Page 5 of Austin's Answer
Instinct almost had me reaching for Austin. The urge to comfort him was strong, but I resisted the pull, instead turning to my bag and packing up my supplies. Still, curiosity bubbled up, and I asked, “Why a dude ranch?”
Austin yanked his hat off, smacking it against his leg. “After Mom and Dad died, we discovered the ranch was struggling financially. A dude ranch was the solution we came up with.”
A sharp gasp escaped me, and this time I didn’t stop myself from laying a hand on his arm. “I didn’t know about your parents. I’m so sorry.”
His hand covered mine. His palm was warm, strong, and work-roughened. My heart raced as my body reacted to his touch before I pulled away again. I’d always experienced a little zing when we touched, but it was nothing compared to now. He moved closer.
“I’m sorry about your dad,” he said. “I heard he had a stroke.”
My lips tightened. “Apparently. Not that anyone told me when it happened.”
Austin frowned. “That’s not right.”
“I agree. Vince doesn’t.” I shook my head. “I don’t want to get into it.”
“If you want someone to listen, I’m here.” He reached out and squeezed my hand before releasing me and changing the subject. “What’s next with the horses?”
“I’ll call Doc Johnson to arrange for follow-up care. He’ll need to come out regularly to check on them.”
“Why not you?” Austin opened the liftgate for me, and I slid my bag in.
“I have no desire to spend more time here than I need to. I’d say no offense, but it wouldn’t be true.”
His wince had my gut twinging. I wasn’t normally cruel, but I was far too vulnerable to him. He’d shattered me once. I wouldn’t let him do it again.
“Em, we really need to talk. I swear I can explain everything.” His eyes pleaded with me and almost had me caving, but then I remembered the nights I’d spent crying over his words.
I turned away from him, ignoring him as I called Doc and explained the situation with the horses. “I’ll drop the sample at the clinic for testing, but the horses will need to be checked regularly.”
“You’ll have to handle that.”
“But—”
Doc stopped my protest. “I just got a call. My daughter’s in the hospital. I’m on my way there now and have no idea how serious it is. I’ll clear the schedule so you can focus on Shifter Ranch.”
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. “Of course. I hope your daughter is okay.” I hung up and slowly turned back to Austin. “Looks like it’ll be me after all.”
He flashed me a slow grin that threatened to melt me into a puddle. “Just tell me what you need.”
Desire pooled in my belly as my body betrayed me. I steeled my spine. My body may want him, but my brain knew I needed distance. “First, I need to take this sample to the lab. Then I’ll grab supplies for tube feeding and IV fluids.” I made a mental list in my head as I ran through the steps. “I’ll need to come by several times throughout the day and night to monitor the horses. We want to get control of this before it worsens.”
“We have room in the house. You can stay here.”
“Not a chance.” I yanked open the driver’s door and slid behind the wheel.
Austin grabbed the door, preventing me from closing it. He leaned down, his forearm against the top of the door frame. His scent surrounded me. The smell of hay and leather and sweat mixed with his own unique musk in a dizzying combination that clouded my head. “Your ranch is close but not that close. If you need to drive out here every night, why not just stay here? We’ve got four empty bedrooms in the house you can choose from.”
I fought through the urge to lean closer to him. “Why so much space?”
“Declan and his mate are in the master now. Ethan and Gabriel are in cabins with their mates, and Mason’s in a cabin by his workshop.”
“Mates?”
“Like I said, we really need to talk.” He studied my face before stepping back. “But you’re not ready. Consider staying here, Em. I promise not to push you.”
I held his eyes for a moment. I couldn’t help it. Austin’s offer made sense. With no other vets to help me, I’d be covering both day and night checks on the horses. It would be much easier to stay here. But I was already worried about how much I’d beseeing him. Staying overnight? Eating meals together? Could I continue to keep up my walls with him so close?
“I need to go.” I pulled my gaze away, slammed the door, and put the car into drive.
