Page 63 of The Cowboy Who Stayed

He nods, releasing my hand. ““Now let’s move these heifers before Buck has an aneurysm.”

I chuckle, unable to refute the point. “Sounds good to me. I’ve got a date tonight. You might know her.”

Five o’ clock is around the corner by the time we call it a day.

My back has gone stiff from hours in the saddle herding the cattle. A hot shower’s calling my name, but first I’ve got a stop to make.

I spotted a gorgeous veterinarian with a honey-blonde pixie cut and leather work bag heading into the horse stalls.

What can I say? I’m a man who’s being called by a siren.

I grin to myself and head over just like the sailors once devoured at sea. When it comes to Vivica Murphy, I’m powerless to resist her.

It occurs to me that I haven’t seen Buttercup all day, which is rare for me. Between the cattle work and the fencing and the ongoing beef Ricky and Buck have, the hours got away from me. My girl deserves better than that.

Convenient how checking on my horse happens to require walking into the same stall where my girlfriend’s currently working.

Vivica’s at Buttercup’s side with her stethoscope pressed to the mare’s ribcage, her brow slightly furrowed in concentration as she listens.

Buttercup holds still for her, which says everything about the trust she’s built with her.

There was a time when Buttercup didn’t let anybody near her without a fight. Now she’s leaning into Vivica’s touch with eyes half closed like she’s at a spa.

“Fancy running into you here,” I say, leaning against the stall door.

Vivica doesn’t look up from her work, though the corner of her mouth curves. “You know, at this point I’d be more surprised if you didn’t show up.”

“Just checking on my girl.”

“Which one?” She glances up this time, her brow arching and a teasing glint in her dark eyes.

“Both, if I’m being honest.”

She shakes her head with a quiet laugh and returns her attention to Buttercup, removing the stethoscope from her ears and draping it around her neck. She runs her hand along the mare’s flank out of affection.

“She’s in great shape,” Vivica says. “Heart sounds strong, respiratory is clear, coat is looking healthy. Your girl is as healthy as can be.”

“I’ll let her know she passed with flying colors. She’ll be thrilled.”

“She already knows. Horses can tell when they’re in good hands.”

“Is that your professional opinion, Dr. Murphy?”

“It’s a fact.” She gives Buttercup one final pat on the neck and turns to face me, leaning her hip against the mare’s side.

A picture-perfect moment.

My girlfriend with my mare, the afternoon light illuminating them both. It highlights the gold in Vivica’s hair and her brown complexion, emphasizing her beauty.

But also the happy confidence that radiates from her.

This is a woman completely at ease. A woman doing what she loves and finding a second or two to flirt with the cowboy she’s dating.

My grin widens, and I push off the stall door toward her. “So I’ve got a question for you.”

“Try me.”

“There’s this woman I’ve been interested in. Met her at The Hen House a while back. She’s gorgeous. Smart as hell. Got a thing for vinyl records and Prince, and she’s got this laugh that’s like a melody of its own. Makes my heart race and everything.”