A Touch of Cowboy (Love in Cedar Valley)

1. Chapter One

Chapter One

A very Stinson loved her life. She might occasionally find the long nights a little lonely, but her busy days and active circle of friends more than made up for the feelings that crept in when she found herself with only her dog, Rex, for company.

She eyed her pooch.

He eyed her back. Then he leapt on her lap. Before she could react, he licked her cheek.

“Naughty dog. You’re not supposed to jump up without permission. You’re not supposed to give kisses without permission.”

Rex gave her the same baleful look he always did when she reprimanded him—no matter how gently. He was a damned smart dog. He knew the rules. He also knew when he could bend and break them.

She was a sucker. And her dog was so far from the animal she’d rescued from the shelter three years ago that the odd times he didn’t do what he was told were okay because he was so much more affectionate. Less scared. Less nervous. It’d taken more than a year of training with Torah before Rex really started to come out of his shell.

“Down.”

Rex obeyed.

“Sometimes you behave.”

The English cream lab mix cocked his head.

Avery petted his head, scratching his silky ears in the way that made his eyes drift shut in ecstasy. “Okay, Jean is next up. She likes you, but you still have to wait for permission before joining her on the couch.”

Rex wasn’t a therapy dog. Or a comfort dog. Not for lack of trying. Torah had tried to get him up to speed so he could pass the test, but his odd fear of random strangers just made him too unpredictable.

Avery’s boss, Kennedy, allowed her to bring Rex to work on days when all her clients were okay with having the pooch around. And he did offer comfort to some of them. Other clients would merely acknowledge him, and then he’d go hang out in his bed in the corner of Avery’s sunny office.

Healing Horses Ranch was truly a wonderful place to practice counselling. Avery’d come here after several years of working in the trenches with social services, and a bad incident led her to conclude she wasn’t cut out for the grind of government work. She’d brought her counselling degree with her when Kennedy opened the ranch more than half-a-dozen years ago. Hard to believe so much time had passed.

“Stay.” She rose, eyeing Rex.

He sat, fully compliant.

She didn’t miss the gleam in his eye. She opened the door of her office.

Rex bolted.

“Hey.” After rolling her eyes, she followed the pooch’s path to the main reception area.

The two-story room with its soaring wood beam ceilings had plenty of comfy sitting areas for clients waiting to see their counsellors.

Four full-time therapists, including herself, and a part-time psychiatrist were on the staff.

To her horror, Rex barrelled into the room and took a flying leap.

Graceful, he was not. He landed on the newcomer’s chest, forcing air from the man’s lungs.

“Rex.”

Even her most-admonishing tone didn’t deter her dog as he proceeded to lick the poor man’s cheek incessantly.

“Rex.”

A chuckle emanated from the man. “It’s all right. I don’t mind.” He stroked Rex’s shiny, light-brown coat. “Lab?”

“Some mix of. A rescue,” she offered. As if that would somehow excuse her beast’s behavior.

“Oh, those are the best.”

His rough voice washed over her and set her skin tingling. Even the little she could see—worn jeans with a plaid shirt, and a real cowboy hat—spoke of someone who worked with his hands for a living. He wasn’t a wannabe guy. She knew that deep in her soul.

“Excuse me, ma’am.” He lifted off his hat. “Shouldn’t be wearing that indoors.”

“It’s all right. Truly. This is, after all, a working ranch.”

He inclined his head.

“Well, we have horses.”

“Who work as counsellors.”

His sardonic grin bit just a touch.

“I’m accustomed to actually working with horses. Herding cattle, in fact.”

“Not a lot of cattle in Mission City.” She cocked her head. “Or Cedar Valley, for that matter.” The town lay just over an hour east of Vancouver in southwestern British Columbia.

“I’m from Alberta.”

“Oh.” The next province over was more than a twelve hour’s drive. “You’re a long ways from home, cowboy.” She smiled, offering her best show of support.

“Yeah, well…it’s kind of a long story.”

“Which I’ll be happy to hear all about.” Another masculine voice resonated in the room.

The cowboy’s and Avery’s gazes snapped at the same time to the newcomer.

Who held up his hands. “Sorry to interrupt.”

“Justin, you’re too quiet.” Avery gave her coworker a mock glare.

He grinned unrepentantly. The redhead topped out at six foot three, with flaming red hair and stunning blue eyes.

Avery’d always had a soft spot for the younger man. Who was now married and had two adopted children. Justin’s husband, Stanley, was a very lucky man. They both were.

She smiled. “Justin, right on time. Is this your new client?” She turned her attention to the cowboy. “I’m Avery. I really should’ve introduced myself.” She pointed to the guy’s lap. “And that’s Rex.”

Justin peered over the chair and caught sight of the dog. He arched an eyebrow at Avery.

She shrugged. “He was super enthusiastic about meeting…”

“Will.” The cowboy continued to pet the dog. “And I’m super enthusiastic about meeting him. We have a cattle dog on the ranch. Amazing Australian shepherd. I kinda miss her.”

“Well, you’re welcome to keep Rex with you during your session.”

She quickly peeked at Justin who nodded with vigor. Anything that made clients comfortable was encouraged.

Tiffany, the ranch’s official comfort dog, was in with Denise Lang and one of her young patients.

Traumatized children always got first dibs on Tiffany. If a client wanted Rex, though, and he was amenable, he made a good second choice.

“I’d love to have Rex join me.” Gently, Will helped the dog to the floor.

The impudent canine immediately pressed against Will’s leg as the man stood.

Avery snickered. “I think he likes you more than he likes me.”

“Well, ma’am, I’m not quite sure how that might happen. You’re pretty fetching.” His eyes widened. “That was inappropriate—”

Justin chuckled, breaking the moment. “Avery’s an attractive woman. Also an excellent counsellor, brilliant at chess, and has a fantastic seat when she’s riding.” He gazed at Will. “Safe to assume you’re a rider?”

Will nodded. “Yeah. That’s why I chose this place. I mean, I don’t need counselling. But my sister insisted. Since she’s paying, I chose the place with the horses. They’ll remind me of home.”

“Great.” Justin gestured toward his office. “We can talk for a bit, and then I can introduce you to the girls. Retired show horses and damn hard working.”

“Looking forward to it.” Will glanced down at Rex. “You coming?”

Rex’s stubby tail wagged enthusiastically.

Avery smiled. “Just knock when you’re ready to unload him.” She eyed her dog. “Be good.”

Said pooch tipped his chin up, as if demanding to know when he wasn’t good.

She just waved him off and headed back to her office.

Once inside, she leaned against the door. Tall, dark, and handsome . Everything she’d always wanted in a man but never seemed to be able to find.

Well, you’ll just have to keep looking. He was a patient. Even though he wasn’t her patient, there were rules. She knew them. She followed them. Even if her libido was in high gear and she was wondering just how good that cowboy looked out of his denims.

Eyeing the little fake Christmas tree in the corner, she reminded herself to stop at the store on the way home to pick up the ingredients to make shortbread cookies for tomorrow’s party.

Would Justin invite Will? Would the cowboy show up?

Only time would tell.