Bossing the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 4)

“Yeah, you need them more than I do.” The corner of his lips tilts up just the slightest. “They really helped me, but you don’t have to use them. I studied best with repetition and quizzing myself, but if that’s not for you, I added the journal just in case you wanted to write your own notes.”

“Of course I’ll use them! I’ll definitely use the journal too.” I quickly flip through the notecards. “I see your doctor scratch handwriting wasn’t in effect yet,” I tease.

“No, you get that when they send you the official license.”

I chuckle and can’t believe he’s actually joking around with me. Who is this person?

“Well, thank you. I appreciate it. As much as I’m not looking forward to taking the exam, I’m so ready to get it over with and find a permanent job.”

His head tilts, and his brows furrow. “You’re not planning to come back to the clinic?”

I narrow my eyes, my shoulders tense. “Well, are you hiring?”

Connor releases a breath, and I can’t help but notice him lick his lips. “I was hoping you’d stay. You’re smart and have a lot to offer. I was even gonna offer to help you study in the evenings.”

“I’m sorry—what? Are you Dr. Wallen’s twin or something?”

He gives me a confused look.

“You’re being really nice, and honestly, it’s trippin’ me out.” Connor and I have never held this long of a conversation that didn’t involve him ordering me around.

I can tell he wants to laugh, but for whatever reason, he doesn’t.

“Just offering to help, Elizabeth. You’re an asset to the practice, and I’d be an idiot not to hire you. I’d hate to lose you.”

His words ignite a spark throughout my entire body. He’s talking about our professional relationship, but my attraction to him is giving me mixed feelings.

“Wow. I really wasn’t sure, but I’m relieved to hear that.” I beam, unable to hide my joy of not being unemployed. Assuming I don’t fail the exam.

“Of course I’ll still be your boss, but we can work side by side and maybe actually keep up with the schedule.”

I grin because the days are always jam-packed. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves now.”

“So you want to plan to get together next week?” he asks, shoving his hands in the pockets of his jeans.

The sleeves of his shirt are rolled up, showing off his toned arms and tats. If I didn’t know who he was, I certainly wouldn’t guess a doctor.

“That’d be great. I have an appointment for my final dress fitting for Maize’s wedding, but other than that, I’ll be eating, sleeping, and studying.”

Once we nail down a date and time, I thank him again for coming and for the gift. I’m still not sure what to think of it, but when I glance over at Grandma, who’s been watching us the entire time, I know she’s definitely guilty of setting the whole thing up.

Sneaky, sneaky Grandma. One of these days, her meddling is gonna get her in trouble.

But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t extremely grateful for it this time. Not only did I get the confirmation I needed that I still have a job, but I learned Connor wants to help me study, which means we’ll be spending a lot more time together outside of the office.

Just me and him without work or distractions.

Holy shit. Just us. Alone.

Chapter Ten

Connor

I’m embarrassed to admit how nervous I am to be alone with Elle outside of work. While I’ve consciously avoided putting myself in that situation, I know this’ll benefit her. I have no doubts that Elle will do well, considering she graduated at the top of her class, but I also know how stressful studying alone can be.

Not to mention, until she passes and gets her Authority to Practice letter, she can’t even work, or we both risk our licenses. With all the injuries, vaccinations, and routine checkups, right now is the busiest time of the year. Having her join the practice will help me stay on schedule and ultimately spend more time with Olivia when I get her in July.

I have a close working relationship with the Bishops, and if Elle and I dated then broke up, Rose would replace me in a snap. There’s a lot at risk—most importantly, our hearts. She deserves a guy who can give her everything and more. My life revolves around my clinic and daughter, and I plan to keep it that way.

Vivian has been a pain in my ass more than usual, and though we have a custody agreement, I try to keep things civil between us so she doesn’t up and run again. She knows damn well I’d have to jump through hoops to fight her.

“Your last patient’s ready,” Trina informs me as she steps into my office. “Already did the pre-exam. Sadie’s a little skittish so just a forewarning.”