Page 34 of Rancher's Heart

“We play on couple’s night with Julie and Phil. Let’s just say the men do the majority of the grumbling. Old man, what did you do to this machine?” She shook her head and reached behind it. All the lights went off, and Fred turned, giving me half of a smile.

“Have a seat, I’ll holler when it’s ready.”

I looked around the cafe and was surprised. I didn’t realize how many people were in here, but almost every table was occupied. “Elle, over here.” A voice called and I turned to see Mrs. Gordon’s smiling face.

“Thank you. Are you sure I’m not interrupting?”

“Nope, I was all by my lonesome. In fact, you being here saves me a trip to Griff’s to talk to you.” She raised her eyebrows and grinned like a goofball.

Just as I was about to ask what she meant, Fred set my coffee down in front of me. “Thank you.” I grinned up at the man, but he just nodded.

“So, what were you looking for me for?”

“We’re looking for a new nurse to help Jake. Phyllis is retiring. We haven’t advertised because we know who would apply, and I can’t have her in the clinic.” I already knew she was talking about Starcie. Not only would the patients be in danger, but it would also be open season for gossip about every person who walked through those doors. “We were wondering if you would like full-time hours working here in town? It would save you from having to go to the hospital, and if you wanted to pick up shifts there, your weekends would still be free.” She looked at me, her eyes wide with anticipation and excitement.

I loved working at the hospital. I never knew what my day would bring, and the adrenaline rush every time the ambulance bay opened was what I lived for. But being closer to home and no shift-work was so tempting.

“Can I have a few days to think about it?”

“Of course, take all the time you need, well, not all the time. Phyllis is done in four weeks. The pay will be better than what you were making at the hospital, too.” Like I needed an added bonus to help me make my decision.

“I’ll have an answer for you before the week’s over.” We talked for a bit more until Fred called my name.

“Well, I better get back to the office. Talk it over with Griff and Parker and see what they think.”

“Okay, I’ll see you later then.” She smiled and gave me a quick hug before she waved at Fred and ran down the street. I walked to the counter and waited for Fred.

“How much do I owe you?” I pulled my wallet out of my purse and grabbed a twenty.

He reached across the counter and put his hand on mine. “You’re a part of The Diamond now, you’re family, it’s on the house.”

“No, you’re running a business. I have to pay.”

“Put your money away. You’re basically a daughter now.” He reached over the counter and put his hand on mine until I lowered my arm.

“Thanks, Fred.” I tucked a twenty into the tip jar and he laughed.

“Drive safe,” Wanda called over her shoulder as she was busy making another sandwich.

The sweltering heat hit me as soon as I left the air-conditioned cafe. What kind of fool was I to get a latte to go on a day like this? There wasn’t a cloud in the sky to block the summer sun. I appreciated the shade from the canopy over the doors of the shops.

“Nursey, looking good.” A voice called from the opposite side of the street. I didn’t turn, or acknowledge that I’d heard him. “Sexy nursey, you know you want me.” Billy Hays’ voice was one I’d never forget. Its high pitch was almost ear-piercing and when he was yelling, it was even worse.

“I’ll come for you, just wait. You can’t get away from me.” He laughed, and I wanted to vomit into the plant pot that I’d just past.

Getting to my car, I climbed in and locked the doors immediately. Letting my head fall back against the seat, I’d never been so happy to hear the locking sound in my life. I needed to get home, to the safety of the ranch and quite possibly never leave again.

CHAPTER 20

ELLE

Parker ran down the hallway with his backpack and duffle bag. “What time’s dad getting here?” he hollered as he ran through the kitchen and dropped his stuff at the door.

“In a few minutes,” I pulled the plug on the sink and dried my hands.

“Do you think he’ll like Griff?” Parker was always worried about other people, and I knew Troy’s liking Griff was weighing on my boy.

“I’m sure he will, but let’s not worry about it.” Parker nodded just as I heard a truck rumble into the yard. Turning I looked through the large window and watched the red one-ton pull to a stop.

---