Bossing the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 4)

She huffs as if she’s annoyed by that. However, it’s still my job to ensure my patients are taken care of. I wouldn’t be a good vet if I didn’t.

“Are we done here?” I ask when the silence between us lingers.

“I guess so.” She dramatically slams her palms on the chair, then stands and walks out.

I release a relieved breath when I’m alone again. That woman is tough as nails and more patient than I give her credit for, especially after all the short responses I give her. Pretty sure I would’ve already told myself to fuck off by now. Then again, I’m her superior, allowing her to work under my license while overseeing everything she does. The truth is, I need her here too because the clinic has grown a lot over the past year. Having her here was a godsend, and it's why I offered her a part-time position.

She has a few years left until she’s licensed, and my goal is to teach her everything I know so she’ll be ten steps ahead of everyone else. Selfishly, I want her to work here with me afterward, but I’ll cross that bridge when it’s time.

After an hour of sitting at my desk, Elle and I get on the road to do a few mobile visits. Since I’m the only clinic in town that deals with equestrians and cattle, I’m always busy.

“Can you tell me again what’s on the schedule?” I finally ask Elle to fill the silence.

She looks up from her phone and recites our itinerary from memory.

“A Coggins test over at the Talbots’, tooth extraction at the Adamses’, deworming at the Joneses’, Harpers’, and Smiths’, then we have to trim some sheep hooves over at the Johnsons’. Oh, and we have to do a pregnancy test at the Bransons’ ranch. Almost forgot that one.”

A small smirk touches my lips, but she doesn’t notice. “We have a full day then.”

“I’d say so.” She nods, then continues, “Just don’t forget I have to drive back to campus tonight for my classes tomorrow.”

“I’m aware.” Though the schedule is jam-packed, she’ll have plenty of time to make it back before dark. Though I’d never admit it, I hate when she’s gone.

After not seeing her for three days, I actually kinda miss her.

Another thing I keep buried deep inside.

Chapter Three

Elizabeth

THREE MONTHS LATER

Although I’m only in the first semester of my second year of vet school, I’m ready to have a few extra days off for Thanksgiving break. Between going to class, driving back and forth, and working at the clinic, I hardly see my family, but I plan to spend as much time with them as I can over the holiday.

“Anything I can do to help?” My mom’s hustling in the kitchen before her evening shift starts. She’s an emergency room doctor in the next town over and wanted to spend some time with us before she leaves, so we’re having a Thanksgiving lunch with my dad and brother. Then we’ll head to the B&B for desserts. Maize makes a huge feast of sweets, and all the Bishops meet there to celebrate. It’s one of my favorite holiday traditions.

“Sure, sweetie. Your dad won’t be home from the hospital for a couple of hours, so I could use all hands on deck.” She bastes the turkey while I wash my hands and put on an apron.

“Is Ethan out workin’?” I ask, grabbing the potatoes to wash and peel. He helps our uncles with ranch duties when he’s home from college.

“I believe so. Then he was gonna pick up Harper before we eat.”

Smirking, I know it’s only a matter of time before they finally become a couple. My brother’s two years younger than me and will graduate next summer, so I only get to give him a hard time about his we’re not dating best friend when we’re both home, which is hardly ever.

“So tell me what’s new? I hardly get to see ya between our schedules.” Mom moves around the kitchen as I continue peeling. Though we text when we can, it’s not the same as talking face-to-face.

“Busy as usual.” I sigh. “The clinic is chaotic, and my classes are stressful, but I’m enjoying it. Vet school is flying by, so I’m trying to take it all in.”

“Connor’s a great vet. You’ll learn so much from him too.”

“Yeah, Dr. Wallen is a great mentor,” I say dryly, rolling my eyes.

“You’re very lucky to be working under him.”

“Yeah,” I murmur. So lucky.

“What? You don’t like it there?”

“Oh, I do,” I reassure her. “He’s so moody, though. I feel like I’m always walking on eggshells around him.”

Mom grins. “That’s kinda how all doctors are. Super sweet to their patients but hard-asses to their co-workers.”

“Why can’t y’all be nice in general? I swear, during my interview, he decided I was too young and naïve to be good at my job. Years have passed, and nothing’s changed.”