Cowboy Doctor

“I didn’t realize anyone else had been hired to go on the trail rides with the horses. Usually the family handles that.”

She supposed the talk his grandfather had given him last night had wrought a few changes. But though he’d said the right words to her just now, her intuition told her he still wasn’t happy with the situation.

“I think it was a last-minute decision between my grandfather and John for me to be given a job on the dude ranch.” Except that it wasn’t true. She’d been hired when she’d come to the dude ranch in the Spring, but it appeared John hadn’t said anything at that time. “It’s a great privilege for me.”

His head jerked up. “You know my grandfather?”

Why did that bother him so much? “He and mine were best friends growing up. John is doing me a favor letting me work here this summer and I’m very grateful.”

The other man couldn’t hide his irritation and didn’t try. She didn’t understand it, but knew to give him a wide berth. Tracey couldn’t help but wonder how Fran handled him at times like this. The answer, of course, was that his wife was in love with him, and Wes was attractive, like the other Hunter men.

“Everyone around here is at breakfast,” he reminded her. “If you haven’t eaten yet, now’s the time.”

Good grief. He wanted her to leave. “I realize that, but I thought I’d check on Chief first.”

“I’ve already done that, so it won’t be necessary. He’s fine.”

Tracey had to count to ten. “I understand it’ll be two weeks before we’ll find out if he’s fully recovered. Do you know if Dr. Clayton has been here yet?”

“Nope.” Wrong question. “It seems you’re the one who told Granddad there was a new vet in Ravalli County.”

Strike one against her. She wasn’t wrong about his antagonism toward her. The question was why he felt so threatened. Tracey had picked up a lot from teaching children. Wes had become very defensive and was blaming her. Though she probably couldn’t alleviate the problem, she decided to give it one more try.

“When your grandfather couldn’t reach Dr. Cruz, we were both desperate, because Chief was in pain. That’s when I mentioned passing the Clayton Veterinary Hospital after I left Stevensville.”

Wes’s brown eyes took on what she thought was a strange glitter, but maybe it was a trick of the light. “You’re new here and would be wise to realize Chief is my horse. I’m the one who determines his care and knows what’s best for him.”

Did Wes mean he actually owned the horse? John had told her she could pick out any one she wanted. “Grady mentioned as much.” Somewhere there’d been a disconnect.

“One more thing for you to know. Dr. Cruz is our dude ranch vet, Tracey. When he’s back in his office on Monday, he’ll be the one to finish Chief’s treatment.”

Whoa. If there was some problem between Wes and his grandfather over the choice of vet, she didn’t dare get into it, and changed the subject.

“Yesterday I got acquainted with most of the horses, but Grady told me there are several I still haven’t seen. Would you mind showing them to me so I can pick out one to ride?”

“Not at all. But I think I know the one for you. Fancy Pants is the bay and a great mare. I’ll be exercising them in the corral a little later where you can get a good look at her.”

Tracey had already done that. It appeared Wes was doing everything to put her in her place. She certainly hadn’t expected to meet this degree of animosity over the vet incident and knew she needed to tread carefully. “Then I’ll come back. Thank you.”

“Sure.”

Since he’d made it clear he didn’t want her looking at Chief or the other horses right now, she started walking back to her cabin and pulled the granola bar out of her pocket. While she munched on it, she saw a red truck in the distance coming toward the barn. Her steps slowed and her heart did a huge kick.

When Dr. Clayton reached her, he lowered his window. “Good morning.”

It was, now. “Good morning.”

“How’s our patient?”

“I haven’t seen him yet. Wes told me he was fine and suggested I go to breakfast before it was too late to be served.”

“That’s interesting.”

They could read each other’s minds. “I thought so, too.”

“Is that where you’re headed now?”

“No. I had a snack a few minutes ago.”

“If you have time, would you like to take a look at him with me? I could use your calming influence while I inspect his hoof.”

“I have plenty of time.”

“Do you mind if I call you Tracey?”

“As if I would.”

She knew her feelings for him were growing too fast. In the short time since meeting him—heavens, was it only last night?—Tracey had the impression she was suddenly experiencing life in glorious Technicolor. He seemed bigger than life to her, stronger, more wonderful.

Oh, yes. He was definitely wonderful.

Chapter Three (#ua26c428b-bac2-554a-ade0-6686e0f6624d)

Doctor Clayton’s eyes roamed over her features. “What a beautiful day.”

“Isn’t it?” Sunshine filled a blue sky. Her heart wouldn’t stop thudding.

Thrilled that he wanted her with him, she waited while he parked the truck and got out with his bag. In a black Stetson, jeans and a blue denim shirt he was so striking, she was in danger of staring. Together they walked into the barn toward the third stall.

Wes came out of another stall a little farther down. “Dr. Clayton...” By the tautness of his features, Tracey could tell he hadn’t expected to see the vet show up this soon.

“Good morning, Mr. Hunter. As you know, I’m here on your grandfather’s orders to soak Chief’s hoof and put on a new poultice. Tracey’s going to help me.” He turned to her. “I’ll fill this bucket with some warm water and get started.”

“I’ll do it for you.”

“Thanks.” He handed it to her. She could tell Wes didn’t want her doing anything, but he couldn’t very well interfere.

When she came back, she set it next to the vet, who’d unwrapped the soiled poultice. She squatted next to him. “It drained a lot during the night.”

“That’s exactly the result we wanted.” His smile sent a wave of warmth through her body. “The infection has built up, but we’re getting rid of it now.” He reached for more Epsom salts to put in the water, then lowered the hoof into the bucket. “That feels good, doesn’t it, buddy?” he said to the horse.

His gentleness and professionalism mesmerized Tracey. “Look at that,” she said softly. “His ears are up. You’ve made a friend.”

“My former boss, Hannah, used to say it was one of the perks of being a vet. I discovered she was right.”

“Chief is the horse I would have liked to ride while I’m here this summer, but I understand he belongs to Wes. In any case I hope he has a full recovery.”

“For both your sakes, I want the same thing. We’ll know soon enough.” The vet shot her a sideways glance. “Tell me about yourself. How did you happen to start working here?” he asked in a quiet voice.