Page 6 of The Dire Reaction

“Thanks for thinking of me, Doc.” Did he just wink?

The air is vacuumed from the room when he leaves. The back of the chair squishes my hair against my neck, but my bones don’t work any more to hold me up.

I hear Jenny talking to him, and within a moment the door closes behind his departure.

What did I get myself into? Seeing him for hours every week?

Chapter four

SAM

Icouldn’tresisttryingto get her out here. I am surprised she agreed.

“Away! Away! Lie down!” Misty’s like a robot, her tongue lolling as she responds.

It doesn’t take a lot of pushing to run the cows into the sorting pens. I’m not looking forward to the days of work preg checking and tagging I’m rounding up for myself and my small crew.

But, the last bawling heifer finally gets pushed through the gate, and I head back to the house. The sun’s barely coming up, and it’s right in my eyes. I hate this time of year. With the days getting shorter, I have to get out and going when it’s still dark.

Knowing what’s waiting at the house puts a little fire in my gut though. My limbs feel electrified thinking about Doctor Dani with her tight little ass in those scrubs.

Misty follows a little behind and next to Red as we ride. She’s been kicked enough by the cows to know where to stay out of reach of any animal bigger than her. Giving a quick bark at the new vehicle, she disappears into the barn. Either finding water or finding chicken shit to eat.

A Toyota pickup is parked next to the silver Nissan. It suits her. I can feel her eyes following me from her driver’s seat when I head to the barn.

Disappearing into the shadows near the hay bin, I don’t bother tying Red, but just wrap his reins around the post to keep them away from his feet. As long as he has food, he won’t move. I hear her car door, and I’m drawn to it like a dog to a bone.

Fuck, my hands won’t stop shaking. I haven’t wanted anyone like this since Claire.

And there’s the dose of cold water I needed.

Just think of your dead wife, asshole. That will kill a hard-on quicker than a cold shower.

I try to shake her out of my head as I leave the barn.

Latching my eyes on the doc’s blond ponytail sticking out over her red ear muffs, I let past memories fade into the recesses of my mind.

Her pink cheeks and blue eyes slam me back into the present with a tingle in my groin. Her hot breath gathers around her pouty mouth, a soft cloud in the cool morning air.

“Good morning, Doc. Welcome to the ranch.” Her truck radiates heat when I lean against it. “Anything I can help you carry?” It is cute watching her struggle with the insulated bag she brought, her ass cheeks clenching beneath her jeans when she leans into the truck.

“Good morning, Mr. Downing. I can get it. It just slid across the seat on the way here.” She smiles triumphantly, sliding the strap over her head so it crosses her chest. Right between her breasts. They jut out through her bright blue windbreaker, hugging the tight nylon that divides them.

A blossoming shade of red moving up her neck makes me realize I’ve been staring at her chest far longer than I should be.

Shit, so smooth.

Clearing my throat, I catch her eyes and I turn on my heel. “Right this way.” I lead her toward the kitchen door, silently wishing it led to purgatory to cover my idiocy.

Remnants of my bacon and eggs still cling to the air when we step into the warm kitchen. The wood stove in the living room churns out enough heat to warm all two thousand square feet easily. The wave of heat pummels us when we step inside.

“Come in, make yourself comfortable. You can put your stuff either here on the table or on the island if it’s easier?” I feel like a stewardess on a plane. The heat is stifling. I don’t remember it being that hot in here this morning. Unzipping my jacket, I tighten the flue on the stove to dampen the blaze.

“Thank you, the table will be fine. I have everything already drawn up for his weight.” She unslings her bag and her jacket puffs back out to hide the swell of her breasts.

Damn.

“Let me get Thor.” Her presence in my house rattles me. The blast of cool air sobers the hazy feel of my head.

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