Six Months Later…
Present Day
“Glad to see you, Blackhawk! Been awhile.” Reverend Mike slapped the counter in front of Benjen, almost shouting to talk over the old-fashioned jukebox rattling out music from the seventies. “Can I get you another beer?”
“One’s my limit. I’ll take a water, though.” He pulled a couple of bills from his pocket and laid them by his empty mug as he glanced around the Dam Pub. Rustic was the kindest thing anyone could say about the décor of the bar/restaurant. “Glad to see the place hasn’t changed.”
“We’d be doing better if your brother hadn’t stolen my star pastry chef.” The rotund old biker retied the star spangled do-rag around his head, then filled a glass with ice with water and handed it to Benjen. “How is Sara, by the way?”
“She’s good.” Leaning closer to the man so he could hear, he added a snippet of information, “Daniel is building her a new house.”
“Glad to hear it.” He jumped up on top of the bar and shouted to the top of his lungs, “Somebody turn down that damn music! I can’t hear myself think!” After someone did as he asked, he settled himself back on the floor and finished his thought, “That little girl deserves to be treated like a queen.”
“I agree and she will be, believe me. Daniel is head over heels for Sara.” His smile came freely and broadened when Benjen realized he could take a full breath of air without feeling the familiar pang of loss.
“Well, hello, handsome.” A touch on his back caused him to raise his eyes to the mirror over the bar. Reflected in the glass was a gorgeous brunette, the same girl who’d been with Kelli the day they’d met. “Glad to see you’re back among the living.”
“Denise. Nice to see you.” He reached up to capture the woman’s wrist as she let her fingers do the walking from his neck to the inside of his shirt collar. “What are you up to?”
“Seducing you.” She gave him a fetching smile. “I’ve had my eye on you for a long time. How about it?”
Being a red-blooded, healthy male, Benjen felt his body respond to the idea. His mind and heart, however, weren’t on the same page. “My goodness, girl, you’re a go-getter, aren’t you?”
“Hey, I see what I want and I go for it. What’s wrong with that?”
“Not a thing.” He pulled her around to the side. “How about a drink?” Giving a hand signal to Reverend Mike, Benjen called him over. “Give the lady whatever she desires.”
“Thanks.” She gave Benjen a big smile before placing her order. “I’ll have an Austin Amber Ale if you have it.” While the bartender fixed the drink, she sidled closer. “How about you, Big Chief? Are you going to give me whatever I desire?”
“And what would that be, Denise?” he asked slowly, considering what could happen if he was willing.
She was about to answer when her drink was placed in front of her. After giving him a wink, she took a slow sip, pausing to lick the residue from her upper lip.
“A good time. Do you think you could show me one?”
…Just outside the front door, Apple took a deep breath. “Come on, you can do this. Eating alone is no big deal.”
Since moving from San Angelo to Kingsland, she’d limited her dining experiences to homecooked or fast food – not that this place looked to be an upscale eatery. Still, she needed to force herself to get out among people.
Raising her hand tentatively, she opened the door to the establishment and was immediately met by a wave of cool air, the smell of frying beef, and the pounding sound of a familiar tune she couldn’t quite place – maybe she was just too nervous to listen. Ever since she’d read Alan’s journal, being around people wasn’t as easy as before. She used to be outgoing and never met a stranger. Those days were mostly over. Working at the veterinarian’s office was easy enough, primarily because she was in the position of offering assistance. Besides, folks who loved animals seemed to be a different breed. What made her edgy was being in a situation where people thought she expected something from them for herself. Even the attention of a waiter or a waitress made her uncomfortable. “Bear up, just get a burger and go home. You’re not here to find a date,” she whispered to herself as a harried looking woman in black leather pants and a full-length apron motioned for Apple to follow her.
In a few moments, she was seated at a booth in the corner, a perfect place from her vantage point. She could see everyone in the room, but not be seen by most. Soon, the same woman appeared with a glass of water and a large laminated menu. “Thank you.”
“I’ll give you a couple of minutes.”
Even though a burger was on her mind, she perused the menu. “Dang, they have a salad.” Each time she was confronted with the choice of a salad, even at McDonald’s, she felt guilty if she didn’t get it. Glancing down at her generous bosom, she thanked goodness for baby-doll tops and empire waists on dresses. Apple loved ultrafeminine clothes and she haunted vintage shops. Her favorite thing was wearing lacy bed jackets and other lingerie as outerwear. She also adored maxi-dresses and sundresses. Jeans were not her favorite, mainly because of her curvy butt. Yes, Alan’s comments had made her throw all her pants away. Taking a deep breath, she stared at the selections, then made a soft growling sound. “Okay, fine. Bloody conscience.” When the waitress returned, she placed her order for a grilled chicken salad with balsamic dressing and a diet coke.
While she waited, Apple let her eyes rove over the crowd. A giggle escaped her lips when she saw that about half the crowd were bikers. “Why didn’t I notice the motorcycles?” Oh well, she must’ve been preoccupied with getting up the courage to come inside. “See, this isn’t so bad, fraidy cat.” As she continued to let her gaze move over the room, she let herself people-watch for a bit. There were a couple of young families seated nearby. She smiled at the sight of one toddler feeding himself French fries, a ring of ketchup circling his smiling mouth. There was also an older couple who seemed to be having a tense moment, the man kept tapping a map and she kept shaking her phone. “I bet they’re arguing over directions,” she whispered to herself. There was a good mix of people. Probably some of them would be nice to know. Over time, she was sure she’d make friends.
Shifting her position, her focus landed on a couple of men, probably truck drivers. One raised a glass in her direction. Apple gave him a small smile, but quickly looked away, hopefully dispelling any interest.
And then her baby blues settled on a cowboy. “Oh, be still my heart.” He was gorgeous. Just her type – if she had a type. “He’s right out of the movies,” she muttered softly. If she wasn’t mistaken, he was part Native American, taking the whole tall, dark, and handsome thing to a completely new level. A fantasy man. Apple couldn’t help but stare. Like a dieter salivating over a display of pastries, she let herself indulge in the view, knowing full well she would never sample the goods. “Yum.”
At the same moment, she noticed the beautiful girl at his side. While he sat there calmly, her body language conveyed the message that she was on a mission to get him into her bed. Apple felt an odd desire to go over and get between them, an impulse that made her roll her eyes at herself. “A guy like that wouldn’t be alone. Doesn’t mean he would be with you either, sugar lump,” she scolded herself for the foolish notion.
“Here you go. Grilled chicken salad and your drink.”
The sudden announcement caused Apple to jump in her seat. “Oh, thank you.” She brought her hands to her lap so the waitress would have a clear place to set her plate.
Once she was alone again, she ate her salad, but kept her gaze on the sexy hunk across the way. “Dinner and a show, this is turning out better than I expected.”
…Benjen raised his glass and shook a piece of crushed ice into his mouth.
“So, how about it, Blackhawk? Let’s go back to my place and see what kind of trouble we can get into.”
He had to hand it to her, Denise was tempting. Benjen had no doubt he could slake his lust on her beautiful body. Still…as much as interest as his cock was showing, he couldn’t rid himself of the feeling that he’d regret it. Obviously, he had some soul searching to do. “Thank you, but I’m afraid I have to pass, Denise.”
“What? You must be joking!” She seemed to be insulted.
Benjen gave a truthful excuse. “I have to get up early in the morning. Raincheck?”
“Raincheck!?!”
By her tone, he could tell the woman was insulted. As he surveyed her, Denise’s face flushed, her impressive chest heaved, and her hazel eyes flashed fire. For a second or two, he regretted his decision. He’d bet she was a hellcat in bed. “Yea, I need to take my dog to the vet first thing in the morning before I do the last cutting of hay for the summer.”
“You’re turning me down because you have to take some mangy dog to the vet?”
Fighting words.
“My dog isn’t mangy.” His tone was short and sharp.
“Maybe not, but I guess what they say about you is true!” She didn’t give Benjen time to ask what was being said, she just came out and told him in no uncertain terms. “You either can’t get it up…or you’re gay.”
Instead of insulting him, Benjen found it funny. “I assure you neither of those things are true, Miss Denise.”
“Can’t prove it by me!” She tossed her hair over her shoulder. “If you don’t use it, you lose it. Isn’t that what they say?” Denise leaned into him and whispered in his ear, “I hope your cock dries up and falls off.”
“Now, that would be a shame.” His instincts about the woman were spot on. “Have you considered I might just be picky?”
“Really?” She glared holes right through him. “Well, pick this.” Denise shot him the finger, then flounced away.
“Wow, you pissed her off, Blackhawk.” Rev. Mike guffawed behind the counter. “Did you see her face?”
“Yea, I saw it.” Benjen sat down his empty water glass. “She wasn’t happy, was she?”
“I don’t blame you, though. With a woman like that, a one night-stand can turn into a life-long headache.”
“Hmmm.” Benjen nodded, not disagreeing. “I think I need more than a good time,” he admitted to himself as much as he was confessing to the bartender. “I guess I’m waiting on Miss Right to come along.”
…Apple fished a tip from her purse and placed the dollar bills next to her almost empty plate. She couldn’t help but smile at the scene that played out before her. She’d watched the handsome man as the woman rubbed up against him. There was no doubt she was propositioning the cowboy. As Apple ate, she’d fully expected to see them leave together. To her shock, she watched the brunette give the guy the bird, then huff off in a snit. She would’ve waited just to watch the big man leave, but a message from her boss ended her stint of voyeurism. The doctor had received a phone call about someone dumping a litter of puppies on the clinic doorsteps. Since Dr. Cleveland was out of town, the responsibility fell to Apple to see to their unexpected guests. Sadly, this happened all too often. Why people couldn’t take responsibility for their animals was something she would never understand. One of these days, her dream was to open a no-kill shelter. Tonight, however, she would bottle feed the puppies. When they were old enough, she’d find them homes. Hopefully.
With one last wistful glance, she rose from the booth and made her way out of the pub.
…Benjen placed a handful of bills in the tip jar. Before he turned to go, he felt his whole body react in an unexpected way. Frissons of excitement rose on his skin. A tingle of awareness crept up his spine. He’d only felt this way one other time that he could remember…
Lifting his eyes, he gazed into the mirror – hunting someone.
And then he saw her.
Five-foot two. Eyes of blue. But oh, what those five foot can do.
“Has anybody seen my gal?” he softly sang the next words of the old 1920’s song his grandmother used to sing when she baked cookies in her kitchen.
“Well, there you are.” Hungrily, he followed the woman’s progress as she moved through the tables. She kept a smile on her heart-shaped face as she begged people’s pardon and he couldn’t help but smile in return. His palms tingled with the need to touch her, run his fingers through her long warm brown hair, graze the back of his hand over the velvet of her cheek. And her body… “Holy Fuck.” He was in awe of her shape. Tiny waist. Luscious breasts. Rounded hips. “You were well worth the wait, beautiful.”
Benjen stood there in an awestruck trance…until he realized she was getting away. Demanding his Justin boots to move, he edged through the ever-growing crowd. “Come on, Blackhawk. Don’t let her slip through your fingers.”
“Benjen! Stop!”
From out of nowhere, Easy showed up and caught him by the arm.
“Not now. Let go! There’s this…”
“Why haven’t you answered your damn phone? I’ve been calling you for the last hour!”
This got his attention. “What’s wrong?”
“We have cattle strewn all along Highway 71. We’ve got to get them in before one gets run over.”
“Hell.” He fell in step with his brother but kept his eyes open for the vision he’d been trailing. “I was just about to meet a girl.”
“About time!”
“Not if she disappears on me.” He rushed out the door to scan the parking lot. “Ah, damn. Where did she go?”
“What did she look like?” Easy asked as they headed toward their trucks.
While pulling his key fob from his pocket, Benjen considered his answer. “Ever seen that old show the Ghost Whisperer? Remember, we watched it when we were kids.”
“You always loved the whole idea of talking to ghosts and that movie star was as hot as a firecracker,” Easy answered, then realized what his brother was saying. “She looks like Melinda?”
“Oh, yea. In all the best ways.”
Even though he made for his truck, he didn’t stop looking for the girl who’d captured his attention so completely. “Dammit, she’s gone.”
“Oh, she’ll turn up. This area’s not so heavily populated that we don’t run into folks periodically.” Easy came to his vehicle, opened the door, and crawled in. “You’d better hope she’s available.”
“Oh, hell. Right.” Benjen hadn’t thought of that. Surely, fate wouldn’t be so unkind…again. “Or she might be just passing through.” As he climbed into his own truck, his heart felt the loss of possibilities.
* * *
“Don’t give me that side-eye sass, Miss Hope. You know you have to get your shots.”
Benjen laughed as the dog gave him an accusing look. When they turned on Tucker Street, the wise terrier had figured out they were on their way to the vet. She had pouting down to a fine science, even letting out a small whimper every other breath.
“Look, if you’ll do this with a minimum of fuss, we’ll get ice cream on the way home.”
Woof!
“Good deal, it’s a date.” He grinned, reaching over to cup the top of Hope’s head, giving her a good pet. “You’re a mess. Do you know that?”
She gave him a happy, open-mouth smile. Benjen’s heart contracted as he remembered the pitiful condition she’d been in when he rescued her from the side of the road. Abused. Starved. Hopeless. “Yea, that’s why I named you Hope, girl. You have a new life now, don’t you?”
Woof!
When he pulled up to the small white clapboard house where Dr. Wahlberg practiced veterinary medicine, Benjen was taken aback by the CLOSED sign on the door. “Oh, heck. What’s the deal?” He climbed out of the truck to go read the sign taped to the front door. “Office closed indefinitely due to illness. Dr. Wahlberg is referring all clients to Dr. Cleveland on Sycamore Street. Sorry for the inconvenience.” With hand on hip, he frowned. “Well, I’ll be. Wonder what’s wrong with Wahlberg?” Benjen knew the vet was getting up in years. “Oh, well, I hate that.”
Heading back to the truck, he opened the door and saw Hope looking pleased with the turn of events. “Wipe that smug look off your face, you still have to have your vaccinations. I need to visit this new vet anyway to establish a relationship with him for our cattle business.” Hope huffed out a sigh and laid down in the seat.
In a few minutes, Benjen was pulling up into the parking lot of Dr. Cleveland’s office. “I don’t know if they take walk-ins like Wahlberg. I guess we’ll see.” He clipped on Hope’s leash and lifted her from the truck seat. “There may be cats inside, so I expect you to behave.”
Woof!
When he entered the small waiting room, he was relieved to see only one person ahead of him, a woman holding a trembling chihuahua. Hope wanted to go sniff at the other dog, but Benjen guided her up to the reception desk to sign in. There was no one behind the counter, so he put his signature and Hope’s name on the next available line, then went to take a seat at the far end of the row of chairs away from the other customer. As he waited, he picked up a Farm and Ranch magazine to leaf through, absently staring at the photographs of pedigreed bulls and properties for sale.
“Mrs. Holmes, you can bring Hercules back now.”
Benjen grinned at the tiny dog’s name. He looked up to glance at the technician who was speaking and when he did, Benjen forgot to breathe. The angel behind the counter reached for the chihuahua and her smile lit up the room. He stared – he couldn’t help it. “Found you!” he whispered. Now, he could see her brown hair had gold and red highlights. Her eyes were such a deep blue, they looked like bruised violets. And her lips were plump, pink, and so kissable his heart was racing. When she turned her gaze to him, she seemed to freeze, and Benjen felt time slow down to one perfect moment as everyone else in the world disappeared. With an enraptured stare, he watched her flick a stray strand of silky hair over her shoulder with a ringless left hand.
“I’ll be with you in just a moment.” She glanced down at the register. “Mr. Blackhawk and Hope.”
Benjen felt his heart jump in his chest. “Yes, ma’am. We’ll be waiting.” Once he was alone, he pushed his Stetson back on his head and whispered, “Thank God. What a doll. Don’t waste this opportunity, doofus.”
As if trying to ascertain what her master said, Hope rose up on her back legs to rest her front paws on Benjen’s knee. “Your turn’s coming, Pris. And you’ve got one pretty lady who’ll be looking after you.”
While he impatiently waited, Benjen checked for messages on his phone. He was surprised to find no texts from his brothers. They usually took advantage of his trips, asking him to run errands or make stops. Next, to calm his nerves, he visited his favorite YouTube channel and found a video of a chicken pecking out America the Beautiful on a keyboard. “Good gracious, Hope. Look at this.” He held his phone where the dog could see. “I can’t even get you to roll over or shake hands.”
Hope whined and frowned at him, turning her head sideways.
“You’re going to have to step up to the bat, girl. Being outdone by a chicken is for the birds.”
A noise from the rear of the small clinic caused both man and dog to glance up. Mrs. Holmes and Hercules were coming out of the examining area. Benjen watched as the older woman paid her bill and the beautiful brunette reciprocated with a receipt and a treat for the little chihuahua. “There you go, sweet man.” The expression on her face was so kind and loving, he couldn’t look away from the enticing vision before him. When her attention turned to him, Benjen felt his heart rate speed up.
“What can I do for you and Hope today, Mr. Blackhawk?”
Benjen rose and approached the reception desk. “I know we didn’t have an appointment. Generally, we use Dr. Wahlberg, but I just found out his office is closed.” He picked up the white terrier. “Hope just needs her annual shots and a refill of her heartworm tablets.”
“Great!” She tapped a few keys on a laptop computer. “Dr. Cleveland isn’t in today, but I can take care of most things. I know Dr. Wahlberg sent us his records. Let me access Hope’s file.”
“Okey-doke.” Trying not to stare as the attractive woman chewed on her suckable lower lip, he let his eyes rove over the displays sitting on the surface of the counter advertising flea medicine, a flyer promoting an obedience clinic, and an offer for free kittens. When his gaze landed on a silver holder displaying a name plate, he had to chuckle. “Your name’s Apple?”
“Yes, that’s correct. Apple Cates at your service.”
“Great name.” Benjen grinned happily. “I love apples.”
Momentarily at a loss for words, she extended her hand to rub Hope’s head. “Okay, if you two will follow me, I’ll get her fixed up.”
“My name is Benjamin Blackhawk, but everyone calls me Benjen” he offered, hoping she liked the sound of his name as much as he did hers.
“Oh, I like that. So descriptive. I can almost see a magical black bird in flight.” Now, she had a name to go with his remarkable face. Apple kept digging her fingernails into her palm, testing to make sure she was wide awake and not dreaming. He was here! When she’d looked up and into his vibrant blue eyes, the world had shifted beneath her feet. If Apple were fanciful at all, she’d see this as a sign. But…no. Harsh reality had smacked her in the face once too often for her to believe in anything as frivolous as fate.
“Did I see you at Reverend Mike’s Dam Pub last night?”
“You saw me?” And he remembered?
“Yes, I did. Did you see me?”
His question put her on the spot, a wonderful, terrible spot. If she said yes, he might think she’d been mooning over him – which she had. If she said no, he might think she was too preoccupied with someone else. Why this would be a bad idea didn’t bear thinking about.
The truth rose unbidden to her lips. “Yes, I might have noticed you at the bar.” With a most beautiful woman. “They have good food there.”
Benjen chuckled. “I think you might need to try a few new restaurants. Maybe…”
“Come this way.” She whirled on her heels before she fell at his feet.
He fell into step behind her. “How do you like working for Dr. Cleveland? Is he a good vet?”
“She.” Apple giggled, a sweet sound. “And yes, I enjoy working here. Dr. Ashley Cleveland is a very good doctor.”
“Oh, excuse me, bad assumption on my part.” He laughed, his eyes following her progress as she led them into an examining room. Benjen followed along behind, his eyes trying to get a hint of her fantastic shape beneath the baggy lab coat. “Presuming anything usually gets me into trouble. Does she work with horses and cattle?”
“Yes, and she makes ranch visits.” Apple patted the paper covered table, indicating he should place Hope on it. “Or she sends me if it’s something in my realm of expertise. I have several years of experience.”
“Lucky animals.” Benjen gave her a slow wink that set Apple’s heart to hammering in her chest. “Since Dr. Wahlberg recommended Dr. Cleveland, can I put you on speed dial?”
“Absolutely. I’ll give you a card on your way out.”
Benjen smiled as she pretended to ignore his subtle flirting. “Thanks.”
“Okay, let’s see how you’re doing, girl.” She began to examine Hope, looking at her chart. “Wow, she’s had a hard life.”
Benjen knew Apple was reading the details of the dog’s condition when he’d found her almost dead, her mouth duct-taped shut. “Yes, I’m glad I spotted her when I did. She wouldn’t have lasted much longer.”
To his delight, Apple bent and kissed Hope’s face. “People who abuse animals don’t deserve to walk this Earth.”
“Amen.” Benjen nodded. This was a woman after his own heart.
“Hold her for me,” she told him as she readied a couple of injections. “We don’t want her jumping off the table.”
“Sure will.” Bracing Hope around her middle, he sought to calm her down. “Easy, girl, easy.” As he whispered to the dog, his eyes were drawn to the V of her sweater and the voluptuous swell of round, firm breasts. “Lord have mercy.”
“Everything will be fine, I assure you, Mr. Blackhawk. I’ve never lost a patient during inoculations.” Apple smiled indulgently at Hope as she quickly gave her the shot. “One down. Hold on. I’ll make it quick.”
In a moment, it was all over and both dog and master had survived. Benjen let out a breath. “Have you lived in Kingsland long? I don’t remember seeing you around.”
“Not long at all, but I do tend to blend in.” She tossed the disposable syringes into the garbage.
“I beg to differ,” Benjen said as he picked up the terrier, holding her in his arms like a football. “I think you’d stand out in any crowd.”
As if to disagree, she shook her head. “I moved here a month ago from San Angelo. So far, I really like the area.”
“Do you have family here?” Yea, he was being nosy. He hadn’t met a woman who intrigued him so much since…
“A great uncle. We lost him last year.” She’d lost a lot of things in the last year. Her grandfather. Her husband. Her home. Her confidence. “I was able to buy his place from the estate. I’m glad to be able to keep it in the family.” Even though it was in wretched condition, it was hers.
“Who? I’ve lived here all of my life, I might’ve known your great uncle.” Benjen trailed along behind her as she headed back to the front to prepare his bill. He enjoyed inhaling a faint whiff of a floral scent.
“Lonnie Ellison. He was my mom’s uncle,” she said matter-of-factly, finding a tag for Hope’s collar to show she was current on her shots.
Benjen knelt with the dog to fasten the tag in place. “I know who you’re talking about. Good man. Sorry for your loss.” He frowned. “As best as I can remember, that old shot-gun house is pretty rundown.” Falling down was a more accurate assessment.
“Yes. I’m working on making it livable.”
“The good thing is that the Ellison place isn’t very far from ours. I guess that makes us neighbors,” he told her eagerly. “Our place is in the shadow of Packsaddle Mountain.”
“Really? I haven’t had time to do much exploring.” Apple jammed her hands in the pockets of her coat, trying to hide the fact that they were shaking. She felt flustered and…hot. The way he filled out his western shirt and jeans made her mouth water. This man was making her feel things she wasn’t ready to feel. Benjen was handsome, sexy, and best of all, he was a nice guy.
“Well, speaking of exploring…how would you like…”
“Help! Help!”
Benjen and Apple’s attention was immediately drawn to a commotion outside the front entrance.
“What in the world?” Apple said as she rushed around the counter. Benjen opened the door for her. He regretted the interruption, he’d been about to ask the pretty lady for a date.
“Shush, Hope.” Benjen calmed his dog as he took in the situation. A harried looking woman was struggling with a German shepherd, trying to drag him to the ramp leading to the office porch. “Need some help?” he offered, handing Hope to Apple.
“This dog is a maniac,” the woman muttered between clenched teeth. “I just can’t handle her anymore.”
Benjen bounded down the steps, moving to take the leash from the frightened woman’s hands. The dog was doing her dead-level best to get loose – snarling, snapping, pulling, and jerking. He knew such behavior in a dog usually stemmed from fear. Sympathy for the animal suspended any caution. “Here, let me.” Reaching for the leash, he took it from the woman. Before he could gain control, the dog lunged and bit Benjen on the hand.
“Oh, no!” Apple exclaimed. “Are you hurt?”
“No.” Benjen waved off her concern. “She’s just scared.” Clasping the leash at a lower point he finally got control, bringing the dog to heel. All the while, he whispered to her, reassuring, calming words, “It’s all right, everything will be all right. No one is going to hurt you, girl.”
“Bring her in.” Apple opened the door, then looked at the frazzled owner. “What’s wrong? Is she hurt? Are you here for shots?”
“No.” The woman held up her hands. “I don’t want her. I can’t handle this dog any longer! Dr. Cleveland talked my son into taking the puppy, so she can find another home for it. The bitch is defective. I think she’s brain damaged or something. If the doctor doesn’t want to take the time to find it another home, just take her to the pound and have her put down. I don’t care. I just don’t want her anymore.” With that harsh edict, the woman stalked off, leaving Apple and Benjen standing on the porch with the two dogs.
“I can’t believe this.” He watched the woman drive away without looking back. “What will you do?”
“Bring her inside.” She walked into the lobby and tied Hope’s leash to a leg of a wrought iron bookcase holding magazines. “You’ll be okay here for a moment or two, girl.”
While Apple was doing this, Benjen took a handkerchief from his back pocket and wrapped the cloth around his injured hand. “Do you want the dog on the table?” he asked as he led the German shepherd into the examining room.
“No. Let’s put her in a kennel until she calms down,” Apple said as she pointed farther down the hall.
“Okay, good idea.” As they moved toward the back room, Benjen could hear barking coming from an adjacent area where he saw several large cages holding various dogs and cats.
“This way, she’ll be more comfortable away from the others.” Apple led him to another area where a large wire enclosure waited. “I’ll get her some food, water, and a treat.”
Benjen opened the kennel and released the Shepherd. He’d kept a tight rein on the dog and it bothered him to see she was visibly shaking. “What’s going to happen to her?” Putting her down was something he couldn’t even imagine doing.
“She’ll go to a good home. I promise.”
Benjen watched as Apple carefully placed food and water in the cage, along with a chew bone. The shepherd cowered at the back of the cage and growled. “Be careful,” he warned her.
Apple closed the enclosure’s door and stood up. “I’ll spend some time with her and try to earn her trust.”
A chorus of little whimpers drew both of their attentions. “Puppies?” Benjen followed the Pied Piper sound.
“Yes.” Apple trailed him into a nearby storage room where she’d made the tiny dogs a bed in a child’s wading pool. “They were left on the front porch of the clinic last night. That’s why I left the pub so quickly.” Just in case he’d noticed. “I came here to find them and feed them, to keep them safe.”
Benjen bent to inspect the four wiggling black puppies. “Labs, I think.” He picked each one up. “Two boys. Two girls.”
“I can’t believe someone threw them away,” she spoke softly, her tender heart aching.
“At least they fell into your hands.” He glanced at her small, dainty hands, wondering how they’d feel on his skin. “What will you do?”
“Same as with the Shepherd. Find them a home.” Or keep them herself, if need be. As she turned to face Benjen, she caught sight of his injured hand. “You’re bleeding!”
“It’s nothing.” He looked down at the blood-stained handkerchief. “I’ll clean it up when I get home.”
“We’ll clean it now.” She took him by the arm and guided him back to the examining room, stopping when she came to a set of cabinets. “Get up on the table and I’ll take care of you.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he said, hiding a grin. He wasn’t about to argue with any excuse that would lead to her touching him.
After gathering some antiseptic, bandages, and a healing ointment, Apple went to work. She tried to keep her mind on the task, but once she took his broad, strong hand in hers, she found herself trembling as bad as the traumatized German Shepherd. “Does it hurt?”
Benjen thought about milking the situation, but he found he couldn’t lie to her. As he reveled in her nearness and her tender touch, he closed his eyes and inhaled the sweet scent of her light perfume. “No, not too much. The bite isn’t deep.” He held his breath as she cleaned the wound and spread on the soothing medicine. “You’re good at this. You should be a nurse.”
Apple smiled and shrugged. “I’d rather work with animals.” There were other factors in her decision, one being that she hadn’t attended college.
“You’re certainly good with them. Dr. Cleveland is lucky to have you.” This close, he could study her beautiful face. Every feature was a delicate study in sweet femininity.
“Thanks, I try.” She wrapped a bandage around his hand, then reluctantly let him go. “There, all fixed up.”
“Thank you.” He flexed his hand and made a fist. “Feels great.” As he stood to his feet, he couldn’t help but ask a question that was bothering him. “Do you think you’ll have trouble finding the dogs a home?”
Apple shook her head, glancing up at him. “I’ll take the Shepherd home with me. She won’t be the first. If I can rehome her, I will…” With a smile, she shrugged. “Unless I decide to keep her for myself. And the others?” She stopped to listen at their whimpering. “I can assure you they’ll be taken care of. I’m a soft touch.”
“I can vouch for that,” Benjen murmured as Hope began to bark. The memory of her soft hands on his would stay with him for a long time.
“I think your girl is getting impatient.” Apple stuck her head into the main office, making sure no other clients had arrived. “I appreciate your help.”
Trying to buy a little time, he nodded his head toward the back. “Could I check on the Shepherd again?”
“Sure.”
Knowing she would be going home with Apple made it different somehow. He felt a connection. Of course, he could never walk away from an animal in need. Going to the kennel, he found the dog sitting on her haunches in the far corner of the cage. When her eyes met his, he could sense her panic and confusion. “I’m sorry you’re having to go through this, girl.” When she whined, Benjen put his hand up to the wire. “What did they do to you?” As the dog moved from her spot, taking a few steps closer to him, he kept crooning soft words. “You’re going to be okay. Lucky you. You’ve fallen into the hands of a beautiful angel of mercy and she’s going to take you home with her.”
A beautiful angel of mercy? As Apple leaned on the door jamb, she placed a hand on her chest to keep her heart in place. She was totally enchanted by the handsome cowboy speaking tenderly to the frightened German Shepherd. When the dog ventured forward and licked his hand, tears came to her eyes. “I think you have an admirer.”
“She’s a pretty girl, easy to love.” As much as he appreciated the affection, there was someone else whose adoration he craved even more.
“Poor thing, I wonder what they did to her to make her so afraid?” She came closer, going to her knees next to Benjen. Slowly, she lifted her hand and placed it next to his on the cage. “Hey, beautiful. Do you want to go home with me tonight?” To her delight, the dog gave her fingers a tentative lick also. “That’s right. You have nothing to fear from me. I’ll take care of you.”
The sound of a door opening and a woof from the front brought Benjen to his feet. “I guess that’s my cue to leave.”
“Thanks for your help. It was nice to meet you.” She offered him her hand. “I look forward to seeing you again.”
He accepted her greeting, sliding his palm against hers. The contact made them both shiver. Benjen cleared his throat and smiled. “I don’t think I can wait until I need your official services. Would you consider going out with me? On a date?”
An immediate blush of color pinkened her cheeks as Apple stared at their joined hands. Emotion roiled in her breast. She almost couldn’t speak for the knot in her throat. “Oh, you don’t want to do that. I’m a mess.” She paused, letting out a couple of breaths. “Thank you for asking, though. It was very kind of you.”
Her answer both surprised and confused Benjen. “I don’t understand. I think you’re amazing. Do you belong to someone else?”
“No. I belong to no one.” The ringing of the bell on the counter caused Apple to pull away from him. “Excuse me, I have a customer.”
Benjen stood still for a moment, trying to decide what just happened. Why did she turn him down? “Oh, well. Win some, lose some.” His casual words were in direct contrast to the disappointment making his chest ache. After his inexplicable awareness of her at the pub, he’d been so sure they’d shared a connection.
When he moved into the waiting room to untie Hope, she began to bounce up and down enthusiastically. Despite the letdown over Apple’s rejection, he had to smile. No matter if he was away from the dog an hour or a day, she still greeted him with the same degree of ecstasy. “Ready to go?”
When he raised up, he saw Apple handing a woman a bottle of medicated dog shampoo. The older lady looked familiar, so he doffed his hat.
Instead of responding, she narrowed her eyes at him and leaned in to speak to Apple. She didn’t attempt to lower her voice. “You’re smart not to go out with this one. He and his brothers, they don’t know how to stay in their place.”
A wave of shame shot over Benjen like a splash of boiling water. Sometimes he forgot prejudice was alive and well…until someone reminded him.
With eyes down, he started for the door.
“What are you talking about, Ms. Potter?” Apple asked, seeing Benjen’s fallen countenance. She didn’t think her passing on his kind invitation would affect him to this degree. No, it must be the woman’s comment.
Cutting a glance toward Benjen as he opened the door to leave, she stage-whispered, “He’s a half-breed redskin. A drunken Indian.”
Anger flashed over Apple like a firestorm. “That’s horrible of you to say.” She laid down the woman’s change and took off after Benjen. She had to make triple sure he didn’t think she’d been so cruel as to turn him down over something so heartless as the color of his skin. “Benjen, wait!”
She caught up to him before he made it to his pickup.
He didn’t turn to face her. He just waited, his eyes downcast.
“Benjen.” She touched his arm. “You’ve got to know something. What that woman said was stupid. She’s a small, vicious, prejudiced idiot.” Apple didn’t care if Ms. Potter heard her or not.
Raising his head, Benjen’s gaze found hers. “So, my being Apache isn’t why you turned me down?”
She shook her head. “Of course not. I know it sounds cliché, but it’s not you, it’s me.” When he rolled his eyes, she plunged on with her explanation. “No, really. I just came out of a…relationship. Honestly, I’m just not ready to date anyone right now.” When she felt the muscles of his forearm tense beneath her fingers, she caressed his warm skin with a soft touch. “I would like for us to be friends.”
“Friends?” Benjen couldn’t help but sneer at the thought. Friendship wasn’t what he’d been after with this woman. “Why me?”
“Because we have so much in common.” Her eyes pleaded with his. “And because I could use a friend.”
“Really?” He opened his truck door and picked up Hope, placing her in the seat.
“Yes, I would love to have someone to talk with who loves animals as much as I do.” Apple placed her hand on his chest. “Please?”
Benjen wondered if she could feel how his heart was pounding beneath her palm. Honestly, he didn’t know if he could be friends with this woman. He wanted her too much. She had no idea what she was doing to him. “Sure. Why not?”
“Great.”
The relief on her face confused him. She really seemed to care.
“Well, I’ll be seeing you, I guess.”
“I hope so.” She watched as he climbed into the truck and started the engine, reaching over to fasten the passenger side seatbelt around Hope. Apple’s heart contracted at the sight. Asking him for friendship probably wasn’t the wisest thing. She’d end up getting her heart broken. God, if she thought she had a chance of making it work with this man, she’d grab onto him with both hands. He seemed to be a gentle giant. A gorgeous guy with a heart of gold. A very rare combination indeed.
When Benjen began to pull out of the parking lot, he had to slam on his brakes as Ms. Potter cut him off and gunned out ahead. “Well, that’s one customer who’ll probably never come back,” Apple muttered. If the lady complained to Dr. Cleveland, she might get into trouble. “It’ll be worth it.”
She stood still as Benjen Blackhawk’s truck drove out of sight, a sense of loss sweeping over her. Regret. Loneliness. Apple couldn’t help but imagine how different her days would be if she had someone like him in her life.
But she couldn’t risk it. Losing Alan, learning of his infidelity, and how he viewed her had shattered Apple’s soul into pieces too small to put back together again. She’d lost her confidence. “Face it, you’re a coward, Apollonia Cates.” She no longer trusted her judgment when it came to men. “I’m better off sticking with dogs.”