Page 9 of The Rancher's Addiction

Chapter Four

Jenny pulled up outsidethe barn at M & M Ranch early the following day before the sun even came up over the horizon.

She took another long swallow of coffee, something she considered the juice of life because it kept her going most days.Since coming to the area and finding they had no specialty coffee shops, she’d splurged and bought a fancy coffee maker so she could make her own.It was strong, which is exactly what she needed every morning to start her day.She had gotten hooked on it in college.

She looked around and knew it was early by most people’s standards, but she also knew how early ranchers started every morning.She guessed right.At least ten men were milling about doing different chores.

She got out and turned to get her bag.

“You’re up bright and early.”

Jenny stiffened at the gruff voice and almost groaned.It was too early to fence words with this man, and she had nowhere near enough coffee to take him on.But it looked like she didn’t have a choice.She plastered on her smile and turned.

Her physical awareness of him sent shivers of need down her spine, but she ignored it.He’d be the last man that would want her and had already taken an instant dislike to her.

“Good morning, Mr.McKenzie.”

“What’s good about it?”he growled.

She sighed.“How is Rush doing this morning?”

“How about we go see?”

She followed him into the barn and walked past where the horse had been the day before.Mac took her to a small paddock and opened the gate to let them in.Right away, she could tell Rush felt much better because he was prancing around with his tail up.

She chuckled.“Well, I’m not needed here.”

Mac grunted, making her eyes roll.

She whistled and was pleased when the horse came to them.She saw Mac stiffen beside her and didn’t know if he was afraid the horse would hurt her or the opposite.

Jenny laughed when the horse pushed between them and started to nuzzle the side of her head and snorted out a greeting.She ran a hand down his neck.

“How are you doing, handsome?”

She laughed when he breathed in her face and then rested his head on her shoulder.

“Are you feeling better, boy?”

Rush snorted.

She bent and grabbed her stethoscope out of her bag.

“How about I listen just to make sure?”

The horse stood still but turned his head to be able to see her.

She listened carefully, moving the diaphragm over his side.“Much better.”She flipped the stethoscope tube around her neck and checked his pulse.

She patted the horse's neck, bent, and put her equipment away.She grabbed her bag and stood.“I think he’s good.”She held out a hand and waited to see if Mac would take it or just stare at it.“If there are any problems, call the office.I’m on-call all weekend.”

Her heartbeat accelerated when his big hand engulfed hers.She tried to pull away, but his grip just tightened.Her eyes flew to his to see him study her face.

“Well, I must be going.”

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