Bossing the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 4)

“Got it, thanks.” I stand and check the time. Elizabeth will be here in one hour for the study session we scheduled last week. I offered to have her come here after-hours so our time together isn’t mistaken for something else. I’ll stay at my desk and quiz her while we keep our distance.

Thirty minutes before she’s supposed to show up, she sends a text message.

Elizabeth: Hey! Would you mind meeting me at the B&B instead? I’ve been here all day studying and have my notes organized on the table. If not, I can come to you but just thought I’d suggest it since there’s free coffee and pastries :)

I inhale a deep breath as I fill with uncertainty. Though it does sound more comfortable than a stuffy office, I’m concerned being there will be too laid-back.

After a couple of minutes, I finally respond.

Connor: Sure, I’ll be leaving here shortly.

Though I was tempted to say no, I also don’t want to mess with her studying environment. Especially if it’s working for her.

Once I’m done for the day, I pack up and head to my truck. I remove my white coat and roll up my sleeves, relieved when the A/C finally kicks in.

“Hey,” John greets me when I walk inside the B&B. I don’t see him much since he doesn’t deal with the animals.

“Hi, I’m looking for Elizabeth.”

He gives me a hesitant look. “For what?”

Before I can respond, Elle walks over. “He’s here to help me study.”

“Ahh, alright.” John tips his head at me, and I awkwardly follow Elle.

“You weren’t lying,” I say when I see the table covered in my old notecards. She also has her new journal wide open, and it’s covered with ink.

“My brain is startin’ to feel like mush, but I think I’m good for you to quiz me now,” she states, carefully stacking the cards in organized piles.

As I take a seat across from her, she looks up. “Do you mind if we sit on the couches in the corner? My ass is gettin’ sore from these chairs, and it’ll be much quieter. Fewer distractions.”

I swallow hard. “Sure, whatever will help you.”

“Thanks. You can grab yourself some coffee or whatever you want. I think I’ve had ten cups today, so I’m sticking to water.”

It’s dinnertime here, and the guests are starting to pile in, so I wait behind a few people before filling up a mug and grabbing a plate of food. Since I didn’t eat before coming, I might as well now.

“Oh good choice. Maize’s stuffed shells are the best!” she says when I take a seat.

“You’re not gonna eat?” I ask when she sits.

“I did when I took a break. Some of the ranch hands came in and distracted me, so I figured I’d eat and reset while I waited for you.”

“Alright, so tell me what you’ve been working on.”

Elle grabs her journal and flips through the pages. “Boring shit.”

I almost crack a smile. The state boards are quite mundane. It tests on three publications: Veterinary licensing act, Texas board veterinary medical examiners rules of professional conduct, and licensing rules.

“I’ll start with an easy one,” I offer, grabbing the notecards. “Define practice of veterinary medicine.”

Elle groans with an eye roll. “Oh come on. Don’t insult me.”

The dry way she says it actually makes me laugh.

“You’re right. Could probably recite it in your sleep.”

Elle gives me a look, narrowing her eyes as if she’s studying me.

“What?” I ask.

“I finally made you laugh. I was beginning to think you didn’t know how,” she muses.

Now I’m the one who groans. “Of course I do.”

“Could’ve fooled me. I was startin’ to think you were half-robot.”

“I’m just a serious person.” I shrug.

“And why’s that? Have you always been?”

“We aren’t here to ask questions about me,” I remind her. “This is your study time.”

“Mm-hmm. Figured you’d dodge that question, but I had to try anyway.” She shrugs. “Alright, ask me one for real.”

“How often does the board conduct licensing exams for veterinarians?”

“Twice a year,” she replies correctly.

“What’s one reason the board may issue a special license to practice veterinary medicine to an applicant?”

“Um…” As she thinks it over, she bites her lip.

I’d be lying if I didn’t admit I’ve thought about how soft they look. How they’d taste against mine or feel against my skin. I almost found out when I ran into her at the club a year and a half ago. We were inches apart, and my drunk ass was fighting to kiss her. But I knew better. It’d fuck up everything, and I couldn’t risk losing her—even if it’s only in a professional manner.

“If the person is licensed to practice in another jurisdiction and the board determines their specialty is unrepresented or underrepresented in this state.”

“Correct.”

“True or false, another veterinarian in the same clinic can refill a script previously filled by a doctor in the same clinic.”