The Cowboy and His Billionaire

Kayla

My head hurts, my ankle hurts, and my pride hurts.

What a great impression I must have made on Jason and Nick. If I thought I had an uphill battle to win them over before, it just got steeper.

Of course, I end up at the one office in the state of Texas which has a doctor who looks like he’s just come off the set of some sexy soap opera. And what are the odds-a broken wheelchair? Though, I doubt any of the women around here would mind being carried around by him.

Resting my head on the exam table, I close my eyes. The light hurts my eyes more than I want to admit, and I know there’s no way I’m getting home to Dallas tonight. I remember the sign for the bed-and-breakfast as I drove into town. I guess I’ll try to get a room there. If I have to, I'm not above sleeping in my car.

The door opens but I don't open my eyes right away, knowing the hallway light is too bright.

"Oh, no, you don't. Wake up, Kayla." Brice's sexy deep voice fills the room as his hand lands on my shoulder.

Something about my name on his lips sends goosebumps racing across my skin. My name has never been said quite like that before, all gravelly and inviting. Slowly, I open my eyes and move my head to the side to look at him. He pulls up his rolling chair and sits next to me at eye level.

"Your x-ray confirms your ankle isn't broken. It’s just a bad sprain. You’re going to have to stay off it for a few weeks, ice it, and let it heal. Once you’re using it again, your ankle won't be as steady due to the inactivity. After that, it will be a few months before you should even consider wearing heels again.”

"Great," I sigh.

On the flip side, what girl doesn't love an excuse to go out and buy new shoes? I can build up a collection of flats to wear.

"Also, you have a mild concussion, so you need to take it easy. No driving back to Dallas right now."

"I planned to get a room at the bed-and-breakfast. Anyway, I don't feel like driving tonight."

"Unfortunately, that won’t work. Someone needs to check on you over the next forty-eight hours, so it's best you aren't alone."

"Well, what do you suggest? I can't drive home, not that there’s anyone there, anyway."

He sighs, looking at the floor, and swears under his breath.

"You can stay with me for a few days." He looks up and his eyes meet mine.

"No, I’ll be fine at the bed-and-breakfast." Because my gut says staying in this man's house is a very, very bad idea. Even if the rest of my body wants to jump at the chance.

"Not an option." He shakes his head.

"Do you always offer to let patients stay with you?" I try to make my point.

"Only CEOs who can’t currently walk, trying to sell out my friend's business.."

"I'm not trying to sell them out," I huff, causing him to chuckle. "I don't have any clothes, toiletries, and I have to get my car...." I start listing off my to-do list as my mind begins to whirl.

"Slow down. Joy already said Maggie, Nick's wife, is on her way in. She’s bringing some clothes because Joy is certain you two are the same size. Then she’ll follow Nick to my house and bring your car."

"Seems everything is planned out for me."

"It's what we do around here. What else do you need?"

"Assuming my purse made it here with me and my phone is still in it, nothing I can think of."

"All right, let's get you some crutches. Ever used them before?"

"Nope. But I'm sure they will match my work clothes perfectly."

"No need to be sarcastic. You’re the one who wore high heels to a ranching town. Business meeting or not. You'd have more respect from them if you were in boots."

"Then I wouldn't have gotten to meet you," I sass back, and he just shakes his head again.