Page 10 of Falling For Her Cowboy
Melah’s gaze flew to Ridge. Dinner? Was he asking her out on a date? She glanced down at herself and her now dirty jammy pants, t-shirt, and the flip-flops she’d tossed on. Seriously? Well, if he wasn’t willing to take money, then she could at least buy the man a meal.
“As long as I’m paying.” She tilted her head to the side.
His lips curled up into a wide grin.
“I can’t remember the last time a woman treated me to a good meal.” He laughed.
“Well, then you need to find a new woman.” The words were out of her mouth before she could think. Her eyes widened as the realization set in.
Ridge burst out in a hefty laugh.
“I’m so sorry. That’s not to say your wife is horrible or anything?—”
“I’m not married.” His smile faded.
His gaze swept her again, and when he met her eyes with his, her knees grew weaker. Something fluttered in her stomach.
“No girlfriend either.”
It was as if he’d made a point to clarify he was unattached. Was he flirting with her? Or making a move? She had been out of the game way too long, so she wouldn’t even know it unless a man plainly spelled it out for her.
“Oh.” That was all she could muster. She swallowed hard and offered a small smile. “Well, you let me know when you are free and we can grab a bite to eat.” She began walking away for fear of what else she may accidentally say. She gave a wave and spun on her heel and started on the path to the bunkhouse. She called out over her shoulder, “Goodnight.”
“Sweet dreams, Melah.”
A shiver rippled down her spine at the way he’d pronounced her name. She didn’t dare turn around and look to see if he was watching her. She could feel the heat of his gaze on her. A silly smile graced her lips. She didn’t know what had just happened, butshe felt like a woman. Not one who had been assaulted, beaten down, or who had lost everything.
Just in those few moments, she’d felt like a new woman.
Like the one she could be once she’d finished healing.
Unable to resist, she held her head up higher and threw a little extra twist in her hips as she walked back to the house. Now that Daisy was okay, she could sleep.
And Melah had a funny feeling she knew who the star of her dreams would be tonight.
Chapter Four
“Don’t worry about coming into the office. I can handle it. There’s not much going on today,” Faith said.
She was the other vet who worked with Ridge. The clinic had been owned by Dr. Turner who had been the local vet for almost fifty years. He had brought Ridge into the practice straight out of school. Ridge appreciated everything he had learned from the aging doctor. The moment Dr. Turner said he was ready to retire, Ridge had made him an offer for the clinic and purchased it.
Their office was busy, and he had needed help. One vet was not enough for this area, so he’d recruited Faith. He’d known her for years. They’d both grown up in Ironhaven. She was a few years younger than him. Herolder sister had graduated high school with Ridge. The moment he’d called her with the offer, she’d accepted. It allowed her to have a shorter commute than before.
“You sure? I just want to shower really quick and then I can head in.” He grimaced at the grime on him. He’d just come from one of the farm calls. A cow had a breech birth, and he’d had to assist to get the calf out. It was an intense delivery, but Momma and babe were doing well when he’d left. Birthing calves was not as glamorous as some made it out to be. His clothes were soaked in only God knew what.
“I’m positive. You’ve been out practically thirty-six hours. Clean up, sit down, and have a beer.”
“That does sound good.” Ridge laughed. He turned onto the main road of the ranch and picked up speed. He’d be home in mere minutes, but he wasn’t going to be relaxing. If he wasn’t going to go into the office, then he’d head out onto the ranch and jump in to help. His father and Buck could always use an extra hand.
“That’s a doctor’s order. I don’t want to see you until tomorrow. I’ll take over calls then, and you can be in the office. We have a list of cats who need to be spayed and neutered tomorrow on the books.”
Ridge rolled his eyes. Not that he didn’t likeworking in the office, but being out on the road and on the farms and ranches was his first love. He enjoyed treating the big animals.
“Fine. See you in the morning.” He chuckled.
Faith had a bossy side to her, and she’d literally remove him from the office by force if he showed up. They had become good friends, and he knew by her tone that she meant business. He disconnected the call.
Ridge guided his pickup home. He relaxed when he caught sight of the house he’d built from the ground up. Andy had gifted him and Draven a portion of land for them to build homes on. The Silver Creek Ranch was Andy’s legacy, and he and Draven already knew they’d be taking over one day. Ranching was in their blood.
