Page 41 of Unyielding
I blushed. Did Ruth know that Declan and I were involved? We hadn’t sworn one another to secrecy, but I had a feeling that Declan didn’t want Ruth knowing that he was romancing a client.
“What do you think of him as a vet?” Ruth asked. “I’m sure he told you that he’s on a trial run, and I need to get as much feedback from folks as possible. Then again, I know you two have a history, so you’re not exactly impartial.”
My eyes went wide. “What do you mean?”
“Well, he and your brother are friends, aren’t they? It seems to me that he mentioned something about that. Plus, I know that he’s told me he had a job here during the summers. I’m sure your folks wouldn’t have hired him back if they didn’t think he was a good worker.”
“Right, of course,” I said, trying not to sound flustered. “He was great back then, and he’s even better now. He—” I tried not to choke up. “Belle was in a bad way with the delivery and he managed to save them both. He knows his stuff, he’s intuitive, and he’s really wonderful with the animals no matter what he has to do.” And the humans, too, but I didn’t say that aloud.
“And he ain’t hard to look at either.” Ruth cackled.
I felt my cheeks go pink. “Sure, I guess.”
“Well, I’m off. Take care, and say hi to your brother and sister for me. I was pleased to see how well Lost Valley is doing. The three of you have really stepped up with that trail ride program.You didn’t hear it from me, but a couple of the other ranchers are fuming that they didn’t think of it first.”
“Oh, wow, thanks. I’ll be sure to let them know.”
I watched Ruth walk away. She was limping and you couldn’t miss how she pressed at her low back with her hand. It was definitely time for her to retire to the easy life. She’d more than earned it. And Declan was the perfect choice to take her place.
I returned to Vida’s stall and was about to give her a treat for being so good for her exam when my phone went off in my pocket. When I saw that it was a message from Declan, it felt like he knew we had just been talking about him. I nearly jumped for joy when I read that he wanted to take me out to dinner. It was almost the weekend and his schedule looked light for a change.
I sent back a yes and couldn’t resist adding something about making sure his truck didn’t smell like pigs. I got a laughing emoji in response.
Vida butted her head against my side and I stroked the little foal while she tossed her head and made happy little noises.
“Maybe things are okay after all?” I murmured to the foal, finally feeling relief.
TWENTY-FIVE
SHANNON
Iweighed the cost of talking business with Declan during our date. We hadn’t seen each other in almost a week and part of me simply wanted to have a fun evening, enjoying a real date. We were going to Buckman’s that night, a hybrid dinner and gaming spot where we could feast on burgers, then have fun throwing axes and playing darts afterward. I could imagine how intense the friendly competition was going to get, and the types of bets we’d make to be paid off between the sheets.
But I wanted to talk business too, because I was taking on so many improvements he’d suggested, and I wanted him to know it. I felt giddy about what the changes meant for the future of my program. Things were finally looking up for me, and the mare I so desperately wanted was within reach. I just needed to iron out a few details with Declan before presenting the first part of the changes to my brother for his review and—hopefully—approval.
I glanced at my phone. He was due to pick me up in twenty minutes, but I was ready to go, feeling antsy and excited about the chance to spend time with Declan. I’d actually gone shopping and picked up a few cute outfits, anticipating that Declan andI were going to be going out more often. Tonight, in addition to the new dress, I was wearing new lingerie, a black lace push-up that made my breasts look incredible and panties that highlighted my perky cheeks. I couldn’t wait to show it off, and was eagerly awaiting what he’d do to me once he saw how sexy I looked.
My heart fluttered at the thought of being in his arms again. I’d been having arousal-inducing fantasies about him all day and I couldn’t wait to make them real.
When my phone rang and I saw that it was him, I grabbed my purse and headed for the door.
“Early, huh? Guess you couldn’t wait to see me,” I teased. “I’m on my way outside. Be right there.”
“Shannon, wait, hold on. There’s been a change.”
I froze in the hallway.
“What do you mean?” I asked haltingly.
“I’m so sorry, but I can’t make it right now. I got called in to do a patient visit.”
“Butwhy? You said Ruth gave you the night off.” I hated that I sounded like I was whining.
He sighed. “Yeah, but tell that to a limping horse. Becca’s got a stallion that’s suddenly lame and she’s really worried. I don’t want Ruth handling it because this particular guy is a handful, and she’s already on the injured reserve list. The last thing she needs to be doing is tangling with a grumpy horse. Plus, I’m still trying to make up for the phone incident.”
If it had been anyone else, I would’ve understood, but hearing that Declan was heading out to Becca’s on what was supposed to be our night was salt in the wound. I knew I was supposed to tell him that it was okay, that I didn’t mind—and yet the words wouldn’t come.
“Are you mad?” Declan asked.
