Courted by the Cowboy (The Boones of Texas 3)

Kylee was intrigued. “That’s amazing.”

“It is. Even more so considering he’s three-legged.” Fisher’s gaze caught and held hers. It was warm and steady, soothing yet...alarming. “I’ll take you back to the offices. He’ll be there somewhere,” he offered, completely unaware of the conflicting emotions he inspired in her.

“We don’t want to keep you.” Even if she was a little tempted. “I need to get Shawn back for dinner—”

“After we take Chance for a walk, we could get some burgers?” He was asking her, his gaze never wavering.

She tore her gaze from his and knelt on the ground by Shawn. Having dinner with him would make it a little hard to avoid him and no men was still number one on her list. She was still trying to figure Fisher Boone out. What did he want? Why was he so nice? He’d have an angle, men always did. Until she knew what it was she needed to avoid him. She looked at him. “I have to work tonight.” Which was true.

He paused, studying her. She didn’t like it. She didn’t like the disappointed sigh, the slight narrowing of his watchful gaze or the smile that spread slowly across his handsome face. He cocked his head to the side. “I was heading to the bowling alley down the road, meeting up with Jo and Hunter and their son, Eli. You might have met him at Shots? He and Shawn are buddies.” Fisher paused. “I could take Shawn. Probably be a bunch more boys their age there. Won’t keep him out late. And we can bring you a burger after?”

She frowned at Fisher. He had no right to ask like that—in front of Shawn. Of course, he’d have no way of knowing she rarely let Shawn out of her sight. She had good reason. At least, she’d had good reason when they were in Las Vegas. But they weren’t in Las Vegas anymore. And things here, in Stonewall Crossing, were different.

She wavered, but her unease won out. They might not be in Las Vegas, but that didn’t mean she was okay sending her little brother off with someone who was practically a stranger.

She glanced at her brother and their gazes locked. He must have understood her hesitation because Shawn murmured, “Thanks anyway, Dr. Fisher.” The tone of his voice revealed just how frustrated her little brother was.

“No problem. Maybe next time. Here.” Fisher handed her brother the leash. “Let’s take Chance out for some exercise.”

She watched the dog wiggle and squirm as Shawn attached the leash. Shawn’s laugh was infectious, making her smile in spite of the ache in her chest. She hated disappointing Shawn but the years had taught her to protect, not trust. Trust wasn’t something she did easily. Everything about Fisher was unknown.

Fisher nodded toward the door at the end of the recovery wing. “Chance knows the way,” he said to Shawn.

Kylee watched as her little brother was pulled toward the door by a very excited Chance.

“I’m sorry if I overstepped,” Fisher said quietly.

She stared at him. He was apologizing?

“I just thought...” He shrugged. “He and Eli are about the same age. A boy needs friends. And a dog.” He nodded after them.

Kylee studied his face. There was no hint of teasing. He seemed sincere. It would be so much easier if she could find some way to believe the worst of him. She needed to keep Fisher at arm’s length. She knew how to do that. For the last few years it had been her and Shawn against the world. It made life a lot easier. Having friendships? This was foreign territory. She was about to say “I don’t know you,” but stopped herself. Any explanation would require more information than she was willing to give. Instead she said, “Shawn’s had a lot of disappointments in life—”

“I wasn’t planning on disappointing him, Kylee. Bowling and burgers and a few laughs. According to my nephew Eli, kids like that sort of thing.”

She sucked in a deep breath, turning her attention to Shawn. He had left the door open—so she could see him, flat on his back, with the dog crawling over him. Kids like that sort of thing. Shawn’s childhood hadn’t exactly been easy. Then again, n

either had hers.

“Kylee?” Fisher’s voice was so soft. “How about we plan for two weeks from today? Me, you, Shawn and my brother and his family?”

She didn’t answer.

“I’ll warn you,” Fisher kept going, “I’m a damn fine bowler.”

She tried not to grin. “You have a high opinion of yourself, Doc.”

“If the shoe fits.” He nudged her, winking.

“You two coming?” Shawn called.

“I’ll think about it. And thanks for the offer of a ride, but we’ll walk home,” she said.

“I don’t mind—”

“We’ll walk,” she insisted. She picked up the pace, putting distance between herself and Fisher. The more distance the better. Yes, Fisher was nice. And handsome. And he had a great sense of humor. If she was being honest with herself, she’d admit there seemed to be a lot to like. Which scared her. She didn’t have the best judgment when it came to men, and she had the scars to prove it.

Chapter Four