Courted by the Cowboy (The Boones of Texas 3)

“He could get a job,” he offered.

Kylee looked at him. “I wasn’t expecting you to fix anything, Fisher, I was just...talking.”

She was talking to him. And he liked it, a lot. “I know. And I’m not trying to tend to your business. But I know Archer’s been looking for some help at the animal rehabilitation center. He probably wouldn’t pay Shawn, because Archer is Archer. But Shawn could volunteer there. Maybe a day or two there and another at the hospital. It can be dirty work, but it would definitely keep him busy. Until school starts in the fall. And he’d learn a lot about animals—and people, too.”

They pulled in to Shots then and Shawn barreled into the truck, effectively ending the conversation. Instead of climbing into the back, Shawn squeezed in beside Kylee on the bench seat. That meant Kylee was flush against Fisher’s side, knee to knee, thigh to thigh, hip to hip...

She stiffened instantly but slowly relaxed enough to lean against him. He didn’t want to read too much into that. She was finally comfortable with him—that’s all. It didn’t mean she wanted his touch the way he craved hers. Did it?

Being so close to her, feeling the brush of her against him, made for one hell of a long drive. And he didn’t mind one bit. He savored every second of the drive from town to the ranch and down to the barn. When they parked, Fisher had a hard time moving away from her. He was pretty happy to sit wrapped in her heat, her scent, with the air-conditioning blowing long strands of her hair against his neck.

He climbed out of the truck and glanced at h

er. She was sitting, her hands fisted on her knees, that look on her face. The look she’d had after he kissed her. The look that told him, maybe, her body was humming just as much as his. When their gazes collided, there was a palpable sizzle in the air. There was no denying the immediate effect she had on him. The desire to touch her was almost overwhelming. If Shawn hadn’t been there, he’d have pulled her from the truck and picked up where they left off in the locker room. But Shawn was there, so Fisher winked at her instead. Her smile was huge.

“You going to ride, Kylee?” Shawn asked, coming around the truck to join Fisher.

She shook her head. “How about I watch.”

Shawn nodded. “Will you try next time?”

Fisher waited, hoping she’d say yes. Shawn wanted to share this with her. It would be a good way to start making new memories together.

She nodded. “I will.” She glanced down at her clothes. “Just remind me to put on some other clothes.”

“Okay,” he and Shawn said in unison, making her giggle.

A streak of gray and black came barreling across the yard and into Fisher’s side. “How did you get out?” he asked Chance, who was dancing around on his back feet, eager for attention.

“Hey, Chance.” Shawn knelt, all too happy to shower affection on the wriggling dog. “You an escape artist? Don’t you know you’re lucky to have this place for a home?” He held the dog’s head between his hands. “You remember that and be a good dog for Doc Fisher.”

The dog sat, his good ear perked forward, listening to Shawn. His stubby little tail wagged, he cocked his head to the side and he proceeded to cover Shawn’s face with dog kisses. Shawn was laughing too hard to protest...

Seeing Shawn so carefree, laughing and smiling and acting like a boy his age should, made Fisher happy.

When Kylee’s laughter joined her brother’s, Fisher was pretty sure life couldn’t get much better.

“I’ve been trying to teach him some manners,” he finally said. “Chance, come on now, you’re making me look bad.”

Chance’s ear perked up, then he ran to Fisher’s side and sat at his feet.

“A little late now,” he said to the dog, unable to not smile down at the animal.

“That’s impressive,” Kylee nodded at Chance. “He’s listening to you.”

“Sometimes,” Fisher agreed.

“Sounds like he and Shawn have a lot in common,” Kylee teased, hugging her brother with one arm.

Shawn grinned broadly. “You love me anyway.”

Kylee kissed her brother’s temple. “You know I do.” Fisher caught the look she gave her brother, so full of love there was no way the boy could doubt it.

Shawn sighed, shrugging out from under her arm. “I think I’ll go get the saddle and gear together.”

“You know where it is.” Fisher nodded, pleased Shawn was so excited over his riding time. Shawn headed straight for the barn. Chance was at his heels, ear quirked up and ready for direction.

Fisher’s attention returned to Kylee.