Page 27 of Rancher's Heart

“No, I can’t stay. I’ve got an appointment in twenty minutes.” He glanced at his watch before hooking his thumb in his pocket again.

He hadn’t mentioned being in town when I’d talked to him before I’d left for work and I wondered if it had something to do with the trouble he’d had on the ranch.

Over his shoulder, I could see one of the doctors walking approaching. His eyes narrowed in on me, and my skin crawled. “Oh, Elle, I’m glad I ran into you. I was wondering if you wanted to meet me this weekend for a drink. I know you’ve turned me down, in the past you’re always busy, but what’s one night?” He’d brushed past Griff like he wasn’t even there. The man was massive and this arrogant man acted like he was a piece of furniture.

“Umm, well,” I stuttered as I looked from the doctor to Griff, whose entire being had shifted from easygoing to possessive, and he towered over me. “Like I told you before, I’m not interested, and I’m actually in a relationship.” Side-stepping I moved closer to Griff, and he put his arm around my waist.

“Come on now, I don’t believe for one minute that you’re serious about this, cowboy.” He didn’t even look at Griff, just nodded his head in his direction.

“I assure you she’s very serious about me. Her head rests every night under my roof, not that it’s any of your business.” Griff said as he moved to stand between me and Doctor Jackson.

“Nurse Greggory, this ogre is beneath you.”

“You’ll be beneath my foot in about ten seconds,” Griff growled, not even trying to hide his anger or threat.

Wrapping my free hand around his muscled arm, I tried to pull him back but he didn’t move, so I stepped around him. Before I could speak again, Griff cleared his throat, leaned down a little closer to the doctor, and whispered, “You don’t speak to her, look at her, or even think of her again. You will find other nurses to help you with your patients, and if I hear one whisper of you making her feel uncomfortable, I will be back to deal with you.” Doctor Jackson’s face blanched, and he moved toward the ER doors without turning his back to us.

“You didn’t need to do that,” I said as I realized my pulse was racing and my hands were shaking.

“Do you have any idea what your face did when he stopped to talk to you? You went as white as a ghost. How long has he been harassing you?” He pointed his gaze at me and took a deep breath.

“I didn’t ask for your help, Griff.” Came out of my mouth, instead of the answer he was looking for.

“That’s the point. You’ll never have to ask. For as long as you’re in my house, it’s my job to make sure you’re safe. You look after everyone you come in contact with, but who’s looking after you?”

“Nobody’s ever looked after me. I’ve never needed it.” I replied stubbornly as I leaned against the wall with my arms crossed, my sandwich being crushed and I was pretty sure my bottom lip was out in a pout.

“Well, I’m not nobody, and I’m going to look after you. Go eat your crushed sandwich, and I’ll see you when you get home tonight.” He leaned down, and I was sure he was going to kiss me, but the door to the ER opened, and he stood, taking a step away from me. “Have a good shift; if that poor excuse of a man bothers you again, text me, and I’ll deal with him.” He winked, and I let his words sink into my brain.

“Griffin Harp, there will be nodealingwith anyone,” I said in a loud whisper, yelling his back was now to me as he headed back to his truck. Turning to look over his shoulder he winked at me and pushed open the big metal door that led outside.

Looking down at the bag in my hand, I couldn’t help but smile. A bang from the entrance made me jump and I watched Griff walk back through the door like he was stalking his prey. He reached out and wrapped his hand around the back of my neck and pulled me to him as he lowered his head and pressed his lips against mine.

His other hand snaked around my back, and I melted. His kiss devoured me. It was possessive and set fire to my soul. Thestubble on his face was rough against mine. It didn’t matter, I wanted it all. Nobody had ever kissed me senseless the way Griff did. I couldn’t believe I’d been missing this kind of passion all my life.

With my eyes still closed, he pulled away from me, and I heard him chuckle softly. “Have a good day, see you at home.” He brushed another light kiss on my lips and let me go. When I finally pried my eyes open, I watched him go. His plaid shirt was stretched tightly across his broad shoulders and wide back that narrowed at his hips, which led to the perfectly hugged ass in his Wranglers.

“You’ve got some explaining to do.” A voice said from behind me and I turned to see Sarah grinning at me, her eyes as wide as a basketball.

Taking another look at the door, I pressed my hand to my mouth lightly because I could still feel his lips against mine. “It’s a long story,” I sighed, shaking my head with a smile on my face, thinking of what waited for me at the end of my shift.

CHAPTER 17

GRIFF

Putting my foot in the stirrup, I shifted my weight and waited for the horse to buck, but it didn’t move. Throwing my leg over the back of the animal, I settled in the saddle and waited again. Gently I tapped the horse’s sides and held my breath it walked around the pen.

This was going to be easy, and just as I relaxed the horse bucked. I needed to ride it out, but it shifted right when I predicted left, and I was on the ground this time. I didn’t try to brace myself as I fell. Protecting my shoulder was the most important thing I needed to do right now. I was pretty sure Elle would kill me if I ended up at the hospital while she was on shift.

I couldn’t help but laugh at the thought of what she would say when I rolled in. She’d turn the stretcher around and push me right back out, I’m sure. Glancing at the majestic black horse, he was huffing and prancing like he was the conquering hero. Shaking my head, as my cell phone buzzed in my pocket, and I reached up and pulled it out. Frowning, I saw a text from Parker.

Parker: Griff could you come to the school moms working dads gone and I need someone

Me: I’ll be right there.

Parker: Thanks

Me: Anything for you pal.

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