, fair enough. I think you need a coat.”

Tiffany’s tail wagged.

Rex sat up and whimpered.

Avery rolled her eyes. “Seriously?”

Kennedy laughed. “If you put our teas in thermal mugs, I’ll get the pooches dressed.”

Although she would’ve taken either job gladly, Avery liked getting the drinks organized. Made her feel useful. Not that she felt awkward. Or at least not often.

Their boss did an amazing job at keeping everyone feeling like they contributed. Avery was pretty much grateful every day to have such an amazing job.

After the women donned their coats, boots, scarves, and gloves, they headed out, pooches in tow.

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