Cougar in Texas (Rugged and Risque 3)

“You’re kidding, right?” He stared down at her, his hypnotic eyes holding a twinkle of mischief that was intriguing. And enticing.

“Okay, then.” Jack clasped his hands together. “We’ll see you there.”

The group dispersed. When they stepped outside, they walked in different directions to their vehicles. Caleb led her to a Range Rover parked in front of the pawn shop. He opened the passenger side for her and she slid into the seat. He closed the door and rounded the front. Reese tried to latch her seatbelt but it was tricky. She suspected her shaky fingers caused the problem.

He climbed in beside her and the space seemed much smaller. More intimate. Downright cozy. The strong Italian seasonings in Pietro’s had overpowered Caleb’s cologne, but now she drew in a long stream of air filled with a masculine, earthy scent that was warm and inviting. It had a calming effect on her.

Glancing over at him, she said, “Take Main Street to the junction and then turn left. Wade’s is set back a few miles out of town.”

“Got it.” His gaze lingered a moment. “Your friends are great.”

“I’m usually a good judge of character. One slipup, but other than that…” She shrugged off her miscalculation with Tommy. “They all liked you, I could tell. Well, the women, obviously…”

He chuckled. “They’re very friendly. And to offer to help with the horses. That was incredibly nice.”

“Their offers are genuine, I assure you. They don’t carelessly throw things like that out. If they say it, they intend to commit to it.”

“It’ll be a big help. I just need them to know it’s not a pretty sight when a neglected horse comes into a shelter. Took some muscling through the first dozen times I witnessed it.”

“That’s why I didn’t volunteer,” she said. “Not that I wouldn’t like to help in some way, but abused horses… That’s like looking at puppies that have been kicked around and tossed out a car window, left to suffer on some deserted country road.” She shuddered at the thought. It was a fate more tragic than her own personal debacle with Tommy, yet she could certainly relate to how bad it felt to be punted emotionally.

“Yeah,” he said in a low voice. “I hear ya. And don’t feel obligated. I won’t be offended. Some cases can be excruciatingly painful to deal with. Most of them, as a matter of fact. No decent human being wants to see an animal that’s been mistreated.”

“Takes someone with a very strong character to do what you’re trying to do, Caleb.” She thought about what she’d said earlier to Jess and Liza about their husbands, and how they’d never have to worry about the men cheating despite how attractive they both were—and how they easily caught the eyes of other women—because they had such strong constitutions. Reese had a niggling suspicion the cowboy veterinarian who’d recently shunned Dallas society for a higher purpose just might be made of similar stuff.

He started the engine and she settled more comfortably in her seat. She was perfectly at ease in his presence. Stealing glances at his chiseled profile, she couldn’t deny how he revved her own engine. The man was all brawn and brain and inner beauty. How the hell was he still single?

“Was it difficult to leave family and friends behind in Dallas?”

His eyes remained on the road as they turned at the junction and the town’s antique lampposts no longer provided additional illumination. Silver rays from the moonlight lit his cheekbones and streaked his dark hair.

“Actually, I was ready for a change of scenery. My dad has been breathing down my neck about a position in his company. But I’ve always known what I wanted to do. Work with animals.”

“You’re kind of young for such a big responsibility, don’t you think?” She couldn’t help it…the five-year age difference still stuck in her craw.

His jaw tightened briefly, as though she’d hit a sore spot. Interesting.

“I suppose so,” he said. “But I’ve been around horses my whole life. And I started volunteering at

clinics and shelters when I was thirteen, under strict adult supervision of course. Since a lot of vet schools will accept you on good grades with a minimum of forty-five or fifty college credits, I spent two years studying at the university level, then did my four years at vet school. A year as intern followed and I was offered a job at that particular facility. I did that stint for another year, and now here I am.”

“That’s serious dedication.”

“I always knew this was my calling. But rescuing horses on my own is new to me. I contracted with a more seasoned equine specialist to work part-time. And he recommended a number of skilled techs willing to relocate or drive over from Austin. I think we’re going to have an outstanding group.”

Reese tore her gaze from his profile and stared out the window. “That’s incredible,” she said. “My biggest dream was a bed and breakfast.”

“Nothing wrong with that. Weary travelers need to rest their heads somewhere.”

She turned back to him. “You don’t judge, do you?”

“Who am I to do it?” He was silent a moment and she motioned with her hand for him to turn off the road onto a gravel drive that led to a nearly packed parking lot. He pulled into one of the few empty spots and said, “I’m supposed to follow in my father’s footsteps, as he did, and as his father followed in my great-grandfather’s footsteps. But I don’t like the corporate mentality and the focus on making more and more money without concern for the environment or social responsibilities. I wanted to head up corporate contributions. But the fund is so bare bones—meeting minimum requirements that allow for tax deductions—that it’s not even a necessary position. So I struggle with how conscientiously the company is run.”

She stared at him, thinking he was quite the gem. Too bad she’d already ruled out any sort of romantic involvement with him. He had a hell of a lot to offer by way of sexual chemistry and, as her mother would have said—were she still alive—true grit.

“Well,” he said, “looks like a lively time lies in wait.” He exited the vehicle while she tried to work the latch on her seatbelt. Damn thing wouldn’t give.

He opened her door and saw her struggling. “It sticks sometimes, sorry. I should have warned you.” Leaning in, he asked, “Do you mind?”