Nate (Men of Clifton, Montana #49)

Chapter One

Nate stood patiently, observing the horse in her stall. She had been in labor for nearly three-quarters of an hour now, so he had called the vet. Despite being only ten years old, she seemed to be having difficulties.

“How’s it going, Nate?” his boss, Beau McCallister, asked him.

“Not great. She’s been in labor for about forty-five minutes now. I called Dr. Garrett’s office.”

“I wasn’t thrilled about her getting pregnant again, but it wasn’t my decision. Mom wanted to have her bred one last time.”

Nate nodded understandingly. He had worked for Beau for a long time and considered him not only a great boss, but also a good friend.

“You know you can’t argue with your mother.” Nate chuckled.

“I wouldn’t even try.” Beau laughed along with him.

Nate glanced over his shoulder as he heard a car pull up outside.

“Sounds like Doc Mac is here,” he stated, using the nickname that everyone in Clifton used for Dr. Tessa Garrett.

“I have to head out anyway. Brenna and I are going out to lunch with her parents, but if there are any issues, let me know.”

“Yes, sir.”

“I’ll send Tess in.” Beau gave a nod before leaving the barn.

As Nate stood there watching the mare, he felt someone approach him and turned expecting to see Dr. Garrett but instead saw a stunning blonde woman with warm brown eyes. His heart hit his stomach looking at her.

“Who are you?” he asked curiously.

“I’m Dr. Russell. I came to check on the mare.”

“Where’s Doc Mac?”

“She’s currently in surgery, so I came out instead.”

“I didn’t realize she had hired another veterinarian. I’m Nate Jefferson, the manager here.” Nate extended his hand toward her, and she shook it politely.

“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Jefferson. Would it be alright if I go into the stall?”

“Of course, ma’am. Let me open the gate for you.”

“Thank you.”

He touched his hat as she entered the stall and couldn’t help but catch a whiff of her light perfume, making him want to press his face against her neck and breathe it in. But he quickly pushed those thoughts away. She was probably married, engaged, or in a relationship with someone. Glancing at her left hand, he saw no rings.

He leaned against the gate and watched as she went about examining the mare.

“How long have you been working with Tess?” he asked curiously.

She glanced up at him briefly before focusing on the horse once again.

“Just about three months now. She’s amazing.”

“That she is. And so is her husband.”

“I had the pleasure of meeting Sheriff Garrett shortly after I started. Has this mare given birth before?”

“Yes, ma’am. This is her third foal. She’s never had any issues.”

“And how old is she?”

“Ten.”

“So, she’s still relatively young. Let me take a look and see what might be causing the problem.” She sat back on her heels, pulled on two long-sleeved plastic gloves from her medical bag, and turned to Nate. “Can you hold her head for me? I don’t want her kicking me.”

“Sure thing.” Nate opened the gate and made his way over to the horse, kneeling by her head. He gently rubbed her nose and ears while speaking to her in a soothing voice.

****

Markie found it difficult to focus with Nate Jefferson so close. He was undeniably attractive, with his brown hair and a hint of gray in his sideburns and scruff. And those blue eyes were simply captivating. She had thought Tess’s husband had the bluest eyes she had ever seen, but Nate Jefferson surpassed him by far, in her opinion. With his tanned complexion and crow’s feet at the corners of his eyes, he appeared to be in his early to mid-forties. As her aunt would say, he was one handsome devil.

As Markie reached inside the mare to check on the foal, she couldn’t help but smile as she heard Nate murmuring to the horse. She wouldn’t mind if he whispered in her ear.

But she quickly shook these thoughts away, knowing that the last thing she needed was a man in her life. No matter how tempting he may be. She didn’t trust men very much, if at all.

“Anything?” Nate asked.

“I can feel the legs and it’s trying to come out but being stubborn for some reason.”

“It must be a filly.” He grinned at her, causing her heart to skip a beat. She couldn’t tear her gaze away from him. No man should be that good-looking in her opinion, and she suspected he used those looks to his advantage.

“Whatever,” she snapped.

When he raised an eyebrow at her response, she shook her head and focused on helping the foal enter the world.

Once the foal finally arrived, Markie saw that it was indeed a female and shook her head in disbelief.

“I figured as much,” Nate said with a chuckle, as he stood.

“Do you assume all females are stubborn?” Markie quipped as she stood up and jerked off her gloves.

“Only the ones I’ve met. I haven’t lived to the age of forty-three without encountering a few women.” He folded his arms across his chest, and they locked eyes.

Markie shook her head and went to grab her bag but stumbled a little. Nate quickly reached out to steady her, but she immediately pulled away.

“Thank you. I think she’ll be fine now. The filly is healthy, and mama is happy to see her. She’s already trying to stand so she’ll be able to nurse soon. If you have any issues, please call our office.” With that, Markie headed toward the gate.

“Not you though,” Nate said.

Taking a deep breath, Markie turned to face him. “Your call will be routed to whoever is available. Have a nice day, Mr. Jefferson.”

“Yes, ma’am. You too, Dr. Russell.” They couldn’t seem to break their gaze, and when a smirk tugged at the corner of Nate’s lips, which were far too tempting, Markie finally looked away and made her way toward her car.

As she climbed into her SUV and drove down the winding two-lane backroad, she muttered to herself, “Damn man. Who does he think he is? Cocky is what he is.”

He was undeniably attractive, but he was all too aware of it. Just as she suspected, he probably used his looks to get what he wanted.

She parked her car in the hospital’s lot and entered through the back door. A smile lit up her face when she saw Tess walking toward her.

“How did the surgery go?”

“Very well. How was your trip to the McCallister ranch?”

“It was fine. A foal was having a bit of trouble being born, so I helped out. I met Mr. McCallister as he was on his way out, but the manager assisted me.”

“Nate?” Tess grinned. “He’s quite a handsome man. I know Sam has those striking blue eyes, but Nate’s are just as captivating. He’s also very kind.”

Markie shrugged. “I guess so. He seemed a little too full of himself for my liking.”

Tess frowned. “Nate? Are we talking about the same person?”

“There was only one Nate that I spoke to. He did ask for you by Doc Mac.”

“It’s what everyone calls me.” Tess smiled.

“Yes. I know Jodi and most of the town call you that, and call me Doc Russ, but you never told me how Doc Mac came about.” She laughed.

“When I first came to Clifton, I was Dr. McGuire, and the town shortened it to Doc Mac. Even after marrying Sam, some people still call me that.”

Markie chuckled. “This town is set in its ways.”

“Well, it is one way you know they’ve taken you in. I have to run now; lunch with Sam. Call me if you need anything.”

“Will do. Same to you.”

Tess grinned. “I will. Talk soon.”

Markie walked into her office, sat down at her desk, and opened her computer. As she entered information about the new foal, Nate Jefferson’s face popped into her head. She closed her eyes tightly, hoping he would disappear. But, as Tess had mentioned, he was a very attractive man.

“And he knows it,” she muttered to herself.

“Hey, Doc Russ?”

Markie turned toward the doorway to see Jodi, the receptionist, standing there with a smile on her face.

“Hi, Jodi. Is everything okay?”

“Oh yes, I just wanted to ask if you could pick something up for me when you go out for lunch.”

“Of course, what would you like? You could call Tess; she’s having lunch with Sam today.”

Jodi grinned. “Thanks, but they’re eating at home since Sam is off today, and I don’t think she’ll have anything she can bring me.”

Markie laughed. “I didn’t know she was going home for lunch. I’ll grab something for you while I’m out. Probably from the diner.”

“That’s perfect. Just tell them my usual and they’ll know what it is.”

“I still can’t believe that’s all anyone has to say, and they know exactly what they want.” Markie shook her head.

“I know, right? And here I am struggling to remember what I had for breakfast.” Jodi chuckled.

“Same here. Well, I should get back to work now. I’ll go after Tess gets back and I’ll pick up your order for you.”

“I appreciate it.”

“You’re very welcome.”

Jodi smiled before leaving the doorway. Markie felt lucky to have found this job in Clifton. She needed to get away from Idaho and her toxic family situation. Every time she tried to tell her mother about her stepfather’s inappropriate behavior toward her, she never believed her. The night she finally had enough and left, she knew she needed to put as much distance between them as possible.

Jarrett Knowles was an arrogant man who thought every woman was after him. Markie couldn’t understand why her mother would marry a man twenty years younger than her, but she knew exactly why Jarrett married her. It was all about money - pure and simple. Her mother was wealthy, and Jarrett knew it. After Markie’s father died, Jarrett pursued her mother relentlessly until she finally fell for his lies. Despite Markie’s warnings, her mother refused to see through his disguise. He could tell her the sky was green, and she would believe him.

Markie placed her hands on her desk and shook her head, wondering how her mother could be so blind to Jarrett’s true intentions. When Markie’s father passed away, he left them both with a significant amount of money, and she made wise investments and was a successful veterinarian, even though she didn’t need to work. She wasn’t one to just sit around though. It had been her dream from the time she turned twelve. After graduating high school, she went straight to college to earn her DVM. It took her nine years because she added other studies to learn as much as she could. She’d been a vet for eleven years now and loved every minute of it.

Taking a deep breath, Markie refocused on her work. Perhaps that’s why she didn’t like Nate Jefferson; he reminded her too much of Jarrett, conceited and self-absorbed. But she quickly scolded herself for judging Nate without even giving him a chance. After all, Tess spoke highly of him, so he must have some redeeming qualities.

As Markie entered the information into the computer about the filly, she couldn’t help but smile at the memory of its birth. She loved being a vet.

An hour later, Tess returned and began attending to patients while Markie left for lunch. As she walked out of the office, Markie greeted the locals with a smile; it was tourist season in their small town, and the local shops were bustling with activity.

When she passed by the pharmacy, Kinley waved at her from behind the counter, and Markie waved back. She also exchanged waves with Addison, the pharmacist and owner of the shop. Markie couldn’t help but feel grateful for living in such a friendly and welcoming town. She had made an excellent decision to move here.

Markie stepped into the diner and was greeted by familiar faces, who either waved or called out her name. She noticed an empty stool at the counter and took a seat, placing her order with a woman behind the counter.

As she looked around, Markie saw Celine Nelson walking in and smiled at her. Celine returned the smile and greeted Markie.

“Hi, Markie,” Celine said.

“Hey, Celine. Care to join me?”

“I would, but I’m meeting Killian. How about a raincheck?”

“Sure thing.”

“How are you liking Clifton?”

“I absolutely love it. It’s a charming town filled with wonderful people.”

“I feel the same way.”

“When is your wedding?”

“December. I hope you can make it.”

“I would love to.”

“I’ll send you an invitation; otherwise, you might have to stand outside like many others who didn’t receive an invitation.”

Markie furrowed her brow. “What do you mean?”

Celine chuckled. “It’s become a tradition for uninvited guests to gather outside of the church during weddings.”

“What if the weather is bad?”

“They still show up to celebrate. Rain, snow, heat, cold,” Celine shrugged. “It doesn’t matter. This town is remarkable.”

“I’ve never met kinder people.”

“Same here. I even found my soulmate here.”

Markie nodded as the bell above the door jingled and a handsome cowboy walked in, grinning. He made his way to Celine and gave her a kiss on the lips.

“Hi, sweetheart,” he said.

“Hi, baby,” Celine replied before turning to Markie. “Markie, this is my fiancé, Killian Doyle. Killian, meet Dr. Markie Russell.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Dr. Russell,” he said as he shook her hand. Markie couldn’t help but admire his good looks.

“Please, call me Markie. It’s nice to meet you too,” she said.

“Markie is a veterinarian and works with Tess.”

“I see. Well, I have four dogs and seven horses, so I’m sure I’ll be seeing you around,” Killian grinned.

“Let’s grab a booth.” Celine looked at Markie. “We should get together for lunch soon.”

“I’m looking forward to it.” Markie smiled and almost swooned when Killian touched the brim of his hat and led Celine to a booth.

Celine was lucky to have such a handsome man by her side. Markie noticed the gun clipped to Killian’s belt and remembered Celine telling her he was a livestock agent. There were certainly a lot of attractive men in Clifton. Her mind immediately went to Nate Jefferson before she shook her head vigorously. He was not someone she wanted to get involved with, no matter how attractive he may be.

****

A week later, Nate strode through the barn to check on the newborn filly. He leaned against the gate and couldn’t help but smile as he watched the mare nudge her foal.

“Hey, Nate.”

He turned to see Brenna, Beau’s wife, walking toward him.

“Hi, Brenna. What brings you out here on such a hot day?”

“I had to come see the new baby again.” She leaned against the gate beside Nate and smiled while admiring the little foal standing next to its mother.

“She’s a beautiful filly,” Nate commented.

“Stunning. I love how much black she has with those four white socks.”

“I wonder what Lisa will choose for her name.”

Brenna chuckled. “Knowing Lisa, it’ll probably be something simple.”

“That’s true.” Nate turned to face her. “So, how’s married life treating you?”

“It’s amazing. I adore that man.”

Nate laughed. “I know, and he feels the same way about you.”

“He damn well better.” Brenna shook her head with a grin.

“Oh, he does. I’ve never seen him happier.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

“He deserves happiness after what Liz did.”

“Yeah, and with my husband at the time.” Brenna sighed and shook her head. “Well, I should probably head back inside. It’s just too hot out here today. This is not normal for this time of year.”

“Very true. Have a good one, Brenna.”

“You too, Nate. Try to stay cool.”

“I will, once I get home to some air conditioning.” He grinned.

Brenna smiled and walked away from the barn. It was early May but already hot outside. What would summer bring?

At the end of his workday, Nate strolled down the aisle of the barn, double-checking that everything was in its proper place. He loved being the manager for Beau’s ranch. Even though it wasn’t a huge operation, it still required constant attention. Beau worked as a livestock agent and also bred and sold Appaloosa horses. Ten ranch hands were under Nate’s supervision, all of them hardworking men.

On any ranch, there was a lot to take care of, not just the animals, but also the fields, fencing, and regular maintenance. The ranch had a total of twenty horses, including Beau’s, Brenna’s, and Nate’s personal horses. Beau owned over three hundred acres of land, with the majority dedicated to grazing pastures for the horses. However, they did set aside ten acres for hay production.

Nate climbed into his pickup truck, started the engine, and headed home. All he wanted to do was take a hot shower and watch some TV. Since he usually had weekends off, he planned on doing absolutely nothing unless he decided to go to Dewey’s for a few hours.

****

That Saturday evening, Markie sat on a barstool at Dewey’s with her friend Sydney Wright. They had become acquainted after Sydney brought a stray cat to the animal hospital, and they hit it off right away.

“I’m so glad you called. Things have been non-stop at the store,” Sydney said as she sipped her glass of wine. In addition to running her family’s ranch, she also owned a bookstore in town. Her parents had moved to Florida since her father had rheumatoid arthritis in his hands and couldn’t do it anymore. Sydney took over six years ago and the place has flourished.

“It has been one long week,” Markie responded as she swirled her whiskey around in her glass, watching the water droplets form on the sides.

“I want to dance some line dances tonight. I’ll see if Siobhan will hold onto our purses behind the bar.” Sydney got up from her stool and caught Siobhan’s attention.

“Hey Sydney, need another drink?” Siobhan asked with a friendly smile.

“Not yet, but could you put our purses behind the bar for us? We want to dance.”

“I can do you one better and put them in the safe. If anyone besides me serves you, tell them that I have started a tab for you.”

“I really appreciate it.” Sydney took Markie’s purse and handed both to Siobhan.

“She’s so nice,” Markie commented.

“Yes, she is. So is Scarlett.”

“I agree.” Markie scanned the busy bar before her gaze landed on a couple slow dancing together. She clenched her jaw.

“Who are you mad at?”

“What? Oh, no one.”

“You know I don’t buy that.” Sydney tilted her head.

Markie shook her head. “It doesn’t matter.”

“Now you’ve got me curious.”

Markie let out a sigh. “Do you know Nate Jefferson?”

“I do. That man is so attractive. Why?”

“I had to go to Beau’s ranch for a mare in labor, and I met him. He seemed so arrogant to me. He rubbed me the wrong way.”

Sydney laughed. “Honey, he can rub me anyway he wants.”

Markie burst into laughter. “You’re terrible!”

“What does Nate have to do with who you’re glaring at?”

“Because he’s who I’m glaring at,” Markie replied, still looking at the dancing couple.

Sydney looked around until she spotted him. “Ah, I see him now. I don’t know the woman he’s dancing with, but she seems pretty into him.” Sydney turned back to Markie as she sat down again. “I bet Nate will be going home with her tonight.”

“Does he sleep with every woman he comes across?”

“No more than any other guy. He’s single, so he can do what he wants.” Sydney shrugged.

“Well, I guess,” Markie murmured before glancing over at him again. He was laughing at something the woman said, and she couldn’t help but notice his beautiful smile. His teeth were white and perfect. Of course, they were. The man seemed to have it all.

She also couldn’t deny the way his Wranglers hugged his ass, and his tight T-shirt showed off his hard pecs. She couldn’t help but admire the way the sleeves wrapped tight around his biceps. She would bet money that he had a fantastic body.

“For someone you think is arrogant, you can’t seem to take your eyes off of him.”

Markie quickly turned to Sydney. “That’s not true.”

Sydney chuckled. “Yeah, keep telling yourself that.”

“Well, if you think he’s so attractive, why don’t you go for it?”

“Nah, Nate and I are just friends and that’s all we’ll ever be. We went on one date, but by the end of the night, we both knew we were better off as friends.”

“You could always be friends with benefits,” Markie suggested with a smirk.

“Oh, trust me, I wouldn’t mind that. I haven’t had sex in... well, a long time. But I don’t want to risk ruining a good friendship. Nate is a great guy.”

“Then why isn’t he married?”

“He was married before, years ago. He told me they simply drifted apart, and he hasn’t found anyone since that he wants to marry.” Sydney shrugged. “He did mention that he would love to have kids someday though.”

Markie continued to watch him with the woman, then he looked toward the bar and their eyes met. Shit! She quickly looked away and turned around to face the bar.

****

Nate was surprised to see Dr. Russell here. She seemed a little snooty to him. Not the type to hang out in a cowboy bar, then he saw she was sitting with a friend of his.

“Hey.”

He looked at the woman he was dancing with. “Yeah?”

“Want to get out of here?’

“Uh…” He shook his head. “No.”

“Why not? We could go to your truck.” She wrapped her arms tighter around his neck.

“Not tonight, darlin’. I’ve had a long week and I’m tired.”

“Then why the hell did you ask me to dance?”

Nate unwrapped her arms from around his neck. “To dance. Have a good evening.”

“I can go home with just about any cowboy in here,” she snapped.

“Well, it won’t be this one.” He touched the brim of his hat when she gasped and walked off the dance floor. He pushed his way toward the bar, stopping to talk with people he knew before finally reaching it. He saw Sydney look at him, then she stood and hugged him.

“Nate, how are you?”

“I’m good, Sydney. You?”

“Fine. Do you know Markie Russell?” Sydney asked him and he noticed Markie glaring at her.

“We’ve met. How are you this evening, Dr. Russell?”

“Fine.”

Nate looked at Sydney to see her trying not to grin. He winked at her.

“Well, I’m fine too, in case you wanted to know.” Nate bit his lip to hold back a grin when she turned on the stool to face him.

“I don’t.” She looked at Sydney. “I’m going to the restroom.”

Once she disappeared into the crowd, Nate sat on the empty stool and waved for a bartender.

“Hey, Nate. What can I get you?” Laura Blackstone asked him.

“Just my tab, please, Laura.” He looked at Sydney. “So, you and Dr. Russell are friends, huh?”

“Yes. I met her when I found a stray kitten behind my store and took it to the hospital. Of course, I ended up taking it home with me.”

Nate chuckled. “Still a sucker for animals.”

“I think that’s why Markie and I hit it off. She’s a wonderful vet.”

Nate rubbed his chin. “I don’t think she likes me.”

“Aww, poor baby. A woman who isn’t taken in by your charm and those good looks.”

Nate narrowed his eyes, then grinned. “I’m sure she’s not the only one.” He looked through the crowd and saw Markie coming back. He handed Laura the money for his bill, then looked at Sydney.

“I’d better go. You have a nice evening.” He stood up and Markie resumed her seat without looking at him.

“You have a nice evening, Dr. Russell.”

“Yeah, you too, Mr. Jefferson.”

Nate chuckled, turned and made his way through the crowd. She was going to be a challenge, and he was always up for one.