Page 7 of A Touch of Cowboy

To Rex’s annoyance, he was on a leash. He tried pulling. Once.

Avery halted.

Rex glanced at her. Then he hung his head and moved back to her side. They resumed their journey, and he didn’t try to pull again.

Rainbow, Kennedy’s sister, greeted the women as they made their way into the stables.

Avery kept glancing over at the two men. She might or might not have noticed what a great seat Will had. Or what a perfect ass the man possessed. Or how truly confident he was on the horse.

“Hey, I didn’t realize you’d be out.” Rainbow continued to brush Briar’s shiny coat. “I would’ve saved Fallon for you.”

Kennedy waved her off. “No worries. This is an impromptu visit.”

Rainbow eyed Avery. “Checking out the new guy.”

Avery felt heat rise in her cheeks. “No, nothing like that. Rex needed fresh air. Right, baby?”

Her pup purposely ignored her.

Tiffany came trotting into the building after obviously having done her business. First, she rubbed against Kennedy, then she went to Rainbow. The dog truly had two mistresses and was content to split her time.

Kennedy was happy to use her for the therapy sessions while Rainbow appreciated the company. The woman kept the ranch going—taking care of the horses and the property in general.

Looks-wise, the sisters couldn’t be more different. Rainbow had long, blue-black hair and the palest blue eyes Avery’d ever seen. So did the other six Dixon women. Kennedy, the eldest, was the only one who didn’t have black hair and blue eyes. Everyone in the large family joked she’d been the daughter of the mailman. Totally untrue, of course. The Dixon parents, Brian and Moonshine, loved each other. Would have to, what with eight daughters.

Rex rubbed against Avery. “You need to pee?”

He sniffed the air indolently.

“I’ll take that as ayes.” She said the word on a laugh. “Let’s go.” She offered a quick wave to her friends before guiding Rex out of the stable.

The dog made a beeline for the fence railing. He sniffed, then indelicately lifted his leg, christening the pristine white snow.

“Oh, seriously?” Avery’d always sworn she wouldn’t get a dog who lifted their leg. But when she’d seen Rex at the shelter, her heart melted and she realized how he peed didn’t matter. Not when she could give a loving home to such a special dog.

The men approached on horseback, and Rex perked up.

Traitor. He’d spent all of thirty minutes in Will’s presence, and now he thought they were friends.

“Hey, little buddy.” Will’s face split into a grin. “You miss me?”

Rex woofed.

Justin chuckled.

Avery, completely exasperated, rolled her eyes.

“Oh, sorry, ma’am. Should I be staying away?” Will met her gaze.

She caught a twinkle in those chocolate-brown eyes. His black hair peeked out from under his tan cowboy hat.Tall, dark, and handsome indeed.

“Not at all. You go wherever the spirit moves you.”God, did I really just say that?“I mean—”

“I think he knows what you mean.” Justin cocked his head.

“Right. I’m going to take Rex inside.”

“Is he cold? It’s a brisk day.”

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